Abington Journal

This Week in Local History: Performances of the past

1968 — The Abington Players were in rehearsal for their production of “American Dame” at the Waverly Community House.

“The play, by Philip C. Lewis, sets forth his study of American womanhood – how she got to be what and where she is, and is under the direction of Miss Jane Julius,” read a brief in the Journal.

The cast included Peg Haver, Sandra Baird, Rita Julius, Cody Brooks and Stuart Baird. Bil Gilvary was stage manager.

Janet Wood was the producer.

The crew included: Andy Jurick, Don Logan and Larry Waters on lights; Ned Connell as set designer; Hamilton Winslow, pictures; Mame Calpin and Dorothy Antosh in charge of tickets; Nancy Clark, publicity; Guy Wood, sound manager; Mary Beth Hess, programs; Sue Fitz and Floyd Winslow, properties, and Linda Egan as prompter.

1978 — Abington Heights students were preparing for their production of “Come Blow Your Horn” by Neil Simon at the North Campus.

The leading role was played by Scott Barton.

1988 — Waverly Elementary School students performed in a program that saluted Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom, an event “so large it had to take place in the Abington Heights South Campus Auditorium,” according to the caption under a front page photo in that week’s Journal.

“Kindergarten through third grade took part, with the help of teachers and some ‘Costumed Parents,’ as they were listed in the program.

“Each grade had a different theme from ‘It’s a Small World’ through ‘Fantasyland’ and those fortunate enough to have attended got a truly eye-filling extravaganza.”

Rebecca Harrison was the program’s musical director and Edith Gozdiskowski was art director.

Posing for a publicity shot for the Abington Players’ 1968 production of ‘American Dame,’ were from left, Cody Brooks, Sandy Baird, Rita Julius, Peg Haver and Stuart Baird.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_ABJ-LH-0328-1968.jpg.optimal.jpgPosing for a publicity shot for the Abington Players’ 1968 production of ‘American Dame,’ were from left, Cody Brooks, Sandy Baird, Rita Julius, Peg Haver and Stuart Baird. Abington Journal file photos
Carole Warolak and Scott Barton posed for a publicity photo for Abington Heights’ 1978 production of Neil Simon’s ‘Come Blow Your Horn.’
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_ABJ-LH-0328-1978.jpg.optimal.jpgCarole Warolak and Scott Barton posed for a publicity photo for Abington Heights’ 1978 production of Neil Simon’s ‘Come Blow Your Horn.’ Abington Journal file photos
These unidentified pirates from a Waverly Elementary School program in 1988 were part of a group of seafaring kindergartners that included Josh Bontrager, Dom Ruggiero, Mark Avery, Michael Kogelman, Cole Evans, Ashley Atkinson, Michelle Sugarman and Lisa Covey.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_ABJ-LH-0328-1988.jpg.optimal.jpgThese unidentified pirates from a Waverly Elementary School program in 1988 were part of a group of seafaring kindergartners that included Josh Bontrager, Dom Ruggiero, Mark Avery, Michael Kogelman, Cole Evans, Ashley Atkinson, Michelle Sugarman and Lisa Covey. Abington Journal file photos

Compiled by Elizabeth Baumeister

ebaumeister@timesleader.com

Reach Elizabeth Baumeister at 570-704-3943 or on Twitter @AbingtonJournal.