Gunderson High School - Yearbook (San Jose, CA)

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In September the doors were open and once again the Performing Arts De- partment embarked on another year of committment to great entertainment. Like all of the shows at GHS there was a great turnout of talent, so much that the show had to be double cast I two people for every one partj. The dual cast idea created more unity in the show: and that's what made it work! says Heather Lavigne. The show is based upon the many hu- morous experiences of Neil Simon, who was given the name Eugene Morris Jer- ome . He is going through his teenage years and wants to become a writer or a baseball player. During the play, we meet his family. The Jewish mother, the hard working father, the indecisive aunt, the pesky little cousin, the worldly and attractive older cousin, and of course the older brother who's Gotta stand up for what he believes in! The play is both lighthearted and comical as we see the natural changes that Eugene experiences during puberty. For in- stance, Eugene gets a crush on his older cousin and begins to ask questions about the birds and the bees and many other publically unmentionable facts of life. Truly these are not the only topics presented in the play. There were also many forms of dramatic expression: Eu- gene's father recovering from a heartat- tack, his brother losing his job, his older cousin determining her future, and his mother and aunt Ending honesty and friendship in one another. After casting the show was complet- ed, everyone went to work. Every day from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. the actors, di- rectors, crews and crewheads worked to ensure the show's success. Costumers and make-up artists researched to find just the right looks for the play's time period, while set constructors and light- ing designers worked on the physical and technical aspects of the show. These people are important too, be- cause without them the show doesn't happen. In the mean time, the actors prepared for their big night on stage. During the preparation time these indi- viduals came to school on weekends and school holidays to get their job done. In closing, it's quite obvious that it isn 't easy being in a show. It 's hard work and requires patience, dedication, and effort, not just talent. None of the staff members, adults as well as students, get paid for their efforts, but the end result shows that it's all worth it. Faqs

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Q - up-vw'- My fatherk pocket felt warm inside and I wanted to crawl in and go to sleep. actress Heather La Vigne dramatically stated to Jenny Norman in the performance. Eugene Morris Jerome! What a name! What a character! What an actor that Danny Kozak. Phillip Gentile portrayed the humerous, know-it-all brother on both cast nights. s, Mike Piccoli. also playing Eugene, gives a genuine look of misunderstanding, Tonya George and Rob Price, portraying Eugene Morris Jerome 's parents, held the spotlight in their Nov. 12th and I 4th X ,X 7 KH 5. it 4 an '? in f J fa! f f Q! J MZ, ,, ' Y ' 5 22' ?6czq4 in n? performances.