The freshman gave a short charactization sketch of the teachers last Wednesday afternoon. The scene was a teachers' meeting, the main topic being the "Dentention Room." The following students represented the various teachers:
The old farmer, George Stanfield and his wife and daughter visited the teachers' meeting. George reported to the superintendent all the scandal he had heard around the country about the various teachers. The meeting adjourned with a song from Miss True's class who were Thelma Beckwith, Letha Prickett, and Blanche Taylor. The teachers joined in the song, which was "Juanita."
As far as we were able to observe the much mooted question of "Detention" was not settled. The freshmen deserve a vote of appreciation for a very clever and amusing burlesque and the members of the faculty appeared to enjoy seeing themselves "as others see them," as much as the rest of us.
A large and enthusiastic audience greeted the Freshmen Tuesday evening when they so successfully staged "The Little Clodhopper". The play itself is a very clever comedy in which the action centers about Judy Elliott, a little poorhouse girl, whom her Splinterville associates have nicknamed the "Little Clodhopper."
Florence Westering, in the title role, acted the part with a naturalness and abandon that captivated the audience. Margaret Hutchison as Mrs. Chiggerson Boggs, the social climber, was exceedingly good, as was Dale Madden as George Chiggerson, the innocent (?) twenty-one-year-old son, who knitted industriously and refused to be kissed by the girls because it was "so unlady-like" and in the end contrived to deceive his dear mother and run away to marry the young movie actress, Charmian Carter, a part very well carried by Gertrude Buttrick.
Anna McCullough as Miss Julietta Bean, the boarding house keeper and Oscar Wright at Ocey Gump, her sweetheart and subsequently her husband, were delightfully entertaining and Mrs. Gump's shocked disapproval of the things she had seen on the stage of a city theater was very realistic.
Garst Impson, as Septimus Green, the insistent young book agent and ardent lover and protector of little Miss Judy, was a hero worthy of the name. He charmed the audience not only by his well-nigh professional acting, but also by his singing, dancing and violin solo.
The play itself was very well done, but mention must also be made of the charming song and dance by Thelma Beckwith, Florence Westering and Garst Impson, of the solo by Dale Madden in which he reiterated "I Love Me! I Love Me!," of the old-fashioned square dance, and of the pretty Japanese fantasy which closed the evening's entertainment.
The play was coached by Miss Mamie Cunningham and Miss Bernadine True and the young actors and actresses certainly showed the results of careful, persistant and sympathetic training. Too much credit cannot be given to the two instructors who worked so untiringly to make the play a success. The Freshmen, too, have proven that they are capable of very real acting and enthusiastic praise is heard on every hand.
The receipts at the door were more than $140.00 so that a good round sum will be cleared which will be used for necessary school equipment. (admission prices at that time were only .25 and .35 cents)
Feb. 16 the Freshmen plan to repeat their play in the school building at Auburn. Several from this city plan to see it again and we heartily recommed it to our Auburn friends.
A capacity audience greeted the Sophomores last Friday night when they presented "His Uncle's Niece" under the direction of Miss Cunningham. From the moment the play opened and Richard Tate, the rising young lawyer, was discovered at his desk, to the inevitable wedding at the end, the audience was kept alternately in a state of suspense and a gale of laughter.
Dale Madden as Francis Felton (or should we say Frances Felton?) made an equally charming actor and actress, reminding one of the famous Julian Eltinge who so often takes the part of a women.
The interest of the play "His Uncle's Niece" centers around the fact that Francis' uncle, Simon Felton (Oscar Wright), who has never seen his nephew, has always been led to believe that Francis is a girl. This uncle is very wealthy and has stipulated that his supposed niece shall marry a certain Philander Fillmore (Bruce Harriott) and thereby win not only a husband but the Felton Millions as well.
Francis' parents are dead and Francis is a young man at the time the play opens. A letter informs him that Uncle Simon and Philander are to arrive in the city shortly to visit. The prospect fills Francis with consternation but Dick Tate (Garst Impson) his clever lawyer roommate, persuades him to masquerade as the niece he is supposed to be.
The situation is somewhat complicated by the fact that both Dick and Frank have sweethearts, Alice Malcolm (Gertrude Buttrick) and Dora Hale (Florence Westering) respectively. Mrs. Sarah Ann Mullen, (Anna McCullough) the lady with the wonderful hat, comes to uncle's rescue when he discovers that his dear niece can cook nothing but eggs, and those fried.
The wedding is at hand, the minister comes, and the ceremony is performed when it is found that Dora, disguised as Philander, has become the fond wife of Frank. Philander is found to be the scoundrelly husband of Mrs. Mullen, who disappeared fifteen years ago, taking her fortune with him. The minister turns out to be friend Richard.
Uncle Simon gives joyous vent to a nephew at last. The little romance of Mrs. Mullen and Silas Sicklemore (Guy Bradley) adds one more touch of spice to the play and Timothy Haye (Robert Moad) proves that he is a messenger worthy of the name.
The roles were all well taken and perhaps no single actor can be singled out for praise but the Sophs are to be congratulated on the fact that they have such a talented group among them.
The high school orchestra gave several pleasing numbers. The specialties consisted of a number of musical hits by Dale Madden and Garst Impson. Special mention should be made of Mr. Madden's saxophone solos, and of Mrs. Impson's solo "Little Mother of Mine."
The Sophs expect to give "His Uncle's Niece" at Carroll Feb. 16th.
Wouldn't you like to hear it again?
The "Dutch Detective" put on last Thursday night by a local cast for the benefit of the fire truck fund was a
decided success from every standpoint. Miss Mamie Cunningham, the director, used tact in selecting her players as all were adapted to the respective parts assigned them. A large audience
greeted the players whose efforts were rewarded by much applause. The specialties between acts and the orchestra music was also well received. The net proceeds of the event were $100.00.
Cast of Characters:
Great credit is due Mr. Smylie for the production of the play. In so short a time as three weeks he trained the actors to near professional performance. The action of the play was woven about the home life of Mrs. Stanley, a widow, and her two children. The leading lady, Margaret Hutchison, as Mrs. Stanley, portrayed her difficult role in a charming manner. Margaret appeard very much at ease on the stage. Her spontaneity of speech, her excellent expression, her gracious manner - all show her capability in dramatics. She is to be congratulated upon her excellent work.
Paul Holmes, the college professor who played the part opposite that of Mrs. Stanley was indeed well suited to his part. His dignity, sympathy and intelligent interpretation speak well for his acting.
The part of Mr. Sanborn played by Dale Madden, brought many laughs from the audience. Dale's fatherly interest in the welfare of his daughter and grandchildren was expecially marked. His account of his trip to New York was very entertaining. Dale interpreted his role very well and certainly deserves congratulations.
Anna McCullough as Lucy Stanley, the daughter, ever ready to pay respect to her dead father, played her part extremely well. Although it was very difficult for her to realize that her mother was "only 38" we found her, in act three, deeply concerned over her mother's happiness.
Robert Stanley, Lucy's brother was played by Warren Crawford. Through his true-to-life arguments with his sister, his willingness to bear the responsibilities of the home, and his keen interest in Mary Hadley, he won the hearty approval of the audience.
Mary Hadley, Irene Davis, the attractive and clever college sweetheart of "Bob," added much to the charm of the production.
Sydney Johnson, Lucy's suitor, was protrayed by Russell Groton. The part was unusually well played.
Mrs. Newcomb, a victim of hay fever, and Mrs. Peters, the parts taken by Gertrude Buttrick and Irma Spencer, supplied much comedy in the first act.
Other members of the play cast were Ervin Baden, Robert Moad, Edwin Hobart, Bruce Harriot, Oscar Wright, Blanche Taylor, Emma DeSart, Dorothy Sagar and Doris Madden.
On Monday evening Robert Moad president of the Senior Class, presented the class ladder to Ann Kunkel, president of the Junior class. Richard Hucka was business manager of the play, Ervin Baden advertising manager and Russell Gorton, Paul Holmes and Oscar Wright made up the property commitee.
The Seniors deserve congratulations on their class play.
Specialties were a Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy dance by Letha Prickett and Leona Heesch, under the able direction of Miss Wagner; a vocal duet by Irma Spencer and Gertrude Buttrick and piano numbers before and during the play by Helen Whiting.