Hamden Hall Country Day School - Perennial Pine Yearbook (New Haven, CT)

Page 39 text:

On February seventh and eighth came A Midsummer Nights Dream -paradox perhaps, but generally acclaimed a success. The annual snowstorm always anticipated to accompany Hamden Hall's Shakespearean production held off until the second day, and the attendance which forced the audience beyond the capacity of the auditorium into Room V on Friday night still filled the hall on Saturday. A group of captivating clowns, played by Victor Richer, Dick Powelson, Frank Backos, Glenn Furbish, and Walter Edelmuth, was 'led by john Dowman, who gave a dynamic performance of Bottom. The roles of the pompous Theseus and queenly Hippolyta were taken by Russell Sperry and Susan Thalheimer, with jack Cronan as the irate Egeus. The fairy kingdom, represented by Norma DeWolf, Esther Ann Sloat- man, Virginia Hart, Carol Rice, and Nancy Gartland, was graciously ruled by Tom Roche and Grace Viard-Oberon and Titania. The mercurial mischief of Russell Doolittle, a natural Puck, baflled the rival suitors Lysander and Demetrius, played by Bob McGrath and Lloyd Ayer. Natalie Jaffe and Joy Sundgaard gave a superior por- trayal of Hermia and Helena. Under the inspiring direction of Mrs. Robert Dentan, and with the ingenious costuming by Mrs. E. Stanley Taylor, the performance was an occasion long to be remembered. Tlairly-jilfe

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Dramafics The traditional Nativity Pageant was presented this year just before the Christmas recess. The dulcet songs of the Angel Chorus, directed by Mrs. Carpenter, were enhanced by the solo voices of Joy Sundgaard, Natalie Jaffe, and jill Sundgaard. The Wise Men were portrayed by Fred Earle, Marvin Perlin, and Victor Richer. Katharine Clark was the girl with the flowers, Toby Clark-the boy with the lamb, Alan Dann- the manrwith the gold, Anthony Noto-the man with the grain, joy Sundgaard--the speaking angel, and Emily Perrins and Russell Sperry-Mary and Joseph. The speaking parts were under the direction of Mrs. E. Stanley Taylor. High notes and harmony escaping from afternoon rehearsals heralded the approach of Hansel and Gretel presented on May 9th and 10th by the first and second forms assisted by the sixth graders. jill Sundgaard and Alan Dann sang the title roles, while other second form soloists included: Mary Rossman as the witch, Nancy Budden-the mother, and Anthony Noto-the father. The first form soloist was Arthur Rosenquist. The chorus was comprised of the remaining members of the three classes taking part. Under the able direction of Mrs. Carpenter the operetta proved a delightful performance. Thirty-four

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September rolled around finding us reluct- ant to return to our studies but eager to see our friends again. At the annual picnic supper at the Taylors home each class held a reunion amid hilarious shouts and greeting. October found us settling down to studies and starting athletics. The Varsity football team did not last very long, for after three weeks and one game, it was forced to come to an inglorious end as a result of broken noses and fingers, concussions, and strained shoulders .... The night of the 31st found faculty and students alike cavorting about the assembly hall, enjoying the Halloween party. Everyone agreed that Russell and John made wonderful ballerinas! November brought a much welcomed three-day vacation at Thanksgiving . . . A Debating Club and French Club were or- ganized under the direction of Mrs. Tuttle. Early in December an informal dance was given by the Sophomore Class . . . The Christmas Tea Dance and the Traditional Nativity Play sent us happily on our vacation. jrmuary welcomed us back rather weary. It was suggested that we take another vaca- tion to rest up from the last . . . Those har- ried expressions on the faces of all were the result of Midyear exams.