Weldon E Howitt High School - Hi Life Yearbook (Farmingdale, NY)

Page 25 text:

Deep in concentration, a nervous Larry Abuhoff studies the musical score to ' All Er Nothin' . Moments before Wayne Snyder yelps in excruciating pain, he aims his trusty hammer for the murderous blow In order for the cast to shine, the light ing must be perfect. Here. Dave Falco sets up a stage light in the proper posi- tion. Play Preparation 21

Page 24 text:

Behind The Scenes Picture a barren stage, costu- meless actors and actresses fumbling around in the dark. What would Oklahoma have been without the bails of hay, ears of corn and the marvelous musical score? Luckily we don't have to imagine because the hours of preparation contri- buted by the Livewires, Daler Pressman, Pit Band, cast and crew produced acclaimed re- sults, such as this year's Fall production of Rodger's and Hammerstein's Oklahoma. Master carpenter, Wayne Snyder, senior, initiated pro- duction. I had to interpret Ken Glric's flat designs, then as- signed jobs to the various crew members, stated Wayne. For weeks the crew’s lives were filled with drybrushing and splattering. The corn fields proved quite a hindrance to perfection. Crew members struggled to repaint the set amid the bustle of a dress re- hearsal. Simultaneously, an electric sewing machine running at full capacity was heard in the hall as Ken Glric, director, shouted instructions to the lighting crew on the catwalk. Props were assembled by Lynn Slonim, sophomore, who com- mented. It’s a demanding, yet rewarding responsibility to col- lect and distribute all the neces- sary equipment for the play. The major spotlight, playfully nicknamed Bertha, was cared for by Dave Falco, sophomore. ‘‘I treat Bertha well and she co- operates. stated Dave. Life ran smoothly until a set wouldn’t open, but extra hands were always ready. “When the equipment is operating, we know what we re doing and everything comes out great, most of the time,” confirmed Steven Wolk, junior, a member of the audio squad. In the final weeks choreogra- phy was perfected; audio was checked and the pit and cast finally work in perfect synchro- nization. Rehearsals lasted a grueling six to seven hours weekdays and ten hours on Saturdays and holidays: The hours are long, but the friendships you make and the fun you have is worth it,” explained Doreen Li- cursi, senior, crew member. As closing night neared and each contributor took pride in the finished product, there was a feeling of satisfaction on all faces and everyone knew coo- peration made it happen. 20 Play Preparation

Page 26 text:

Marital bliss can be seen on the faces of Curley and Laurie Connelly (Glen White and Liz Follett) as they finally realize their dream of taking a ride in the Surrey with the Fringe on the Top. The exciting Can-Can girls. Kath) McGuckin and Grace Delligatli. did noi prove to be a deterrent for Curley's affec tion for Laurie. Oklahoma OKI As the last notes of the overture rang through the auditorium and the curtain rose, a powerful tenor voice could be heard singing “Oh what a beautiful morning!” Cheers came from the audience as Curly, Glenn White, senior, walked onto the stage. The performance seemed to be off to a perfect start except for one small problem- —Curly was unable to open the fence! Without losing his cool, our hero thought quickly and climbed over the fence as though nothing had happened. What could have been a omen turned into a favor- able sign as the audience seemed to respond to the incident with en- thusiasm. Oklahoma was off to a winning, if unusual, start. For those watching the show it was a thoroughly enjoyable even- ing. But what was it like to be on the performing side of this theater experience? Larry Abuhoff, a sen- ior who played Will Parker, relat- ed, “I was extremely nervous. You don’t know what people will think; you are your own worst critic.” Liz Follett, senior, who played the lead, Laurie, commented, You must be on stage to experience what the audience is like; you can play up to that.” Despite the nervousness and precurtain jitters, for most cast members Oklahoma was a re- warding experience. I felt such a closeness with everyone in the play, especially on the nights we performed. There’s a certain elec tricity in the air before a perfor- mance which really makes every- one very close to each other. There is nothing like it, Sue Kes- tenbaum, junior, explained. It is this very closeness that the Playcrafters feel for each other which made closing night all the more difficult. Jeanine Ingrassia, junior, said, There is something very special about closing night. We all know it is the last time we will all perform together. It’s a very emotional experience to go on the stage knowing that, and it can be very upsetting, but as they say It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.’ The romantic dance sequence proved to be a very dramatic one as well. Here the two lead dancers. Stephen Guarino and Jill Niemczyk, perform an intense lift. 22 Play