West High School - Warrior Yearbook (Rockford, IL)

Page 17 text:

Before the presentation of a play, there must be many rehearsals in order to achieve a successful production. Shown as they be- come acquainted with their individual parts are the cast members of the spring play, Witness for the Prosecution. After they are accustomed to their lines, the cast will put their speaking parts to action to give a vivid picture of the plot. Prosecution plot portrays dramatic tale of trial room Suspense and drama of the courtroom, complete with law- yers, jury, and the alleged criminal, were presented by cast members of the April 22 and 23 production of Witness for the Prosecution. The play, written by Agatha Christie, was sponsored by the Class of 1961. Witness for the Prosecution is a tale of a man who is being tried for the alleged murder of a wealthy woman, a former friend of his. As the story pro- ceeds one is thrown into a realm of suspicion, suspense, and the vivid scenes of the trial. Director Mr. Harry Lindberg, assisted by student directors Barbara Blank and Bobbie Burrows, began working his cast early in March. Cast as some of the prominent characters were Marcia Hartman as Gretag Dick Gadow, Winifred Robartsg Bonnie Rubin, janet McKenzie. Pam Richmond portrayed Romaine, and Bob Paul represented judge Wainwright. The dramatis personae consisted of a multitude of other actresses and actors, including a jury and the other constituents of a courtroom drama. The spring play is the final stage production of the year and marks the end of tryouts, practices, rehearsals, ticket sales, and stage fright for the participants. Q V i Q Play tryouts induce suspense and tension among interested studentsg but, upon discovering their good fortune as members of the chosen cast, Tom Cameron, Bob Paul, and Bill Gripp talk over the parts and their relationship to the plot of Witness for the Prosecution. , 13

Page 16 text:

A smiling approval of young love is reflected in the expression of Grandfather Sycamore, played by Bernie Rosenblatt. Engrossed in each other's charms, Judith Anderson as Alice Sycamore and Tony Kirby, portrayed by Robert Pegoraro. are unaware of their inspector. Wondering about a possible union with the individualistic Sycamores is Mr. Kirby, portrayed by Bill Grip. Oblivious to Mr. Kirby's concern, Jack McNamara as Paul Sycamore plays with his toy boat under the scrutiny of aspiring ballet dancer Essi, played by Durele Brandquist. l2 Life of comedy and chaos in senior - sponsored play Comedy formed the basic ingredient for the all school play, You Can't Take It Witli You. Written by Moss Hart and George Kaufman, the production was sponsored by the class of 1960 and presented October 16 and l7. Eighteen students portrayed characters of the comedy with Mr. Harry Lindberg as the director. Every family is unique, but few as unique as the Sycamores. The Sycamore household provided for a score of eccentric guests including a milkman, Norwegian servants, a wayward actress, wise old Grandpa Vanderhof, and a past Russian mon- arch. Living for years in an atmosphere of organized confus- ion, the Sycamores never found life complicated until the normal daughter, Alice, fell in love with wealthy Tony Kirby. Oblivious to the difference in their backgrounds, the couple planned to be married. The crisis came when a dinner invita- tion was extended to the Kirbys, who, unfortunately, arrived on the wrong night to End the Sycamores unprepared and un- rehearsed on the manners required in the world of society. The well-meaning family tried to make the best of things, but matters only became worse. Entertainment for the wealthy guests proved to be rather embarrassing for Alice. Disapproval of the actions of their future in-laws raged from the senior Kirbysg but despite the confusion, Grandpa managed to come to the rescue with use of his diplomatic talents. Thus the play ends as Alice and Tony prepare for a happy marriage. Eager to please a new family acquaintance, the Sycamore help. Trina. portrayed by Pam Richmond, and Dick Gadow as Sven, serve former Russian monarch. Olga. played by Bonnie Rubin. Olga is a typical guest of the Sycamore household. Q.,

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9: is 02 .1....L, . fri . , A ' s mga? : 2 Y at, ass, I - -5 SSL? e V wwf' . - ' r il by .2 West High School's auditorium is a scene of bustling activity as the phase of the work that goes into the production of a top show is dis- members of the cast ready themselves for the big night. Nearly every played here in preparation for the comedy operetta, HMS Pinaforef' Songs, sailors, sea presented in the musical production Music, song, and dance were all a part of the annual oper- etta, Gilbert and Sul1ivan's HMS Pinaforef' This lighthearted musical was staged November 20 and 21 by the West High choral department under the direction of Mr. Floyd Ohlson. He Was assisted by student music director, Virginia Stover. Dram- atics director, Mr. Harry Lindberg, was assisted by student directors, Cindy Parker and jon Olson. Additional music was provided by the Symphonette and led by Mr. Donald Zimmer- man, Marci Ellis and Patricia Stevens added further talent as the two piano accompanists. Dance routines were handled by Robert Mackey, student choreographer. '-Romance and comedy at sea pour forth to form the plot. Josephine, daughter of Captain Corcoran, commander of the Pinafore, is destined by the will of her father to marry Sir Joseph Porter, High Lord Admiral of the Queen's Navy. The Several members of the Symphonette, musical group which provided the background music for this year's operetta, HMS Pinaforc-, wait leisurely in the orchestra pit for the director's signal to begin the strenuous rehearsal. 14