James Whitcomb Riley High School - Hoosier Poet Yearbook (South Bend, IN)

Page 15 text:

JUNIOR .Fl PRODUCTION HROLLOS WILDOAT' OFT music-lights-an expectant hush over the audience-and the curtain rises on Rollo's Wild Oat, this year's Junior A play production. And great was the suc- cess thereof, for it was a combination of an excellent play choice. a great cast, and a fine director. The plot itself centered about Rollo Webster, an idealistic young man, who cher- ished a great desire to play Hamlet. Through a gift from his wealthy, although entirely unsuspecting grandfather, he was able to realize his ambition and to produce A'Hamlet -with the aid of a flashy stage manager and a company of Shakespearian actors, includ- ing one fair Ophelia who completely won the affection of her Hamlet. But right in the middle of the first act on the opening night Hamlet 1Rollo, of course? received a tele- gram that his grandfather was dying-and he completely deserted his play only to find his grandfather had sent a fake message to test his affection, and to persuade him to stop his fool attempts at acting. Confiict followed, but needless to say. the love affairs of Rollo and Ophelia, and of Rollo's sister and her actor ended happily, and Rollo was finally content to forget Hamlet, except when wooing his own Ophelia. and to go into his grandfather's business. The leading role of Rollo Webster was excellently done by Maurice Jessup. His fair Ophelia was none other than Cordia Nally who was charming as the leading lady. And we certainly enjoyed the performance of Beverly Fothergill as the younger sister, and Bill Osbourne as her actor-lover. The comedy scenes, in the hands of Arthur Wolford as the excitable stage manager and Keith Klopenstein as the melancholy and rather whimsical butler, were extremely amusing to say the least. The Shakespearian company, including Annabelle Redick as Mrs. Park Gales, and Ralph Freed and Arthur Dahlgreen as Whortley Camperdoun and Thomas Skitterling, added to the general note of hilarity. The gruff. though kind-hearted grandfather. played by John Stevenson, the dear old aunt interpreted by Martha de Meyer, and the accommodating Bella, by Frances Mof- fitt, all contributed to the finished product, which was not only a credit to Miss McDa- vitt and the Junior A Class. but to the school itself. Congratulations? 16 HOOSIER POET

Page 14 text:

SENIOR DRAMA CLUB HE Riley Senior Drama Club is one of the oldest and most outstanding organizations in the school. It was y originated for the purpose of creating and developing student interest in school dramatics. The Drama Club was formed G in 1932 under the leadership of James Perry, President, and Miss Ruth Richmire, Sponsor. Since that time the club has grown both in membership and in the scope of its activities, It presents each year for the student body a full length pro- duction. a Christmas play, and an assembly program. En- deavoring to raise the standard of high school dramatics, it e presented this year James Barrie's Quality Street, which was an unusual success. H-Amk MCDAVITT :..,,, I To Miss Elaine McDavitt, who became a member of the Riley faculty just a year and a half ago, belongs much of the credit of a rejuvenated drama department, Under her able leadership, an advanced dramatics course is now offered to Riley students, the Drama Club has broadened its activities, and the school stage has come into its own. Her successes as a director of school productions include Big Hearted Herbert, Little Wom- en. Double Door. The Merchant Gentleman. 'ARollo's Wild Oat, and Quality Street. The Senior A class joins with the ICSI of the school in voicing its gratitude for the untiring efforts of its new friend. Miss McDavitt. I-IOOSIER POET 15

Page 16 text:

SENIOR DRAMA CLUB PLAY NQUALITY STREET Miss Susan's Blue and White Roon1Y4Wl1at memories it recalls to Riley play-goers. who will long remember Quality Street as the most charming combination of charac- ters. costumes, and settings presented by the Senior Drama Club for some time. The dear creatures who graced the quaint home in Quality Street, and who enacted their whim- sical little drama therein, shall long fill a warm spot in our hearts. None can forget lovable Miss Phoebe, the quaint, sweet girl who fell in love with the gallant Valentine Brown. and how her deception to win his love brought laughter and tears to a thrilled audience. Nor can anyone forget her sister Susan, who grieved for Phoebe when Valentine went away to the wars, and who was perhaps the happiest when the two were finally betrothed. The sisters were beautifully characterized by Elizabeth O'Leary as Phoebe and Dor- othy Reed as Susan. Both seemed to have a perception of the Barrie subtlety and quaint- ness. The dashing Mr. Brown was none other than Joe lVlcNerney who was most con- vincing as a soldier and gallant. The three old maid friends were effectively presented by Ruth O'Leary, Rebecca Jane Bowman. and Georgia Lou Palmer. who furnished much of the humor, as did Patty and the Recruiting Sergeant played by Wilma Lake and Oliver Parcher. Robert Rudig as Ensign Blades. John Paulson as Lieutenant Spicer. Louise Madeford as Charlotte Parrott. Eileen Davis and Penn Skillern as children at- tending the school. all turned in creditable performances. All in all Quality Street was an achievement of which the school was very proud. The very best wishes for continued success to the Drama Clubf HLTBigiZ9f i 1 17 COP Y