Niantic Harristown High School - Echo Yearbook (Niantic, IL)

Page 29 text:

.. . present a striking contrast in their farce. THESPIANS ADVANCE PLAY TO SECTIONAL For the first time in several years, Niantic-Harristown High School was represented at 1HSA speech contest this year. Under the direction of Mr. James Williams, the cast of four seniors and one junior prepared the one-act play. Entitled “Aria da Capo”, this is one of Edna St. Vincent Millay’s most noted works. Written in 1919, it is a symbolic com- mentary on war. Throughout the play, the carefree peace- time existence is contrasted with the tragedy of war. War is senseless and proves nothing. “Aria da Capo” was presented in competition at District Speech Contest on February 15th at Mattoon. Here the thespians placed third behind Matoon and Effingham, en- titling them to present the play for Sectional judging on March 7 and 8. The Sectional contest was held at University High School in Normal. Here the NHHS representatives placed sixth, being beaten by schools many times the size of our own. The host school placed first, followed by Champaign Cen- tennial, Streator, Monticello, and Bloomington. Effingham High School and Mattoon, who had previously beaten Ni- antic, placed 11th and 12th, respectively. The cast of this play were Nancy Jerdan, Shelly Songer, Joe Rozanski, Steve Kirk, and Tim Dial. Congratulations on a fine play! “Aria da Capo” cast members: Steve Kirk, Nancy Jerdan, Joe Rozanski, Shelly Song- er, and Tim Dial rehearse. The arts of costuming and make-up were also judged.

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— Ill ' On November 22. 1968, the Junior Class presented “A Man Called Peter” in the gymnasium of the Harristown Grade School. The play was based on the life of the Reverend Peter Marshall. It illustrated the many ways in which Dr. Marshall led the young people and his influence upon them as individuals. Not only was he an influence to friends, but also to his own family. The play was directed by Mr. Earle A. Smith with Tom Koonce and Charyl Baker serving as student directors. All cast rehearsals lead to final production. Allen Groves and Lclah Byers rehearse. JUNIOR CLASS PRESENTS “A MAN CALLED PETER” Pre-stage work keeps cast members busy. Student directors Tom Kooncc and Charyl Baker are advised by Mr. Smith.

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SueSnoeyenbos.as the Swedish house- keeper Magda Svenson, reports her know- ledge of the crime to the courts. Statements by such witnesses as John Graham Whit- field (Steve Stahl) often brought the court to attention. GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY? This was (he question facing the twelve jury members selected from the audience at the Senior Class Play this year. Directed by Mr. James Williams, the seniors presented “Night of January 16th” by Ayn Rand, author of the noted book THE FOUNTAIN- HEAD. The play, presented on May 2,1969 at Harristown Grade School, was set in a courtroom and actually represented the trial of Miss Daren Andre (Ruth Scallions), accused slayer of her former boss, multimillionaire Bjorn Faulkner. Miss Andre’s defense attorney, Mr. Stevens, was portrayed by Steve Kirk, while Tim Dial characterized the District Attor- ney, Mr. Flint. This novel play involved the audience in that not only was the jury selected from the audience, but also cast mem- bers playing the parts of witnesses to the event were seated among the viewers; in this way the audience interest was picqued throughout the play. Upon the completion of the presentation of their respect- ive cases by the two attorneys, the jury retired to decide the “fate” of the defendant. In their hands rested the con- clusion of the play-a verdict of guilty would bring about one ending, while not guilty produced another. Certainly this presentation will be long remembered by the community as one of the most successful and interesting theatrical achievements of our school. YEAR’S ACTIVITIES CONCLUDE NIGHT OF JANUARY 16th” cast gathers at rehearsal for picture.