St Marys College - Dial Yearbook (St Marys, KS)

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JDrama at St. Mtarv’s RAMA, throughout the long march of time, has reflected the ideals, the | P|] morals, the thoughts, and the culture of the human race. There have L a been great builders of empires, courageous explorers have penetrated unknown and dangerous wilds, scientists have spent their lives solving the secrets of nature, profound philosophers have investigated the intricate web of the mind in an effort to unravel the puzzles of Life, intrepid missionaries have brought the Gospel of Christ to remote and savage tribes, poets have sounded the clarion notes of their nation’s courage and patriotism, men of literature have stirred the people by their tales of love and heroism; yet perhaps none of them would today be the living personalities they are without the aid of dramatic characterization. These colossal figures are the daily study of the world’s children and the student is constantly endeavoring to fix an image of these eminent personages in his mind. The majority of the people have only a shadowy idea of the Roman Dictator Caesar, of Richelieu and Louis IX. of the Richards and Hcnrys of England, of Tamburlaine and the Cid. But by the great power of the actor, by the force drama possesses to move people, these are. even after centuries, imaged as clearly in our minds as a sculptured statue of Phidias. It seems that the literature built around an Irving, a Duse, a Garrick, a Mantel has a greater human appeal than that exerted by any other method of presenting “words that live and thoughts that burn. Ever since the Greek masters. Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, drew to the vast theatres people of all degrees and casts to behold their productions, the Thespian art has drawn multitudes to watch the tragic conflict and t be amused by the rollicking comedy. Xo other art plays so successfully on the heart strings of man. as does the drama. A simple inflection of the voice, a mere gesture, a change of the facial expression can speak volumes when deftly employed by an artist. In the Drama of Life there is need, too, of these accomplishments. There are manifold opportunities for the St. Mary’s student to acquire some proficiency in acting. One-act plays are given by the Sophomore and Freshman classes. At least two major productions are presented by the College and High School each year. Page One Hundred Four

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Tof': Mr. Harkins, S. J.. K. Kennedy, Manning. I. McGrath, R. PicKticker, Downing, Heffernan, I). Dalv, Forbes. Neff. Mr. DcnHacrynck. Lower Row: J. Hughes, Foote. V. Pielstickcr. Curtin, McGurren, Johnson, McKavitt. (Blee (Tlub an6 d oir UK CHRONICLERS tell us that the Choir and (lice Club was founded in 1870. The purpose in organizing them was twofold: to add solemnity to the celebration of religious festivities and to give the students an opportunity to advance in the study of vocal music. All who had a knowledge of the rudiments of music and who possessed the required ability were deemed eligible for membership. The organizations have always aimed at perfection as their ultimate goal and this year has been no exception as a resume of achievements plainly shows. The roster of the choir records the best voices in the school. The members this year were chosen by Mr. H. E. Harkins, S. J., and Prof. Remi Den Haerynck at a tryout early in October. At another meeting in October the election of officers was held with the result that William F. Pielstickcr was made president, Joseph E. Hughes, vice-president, and John Curtin, secretary-treasurer. The outstanding soloist in the Glee Club is William L. Neff, who was president of organization during the school year, 1925-1926. The hymns at Mass each morning and the solemn services at the great feasts of the Church drew forth the best efforts of the Choir. Some of the prominent soloists of the Choir were William L. Neff, Joseph E. Hughes and William F. Pielsticker. Page One Hundred Three

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First Rote: M. Burns, Dicktnanii. McKavitt. Mr, McC.rath. S. J.. Marchcsscault. L. O'Rourke, J. Lewis. Second Roie: Siroezynski. Wurtz. Shay, Sci ll, Kelley. Bare- . Third Row: F. IIukIks. Elders. E. Muclhaupt, T. Murphy, I . Daly. C 1k Sen Hun JJ lasers a HE SEX-IUN DRAMATIC CLUB, composed of the Seniors and Juniors of the College department, has always been a popular organization at ggfl St. Mary's. Under the capable direction of Mr. E. A. McGrath. S. J. the players presented two highly entertaining plays. Their first appearance was in the three-act play, “Ready Money.” It was given on the evening of December 1 1 in the Auditorium. Lyle O’Rourke ’28 and Frank Hughes ’28 carried the leading roles. The rest of the cast supported the leads with enthusiasm and ability. The play develops the theme that money begets money. The second performance, given Easter Sunday evening, was a mystery comedy entitled. “How Many More?” The excellent productions of the Sen-Jun players certainly prove that dramatics at St. Mary’s has an important part in student life. The training these young men acquire is of no little value. It requires skill in a debater to lay before his audience convincing arguments in support of his side of the question; it is no small task to compose and deliver a good oration and to make effective use of the resources of oratory ; yet. to stand behind the footlights and make a character your own. to assume a role and strive successfully to make your audience forget the unreality and to accept with pleasure the illusion of the drama, requires no less skill. Xo doubt this form of entertainment will be of some practical worth in the future to the young men engaged. The Easter Sunday Sen-Jun production has always been a source of pleasing entertainment for visiting parents and friends, while the student body, fresh from their annual Retreat, are always delighted with the performance. Page One Hundred Five