Quincy University - Gyrfalcon Yearbook (Quincy, IL)

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RUDOLF FRIML Rudolf Friml, among the foremost modern ro- mantic composers, and one of the most prolific crea- tors of music of his generation, entered the field of operetta through an unexpected circumstance that in 1911 swerved him from the career of a con- cert pianist and composer of music in the larger forms to the creation of many of the most success- ful musical plays of the American stage. Friml is a native of Bohemia, born in the historic city of Prague, December 7, 1879. His father v as an amateur devotee of music, master of the zithe: and accordian, and his mother a music lover al- though untrained in music. At ten, he composed a boat song commended by his musical elders. At an early age, he entered the Prague Conserva- tory for the development of his guite apparent mu- sical talent. Friml ' s serious early works included a Japan- ese ballet suite, O Mikita San and a Christmas carol, both of which were pe rformed in Dresden and London. He was progressing in America along the lines of concertizing and serious composition when occurred the incident that changed his en- tire musical life. In 1911, William Hammerstein, son of the grand opera impresario, Oscar Hammerstein, was prepar- ing a new operetta for his father ' s brilliant Italian Coloratura, the soubrette Emma Trentini. The di- minutive diva had scored a sensational success in 1910 in the operetta Naughty Marietta , Rida John- son Young ' s story of Southern colonial days set to Victor Herbert ' s music. For the new vehicle. Otto Harbach was preparing lyrics, and Hammerstein expected to obtain the music, as for the former production, from the melodius pen of Herbert. When it was suggested that Trentini go to Herbert, then conducting in Philadelphia, to dis- cuss the forthcoming operetta, she demurred, in- sisting that the composer should alter his plans to suit her convenience. An impasse developed. Rudolph Schirner, the publisher, was called into a conference. He suggested that Friml might solve the problem created by Herbert ' s absence. Friml accepted the commission to compose the music. The Firefly was a historic success. Such songs as Giannina Mia, the Italian street song Svmpathy, the lilting waltz composition When a Maid Comes Knocking at Your Heart , Tommy Atkins and the beautiful boat song In Sapphire Seas swept the country, and at once elevated the composer to the front rank of creators of popular song hits. Promptly Hammerstein and Schirner gave the brilliant newcomer contracts for more shows, more music, and Friml began a new and lasting phase of his musical career. Year after year Friml repeated the success of The Fireflv in other productions of the same medium. High Jinks , Katrinka , You ' re in Love , Sometime , Tumble Inn , The Little Whopper , The Blue Kitten , several of the Zieg- field vehicles, the Follies and the Revues. June Love , White Eaale , Peasant Girl , Rose Marie, Cinders , Dew Droo Inn , The Vaga- bond King , Wild Rose , No Foolin ' , Three Musketeers and others contributed to the pageant of musical comedy successes. ORCHESTRA Anne Krieder, Shirley Meyer, Benedict DiDia, Barbara Bennett, Frank Lohman, Richard Rees, Anne Wehrle, Raymond Brink, Rev. Jovian Lang, Rev. Cosmas Herndel, Rev. Owen Blum, Enid Ire- land, Richard Kuebrick, Bruce Leake, Cletus Web- ster. ' The STUDENT PRINCE 1950

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WHO ' S WHO IN THE CAST TOM VANNIER (King Louis) is a junior majoring in speech. He carried important roles in, The Student Prince , and last year ' s The Desert Song . His charac- terization of Col. Ted Martin in Mask and Gown ' s ' Command Decision was exceptionally good. He is a member of the Student Senate, Chorus, Mask and Gown, QCIM, Band, Token, and Alpha Psi Omega. He intends to continue with speech and dramatics at Pasadena Playhouse after graduation. WILLIAM POTTEBAUM (Oliver le Dain) comes from Teutopolis, 111., and is a junior majoring in music education. He has had support- ing roles in The Student Prince and The Desert Song , and ap- peared in Mask and Gown ' s ' Mr. Barry ' s Etchings and ' Command Decision . He is pre- sident of the chorus and band, and a member of Chorus, QCIM, and Alpha Psi Omega. Bill intends to specialize in methods and composition of Eastman School of Music after graduation. JOAN CASSIDY (Lady Mary) is a senior majoring in radio and speech. She attended Quincy College in her freshman year and appeared in ' Naughty Ma- rietta , and Dear Ruth. After two years at the University of Iowa she returned to Quincy College where s he is a member of Chorus, Mask and Gown, QCIM, Alpha Psi Omega, and Pi Lambda Sigma. RICK BALDWIN (Thibaut D ' Aus- signy) is a senior majoring in speech education. He appeared last year in Desert Song , and Command Decision . He is a member of QCIM, Chorus, Al- pha Psi Omega, and is presi- dent of Mask and Gown. FRANCIS HOLLAND (Casin Cho- let) is a freshman at the college and a graduate of C. B. C, Mem- phis, Tenn. He is a member of QCIM, Chorus, Mask and Gown, and Alpha Delta Gamma. He is a psychology major, inter- ested in speech and dramatics. LUCILLE KRONER (Jehanneton) is a junior majoring in voice. She attended Fontbonne College in St. Louis for two years where she appeared in Sweethearts , The Gondoliers , ' Three Tick- ets Abroad , and Meet Me in St. Louis . While still at Notre Dame High School, she ap- peared in the college production of Red Mill and The Mikado . At St. Louis she presented radio programs over station KFUO and was a member of the Chorus and Sigma Beta Mu. At Quincy, she is a member of Pi Lambda Siqma, Alpha Psi Omega, and a member of the Chorus. MARY ANN AVERBECK (Margot) is a sophomore at Quincy Col- lege, A gradute of Notre Dame, where 1 she participated in a number of variety shows and plays, she has played a part in ' The Desert Song , and ap- peared in both College Odds and Ends shows. She is a member of Phi Kappa Chi, Mask and Gown, Alpha Psi Omega, and the Third Order. JOYCE WILDE (Isabeau) is a grad- uate of Notre Dame where she was active in band, radio, and dramatics. She had the lead in Meet Me in St. Louis , and participated in several variety shows. She is member of the band, chorus, and a member of Fi Lambda Sigma.