Description |
This Collection consists of a 119 page Scrapbook put together by members of the Weber College Whip Club, the school's pep club, covering the years between 1946 and 1955. Included are a full listing of yearly pledges, 27 football programs, newspaper clippings concerning charity and sports events, 10 invitations, menus, 7 letters, 15 photographs, and a biography of the Whip Club by Norma Manning. |
OCR Text |
Show THE COMPOSER AND THE STORY Franz Lehar's journey from the cradle to the grave was a long 78 year one, and it was filled with music all the way. For 43 of those yearsfrom 1905 when The Merry Widow was first performed in Vienna to his death in 1948he was the acknowledged master in the field of light opera. His nearly 30 operettas, his three grand operas, and his scores of miscellaneous pieces poured from his facile and public-pleasing pen, bringing him a fame and a fortune that even the wars of the twentieth century could not erase. He was born a Hungarian, studied with the Bohemians and Czechs, and lived as a Viennese. After studying at the Prague Conservatory, he joined his father's military band in Vienna. Under Anton Dvorak's prodding, he began to compose. In 1902 he became conductor at the Theater an der Wien, but that same year, when his first operetta had some success, he resigned. Three years later The Merry Widow was performed, and within two years his name was known around the world. Albert E. Wier said of him: "Lehar is one of the most popular of living light opera composers; his success is founded on his skill both as a melodist and orchestrator." And David Ewen: "He boasts a lightness of touch, a grace of style, a lightheartedness that makes his music an eloquent expression of the Viennese spirit ... it has a perpetual freshness and spontaneity that gives it engaging charms." The Merry Widow is without doubt the most famous operetta of this century. Since its first performance outside Vienna in London in 1907, it has been the undisputed leader. That same year saw it overwhelm New York and do something to Buenos Aires that had never been done before when it played simultaneously in five different theaters in five different languages. Since that time it has been performed around the world, made into a movie with Jeannette MacDonald; and theatergoers everywhere look forward to its frequent revivals. This new, modern version by Charles George, which brings the action up-to-date while leaving the old-world charm of the music intact, promises to add further insurance to the continued success of The Merry Widow. SYNOPSIS ACT I The scene opens in a fashionable seaside resort hotel on the East coast of the United States. The smart set, supervised by Mrs. Van Orden, Clarrisa Preston and Mrs. Randolph are spending a typical afternoon on the terrace. Their interest is principally around the gay and devastating new arrival, Mrs. Adele Talbot, the Merry Widow. Along with the interest of the ladies for a seeming rival, another guest at the hotel is Mr. Popenstein, a suave and handsome gentleman who makes other men visiting very indignant because of his influence with the ladies. A third party involved is Montgomery Nelson of Chicago who is in love with Mrs. Talbot but unable to rate romantically with her. When Adele was on a European honeymoon with her late millionaire husband she had traveled in a quaint little country, Altruria, and there she met and fell in love with Prince Nikalas. Realizing the impossibility of loving this man she put it out of her mind. Events unfold to prove that the debonair Mr. Popenstein is Prince Nikalas of Altruria with whom Adele is still in love. At the end of the first act Prince Nikalas learns that Adele is now a widow and free once more and romance blooms. ACT I SCENE I SEVERAL NIGHTS LATER Mr. Langdon, manager of the hotel has arranged for the appearance of the famous girls of Maxim's, favorites of the Prince. Complications become more involved with the appearance of Princess Stephanie of Sylvania. Adele discovers that Stephanie and Prince Niky are engaged, a marriage planned by decree of the courts of both countries. Thinking she has been deceived, Adele promptly announces her engagement to Monty Nelson. ACT II SCENE II LATER THAT SAME EVENING Princess Stephanie decides that she could never endure a marriage to Prince Nikalas without his love and she releases him from his obligation. The Prince gives up his monarchy in Altruria as he realizes he could never rule without the love of Adele. Misunderstandings are straightened out and Adele and Nikalas become engaged. Pat Carr as The Merry Widow Albert Clark as Montgomery Nelson Louise Hoggan as Clarissa Preston Ron Jenkins as Prince Nikalas Marilyn Cartwright as Beatrice Killgarden Marilyn Buss as Princess Stephanie |