Scecina Memorial High School - Scecinarama Yearbook (Indianapolis, IN)

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'Somefhing Wonderful' I HAVE DREAMED ... Singing their feelings about each other, Tuptim (Therese Moriartyj and Lun Tha fMark Brxjth) secretly meet. A kind-hearted and dedicated school teacher being put in the palace of a pomp- ous, egotistical king might sound too far- fetched, but if Broadway could do it, then 50 could the drama department. The King and I, the annual spring musi- cal, was a success with its elaborate cos- tumes and exotic Siamese setting. Its story ivas based upon the writings of Anna Leon- Drvens, an English school teacher who was nvited to aid in teaching the children of the fCing of Siam. One unique aspect of the play was that it contained a ballet based on the book Uncle Tone's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. It ivas entitled Small House of Uncle Thom- is by Princess Tuptim. This ballet was ised by the princess to point out the oppres- sive actions of the king toward his family ind people of the kingdom. Another unique aspect of the play was ;he younger set of performers. Several little :hi.ldren participated as part of the king's amily, and therefore, became part of the :ast family. Between the cues for the small actors, the ;ast kept them entertained with games and me-sided conversation. The children not )nly added realism to the play, but also ;ontributed to the cast's enthusiasm and jxcitement as they performed. Preparation for the play was as tense as the actual performances and took more than just free-time. In order to cope with the many hours needed for practice, many people did home- work in the dark or small places, com- mented Jim Burrows. Positions in the cast were many and var- ied. With stage crew, cast, costume design- ing and make-up positions available, a large part of both student body and faculty be- came involved in some way. A few gradu- ates assisted with make-up, lighting and publicity. Eleven of fourteen senior actors had par- ticipated in the last four musicals, which added a little experienced know-how to the performance. The audience expressed pure delight with the portrayal of the characters and gave the members of the production a standing ovation at both showings. I was pleased with the performances of everyone and impressed by the behavior of the children, added director of produc- tions Miss Teresa Eckrich. Junior honor students completed the Broadway theatre setting by serving as ush- ers and passing out programs at perfor- mances open to parents, family, and friends. FEELING BRIGHT AND BREEZ'i , Anna (Lisa Crapo), the king's wives and royal children join to- gether in the schoolroom to sing Getting to Know You. The song expresses Anna's desire lo le rn from the children as well as teach them and become better acquainted with them. Spring musical 29

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LOOK MOTHER, THEY'RE NAKED! exclaims Louis (Jim Mahern) to Anna (Lisa Crapo) as the king's prime minister approaches. f' - » ANNA, MY DEAR. says Sir Edward (Tony Mar- TAKING A BREATHER between their scenes, royal tin) to Anna (Lisa Crapo) as the King (Jim Burrows) children Julie Goebes, Judy Joson and Trisha Pacheco watches impatiently. relax and enjoy the moment. Spring musical

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Best of times undampened in rain Their hearts beat a little quicker as they approached the doorway. They could hear the music as they descended the steps. As soon as they reached the final few feet that stood between them and the crowded room they were startled by a voice . . . Name? It was only the chaperone checking prom invitations. Over 1 50 couples occupied the ballroom at Howard Johnson's. As the music surged into their veins they couldn't be roused from their toe-tapping, finger snapping hypnotic state. Performing songs by Styx, Fleetwood Mac, Pat Bennatar, AC-DC and Kool and the Gang, prom band Jana kept the juniors and seniors dancing. Couples hopped, bopped, twirled, tan- goed, and swayed from nine to one, stop- ping only for the crowning of the queen and king. Brigid Fisher and Mark Foley were dubbed the royal couple, and led the group in dance to the theme song The B est of Times. Spaces on the floor were hard to find as couples squeezed around each other, trying to avoid too many bumps and grinds while dancing. In order to survive the heat, many cou- ples retreated to the cool night air outside in the courtyard. Some went so far as to check to see if the swimming pool had been filled or not. Each table was complete with flowers, pretzels or popcorn, and a burning candle. A truly romantic setting added to the ball- room atmosphere. As the evening came to a close, one last slow dance captured the remaining couples. Many looked back at the humorous as- pects of the evening that took place over dinner. Several couples found themselves dining at the same place as the chaperones. Some were even seated unexpectedly next to their table. Others recalled attempts at dodging the rain and puddles while maintaining their elegant and formal appearance in tux or long dress. Parties occupied their time until they left to go breakfast and then on to a soggy pic- nic. Even then, spirits were undampened. As one junior girl commented, The picnic was even more fun than the prom. GUESTS AT THE PROM, teachers Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hasty pose for a quick picture. There's no film in my camera, the photographer teased. UNDAUNTED by crowded conditions, couples sway to the rhythm of Jana during a lively number. SITTING ONE OUT: Annette Sage. Chris Adams, and Tammy Lane nevertheless can't resist the beat of the band. THOUGH NOT ALONE on the crowded floor, John Kramer and Julie Erienbaugh find a moment for an unspoken romantic exchange.