TRANSIT THE MOON IS DOWN WHAT promises to be a popular selection for the Autumn Quarter play is John Steinbeck's recent novel-play combination, The Moon is Down. Mr. Thatcher Allred, director, previewed half a hundred budding thespians, before making a final choice, and at the time of this writing, the play was well into its fourth week of strenuous rehearsal, though the final showing will have been history by the time these words are into print. Telling the story of Nazi aggression in Norway, the silently effective opposition of loyal Norwegians, Steinbeck's work was a best'selling novel not many months ago. In play form it opened on Broadway this fall with an impressive cast. The subject-matter of The Moon is Down is timely, and written in the thrifty style of an earlier Steinbeck combination success Of Mice and Men. Asked what the plans of the drama department were for the remainder of the year, director Allred said that no other plays had been selected as yet, but that at least one full-length drama was contemplated for the Spring Quarter, with a possible program of three one act plays comprising the Winter Quarter Fare. 38 AUTUMN, 1942 In the large picture center, the majority of cast members listen while Fred Nixon relates stories of earlier Weber College dramatic productions. Mr. Nixon is an alumnus, recruited to portray the character of Mayor Orden in The Moon is Down. Cast members seated on couch are, left to right, Dil Young, Doris Owens, Mr. Nixon, Delore Williams, and Roy Gibson; back row, Carl De Young, Carl White, Jim Andrews, Earnest McKay; seated on floor, Wayne Carver and John Vernieu. Small pictures, from left to right above, show Miss Melva Campbell, who portrays the character of Molly; Miss Melva Campbell with Renald McFarland, the young German lieutenant who cannot bear the silent hatred of the Norwegians, particularly the ill-will of Molly. DeLore Williams is the "family doctor" of the little community, shown here with Nazi officer, Captain Loft, portrayed by John Vernieu; Jim Andrews is the militaristic leader of the invaders, caught in a characteristic pose with Carl White, who represents the "Quissling" betrayer of the small seaport town; Doris Owens, as the wife of the loyal, but perplexed, Mayor Orden adds an experienced, almost professional, note to the performance. 39