Manchester High School - Memoir Yearbook (Richmond, VA)

Page 37 text:

,Mom The entire cast of I I0 in the Shade sings the closing number, The Rain Song, during a dress rehearsal. klgfib lndus- trious Lancers, Ann Oakley and Steve Wilson, paint scenery for the production. Kahne Mr. Cobbs applies make-up to Doug Wat- son preceding a performance of I I0 in the Shade.

Page 36 text:

l l ,Abam Mr. Spence, Mr. Cobbs, Diane King and Mike Hart discuss the proce- dure of painting the backdrop to be used in the musical. Hebm Jerry Tibbs demonstrates his physical agility as Steve Wilson and Linda Crostic watch in amazement. Jerry composed the majority of the choreography for l IO in the Shade. Students Set Stage For I IO In The Shade During the entire month of April, students could be found at MHS practicing for the operetta, I IO in the Shade. A calendar was provided for each cast member which showed the rehearsal schedule. The props committee had much work to do. The scenery was built on movable flats. Much work was required to transform the phys. ed jeep into Starbuck's wagon. Costumes were rented from the Virginia Museum Theatre. Triptych Boosters were sold to finance printing the pro- gram. The Publicity Committee's widespread activities in- cluded selling ads and boosters, distributing posters to area schools and businesses, sending announcements to radio stations, and selling tickets. MHS teachers and county dignitaries were invited to the first presentation of I I0 in the Shade , the invitational dress rehearsal, held in the MHS Theatre. Telegrams were re- ceived from area schools and groups associated with the production wishing the performers good luck. 32

Page 38 text:

The Rain Must Fall When lt's I IO In The Shade ,Above Lizze tells her father. H. C. Curry how raunchy she is going to be since that seems to be the only way to get a beau. l5'Kl0ua File listens hesitantly as Noah Curry tries to persuade him to attend Lizzie's picnic. Kzyhb Thecenter of Jimmy's attention is focused on Snookie and her red hat as they step on the gas and harmonize to Little Red Hat. 34 The dramatists in I IO in the Shade experimented with new techniques. Instead of closing the curtains after each scene, the cast's theory was that the audience would feel closer to the action on stage if the curtains remained open. Between scenes, because of the open curtains, spectators were able to see the actors them selves move the scenery into place for the next scene. I IO in the Shade , based on the Broadway play The Rainmaker by Richard Nash, was directed by Mr. Howard Cobbs. During each performance, he sat in the rear of the theater and watched the audience's reaction. If Mr. Cobbs felt that the people really wanted the rain for these actors, the signal was given. This signal signified an excellent perfor- mance by the cast and also started the rain which fell on stage by way of an overhead pipe with holes in it. The rain was soaked up by paper, plastic, and grass which made it necessary for the actors to perform around the obstacle. On Saturday night as the cast stood in the rain, the au- dience showed their acclaim with a standing ovation. Before attending the cast party, the performers cleaned off their make-up with a cold cream battle held in the music room. The major cast of I IO in the Shade included: Lizzie Curry June Laine H. C. Curry Doug Watson Jimmy Curry Steve Wilson Noah Curry Bill Crostic Starbuck Bobby Coleman File David Swager Snookie Updegraff Bonnie Stuart