McKinley Junior High School - McKinleyan Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY)

Page 40 text:

' i7 2 'I MANY A GATHERING GAY 1 of ancient uniforms and costumes with the scenes and magnificent lighting ef- fect, which would have been creditable to the very best of theatrical productions. It was hardly believable that such a magnificent production could be accomplished by junior high school pupils. Cofoperation Between Departments Perhaps the best explanation of the success of the play lies in the fact that every department of the school showed much interest, and most of them took active part in making the play. The English department helped to create the spirit of fairyland by encouraging the reading of the fairy tales of all na- tions, until it was no trouble at all for us to appreciate the genii and the magic of the wizard. Although this reading was not, of course, a part of the pro- duction itself, yet it had a very telling effect upon the audience, A great deal of the work of certain other departments was done before the play took place. and perhaps would not be recognized by one who did not know about it. Importance of Stage Craft The good work of the stage craft boys was helpful. The stage crew has just as important a part as the main characters in the play, in fact, a play would not be a success without the stage settings which are carefully placed to have it appear at its best. The scenes must be changed rapidly and accurately to in- sure smoothness in the thread of the play. Some of the scenes are very high and awkward, but must be moved quickly and quietly without any false motions. ..-.Aan wa. . . . .Y - ' -- H rw ' ill? I li X i l ,lil I l

Page 39 text:

'I MANY A GATHERING GAY 1 delivered in such a realistic manner as to cause much applause. Longfellow's poems could not be compared in the least way with Edward's. . The Court Lackeys and the Ladies in Waiting were students of the glee clubs. Their costumes and formal manner would add great beauty to any court. Aladdin's Soldiers and The Courtiers were also members of the glee club. Their splendid uniforms and costumes helped to produce a gorgeous scene. The Incense Bearers performed their duties wellg but where was the incense? The Gem Gearers, Clarence Lock and Enrique Murga, performed well and actually delivered the gems. The Court Musicians, by Dorothy Plum- mer and Leota Pritchard, were well represented, but they played so softly that it was difficult to hear their music from the balcony. Probably our radio wasn't working. The entertainment for the Princess Belroubador and Aladdin consisted in The Tumblers, Vivian Rogers and Clara Wallucks, who played like professionalsg Oriental Poses, given by Mary Alice Miller in a very skillful and artistic man- ner, which were greatly appreciaterlg T he Rainbow Fantasy, under the direction of Miss Cone, in which sixteen girls of different grades took part, mostly the A9's, which was produced with accuracy and ability, and received hearty ap- plaiuscg and the Gift of the Flowers, also under the direction of Miss Cone, composed of students of various classes, who rendered the drill with exceptional ability and rhythmg and the Song of Rejoicing, composed by Miss Adler, which brought the act to a close. The linsemble, consisting of the whole Court, was a wonderful blending v--A-'VA-L-I . ', ,- A3 .., . 1 F, ,. ,C-W, A A V -A NI- - A 1 ,gr is 1 A '- A f. 4 . 1 ,, , r i l . : U , 1 . i 4 l V ' , , I ,,.. l C 1 l - 1 1

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K g MANY A GATHERING GAY a j The boys have learned a great deal about stage craft in the short time they have been studying it. It affords valuable training, and it is also a pleasure for the boys who take an interest in helping McKinley Junior High School make its plays success ful. Mr. Perry is the director. Work Done in the Shops The platform for the throne, the scenery for the cave, and the swords were made by the boys of the shop department. This required a great deal of planning and measuring, as well as the actual cutting and sandpapering. The boys had to be very careful not to break or crack the swords. Some of these were painted, while others were covered with silver paper, by pupils in the art de- partment. Perhaps the hardest part was the platform for the throne. Many boys left their own work just to work on the platform so it would be ready for the play. After it was measured and assembled, under the direction of Mr. Brauer, the boys carried it to the stage and finished it there. Other boys were fastening black paper on the platform to make it look nicer. The trees in the cave, on which hung the wonderful fruit, which Miss Trowbridge showed us how to make, were made in the woodshops under cli- 'X it g 'ix il .H