It was April 19, 1929, in the Town Hall. Students from Williamsburg High School gave a memorable performance of the musical comedy operetta in two acts, “Jerry of Jericho Road” by Estelle and Palmer Clark. Set in the West on a ranch turned into a tourist camp, it was an evening full of laugher and convoluted comic misunderstandings.
“Jerry” Bank is at Feudal Rock Ranch to escape a sentence for speeding. Alan O’Day, the owner of the ranch, now tourist camp, has fled the city to escape Mrs. Lettice Bank, who wants him for a son-in-law for her daughter Sandy because he is rich! Hunter, the villain, tries to get the oil found on Jerry’s land, but John Drayton, the hero, finagles things his way and all ends well. The play was directed by Vivian Williams, the WHS Music Supervisor and played to rave reviews.
The cast and chorus and dancers showcased many students:
- Phyllis Baker had the leading role of Geraldine Bank, known as “Jerry”.
- William Witherell played her ardent suitor John Drayton, Alan’s cousin.
- Walter Kulash played the wealthy young owner of the Feudal Rock, Ranch Alan O’Day.
- Barbara Bisbee and Nathaniel Hill played the comedic couple Lettice and Amos Bank, Easterners.
- Roslyn Brown was their delightful daughter Sandy Bank.
- Victor Greski was Uncle Pete, an old time Westerner.
- George Walter was Hunter the detective villain.
- Gordon Nash was a hit as Mr. Bean from Boston.
- Rena McCloud was the “gossipy flapper” Mimi.
- Edith Pearl played Dora, a “crisp old maid” and Mimi’s cousin.
The Chorus and Dancers had lots of talent: Winnifred Lloyd, Barbara Bissell, Esther Lupien, Blanch Heath, Gladys Irwin, Pricilla Webb, Catherine Otis, Ruth Pittsinger, Neva Nash, Charles Damon, Russell Clark, Edward Sheehan, Charles Heath, James Coogan, Philip Cook, Roger Warner, Robert Merritt, Thomas Barrus, Ruthven Daniels, Alice Dansereau, Evelyn Russel, and Lois Bisbee.
The Minuet Dancers were Alice Lloyd and Russell Clark, Irene Porter and Philip Cook, and Doris Sanderson and Charles Damon.
A good time was had by all!
Check out the Williamsburg High School yearbook, “The Tattler” through Meekins online. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist. #throwbackthursday; #tbt.
Posted to Facebook 9/29/2022
