Ilion High School - Class of 1967

Herkimer Evening Telegram - March 16, 1967

Ilion High Honor Students Named

Article 17

Carousel To Open Tonight In Ilion

ILION - A 3-night run of "Carousel," the Rodgers and Hammerstein hit musical, will be launched when the curtain opens at 8:15 tonight at the Ilion High School auditorium.

The Music Department, sponsors of the show, reported performances are also scheduled for the same time tomorrow and Saturday.

A cast of 60 is directed by Mrs. Jasmine Poplaski and Mrs. Maxine Wagner, assisted by Richard Stitzel.

Lead roles, requiring solo songs, will be played by Mary Carney as Julie, John Miller as Billy, Donna Compeau as Nettie, Richard Bly as Mr. Snow, Marsha Davidson as Carrie, and Francis Plano as Jigger.

Featured dancers are Mary Ann Bonvino, Patricia Allen, Jayne Maxson, Elaine Ferguson, Marytka Geutskens, John Falzareno and Robert Hammond.

Among the familiar show tunes in the musical score are "If I Loved You," sung by Mary Carney, "You’ll Never Walk Alone," sung by Donna Compeau, and the choral "June Is Bustin' Out All Over."

Charles Lang, stage manager, said the nine scene changes have been a major challenge to students and faculty. Sets were built from scratch in the woodworking shops under the direction of Al Williams and Myron Bouck, then painted and decorated by art classes under the direction of Michael Caiazza Two houses, two cabins and a warehouse have been built and painted.

Building the half ton, 10-foot tall carousel has been a major task of the stage crew directed by Vito Tisci.

Costumes, with Mrs. Marieta Scanlon in charge will use 112 pounds of gingham checks, calico prints, and a rainbow of solid colors in the leg'o mutton costumes of the late 19th century.

Miss Jean Henry, in charge of properties, has searched out lobster traps, picnic baskets, ship's lanterns and other items. She is assisted by Mrs. Ruth Derby, Miss Joan Appleby, and these students: Denise Wengert, Kathleen Rooke, Roger Chambers, and John Leniek.

Other committees: make-up, Miss Janet Zember, Mrs. Jean Potter, Constance Fischer, Constance Raux, Betty Croup, Helen Everson, Judith Crocker, programs, Mrs. Alice Bamford, Mrs. Margery Anderson, Myron Bouck.

Also, posters, Carol Korba, David Comes, Russell James; tickets, Leo Sammons, John Grieco, and senior girls. Tickets will be sold at the door for tonight's performance only, officials said.