West High School - Hesperian Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

Page 27 text:

Describing what love s journalist Beatrice Killgarden As the pack of fortune hunters persist. Adele Taylor tactful- gestures to the audienc is Monty starts a rebuttal. ly gives her suitors the brush-off. THE CAST Prince Nikalas George Larsgard Herr Carlo Chuck Rose Princess Stephanie .. MaryNudell Elsa Meller Nalini Rajender Mrs. Adele Taylor Kathy Jacobson Berton Preston Brian Madson Clarissa Preston . Hillary Johnson Montgomery Nelson Keith Hanson Beatrice Killgarden ... Jackie Hirsch Mrs. Sarah Van Orden . . .. ... Dawn Fenske Mrs. Vera Randolph Barb Schwartz Ethel Van Orden ,... Fran Watkins Jefferson Randolph Rocky Holt Hartley Langdon .. Harry Bowron Girls' Ensemble Boys' Ensemble Can-Can Girls Director Mr. Ted Stelten Student Director Barb Brin Asst, to Production Manager . Sue Schwartz Accompanist Nanette Dumas Musical Director .. Dawn Fenske Choreographer Wendy Weisberg 23

Page 26 text:

Seniors Perform Modern Adaptation Of Transforming the setting from an Austrian scene to a Minnesota ski lodge. West’s senior class unveiled “The Merry Widow in Winter-land.” Lyrics, melody and dialogue were altered to portray modern society. The story began as troubled widow Adele Taylor arrived at a plush ski chalet. Fortune seeking bachelors pursued her. Entering unexpectedly. Prince Nikalas declared himself a competitor for Adele’s love. The love triangle grew more complex as the story progressed. To arouse interest in the play, many entrances and exits were made from the back of the auditorium using ramps connected to the stage. The Girls’ Ensemble throwing snowballs and Can-Can Girls flirting with gentlemen spectators. excited crowd participation. Borrowing the Guthrie method of changing sets, the technical crew disassembled scenery in view of the audience. To insure good coverage, complimentary tickets were sent to radio stations, columnists and other media. An article in George Grim’s column furnished welcome publicity. Dressed in ski attire, eccentric Mrs Van Orden describes the chalet to companion Clarissa Preston In the lively melody. Ladies. debonair playboys Bertie. Monty. Niky and Jett wholeheartedly praise the opposite sex. 22

Page 28 text:

Merry Holiday Program Previews Long— Cheery holiday music flooded the auditorium December 22. previewing the upcoming seasonal festivities. Gaily twirling their peppermint sticks, the Hi-Hoz cleverly portrayed sugar plums and elves. To enliven the program, the band offered a medley of Christmas selections. Clad in glittery, metallic skimmers, one group of High Steppers performed a jazzy number entitled “Hippy Holidays. The remaining dancers entertained in a jolly winter fashion, by executing new steps. Green imitation lederhosen enhanced the overall appearance. Taking the initiative, choir members Audrey Mack. Anne Slice. Pam Rhodes. Greg Polski. Matt Kalliman, and Wayne Wilkins independently rehearsed for their singing debut. A popular rendition of the'Carol of the Drum” highlighted their first performance. Under the direction of substitute teacher Mr. Conlon. the entire choir entertained. culminating a semester's hard work. Sophomore High Stepper Bonnie Cutts laughs hilariously as she boogaloos to Everybody Loves My Baby.” Absorbed in the jazzy theme of the Hippy Holidays dance, junior Judy Bridge gracefully performs. 24