Volume 33, Issue 11 March 7,1997
South wordS
Maine South H.S. Park Ridge, IL
Will-a-mania strikes Maine South by Maria Ferschl This year's musical. The Will Rogers Follies promises to be both enjoyable and entertaining. The show, which documents the life of the Oklahoma cowboy-philosopher Will Rogers in the format of a Ziegfeld follies production, opens on Friday, March 7. Students have been working for over two months in order to prepare for opening night. The director, Mr. John Muszynski, notes, "I think this musical is a fun way to learn about the Ufe of Will Rogers-one of America's most beloved." And what a life it was. In a period of fifty five years. Will Rogers traveled to nineteen countries on five continents. He performed in follies shows, vaudeville productions, in the movies and on the radio. Wherever he went he left smiling faces and a bit of cowboy philosophy. The "wit and wisdom" of Will Rogers is presented in a light, comedic manner. Like all musicals. The Will Rogers Follies is filled ^ ^^ith i t song and dance. Maine South is one of first high schools in Illinois to attempt the ow. This is not surprising, as the production is rigorous for all involved. Mr. Mike Pressler, the show's producer, sums this up by saying, "The presentation of this production is marking a new step for the music theater tradition at Maine South. We have broken out of the mold of standard, traditional musicals. It represents real challenges for everyone involved from the actors to the crew to the pit." The cast, led by Steve Tallungan as Will Rogers, has spent countless hours rehearsing. Tallungan conunents, "The humorous life story of this amazing American icon coupled with energetic chorus members should prove an exciting role. I'd definitely go see it...if I wasn't already in it." Other key cast members
The cast rehearses the opening number. include Melissa Poulos as Betty Blake, Andy Schneider as Clem Rogers and Diana Kostolansky as Ziegfeld's Favorite. Three children from local elementary schools were also cast to play the parts of Will's children. On the production level. Assistant Director Margaret Byrne and Stage Manager Maria Ferschl have been working alongside Muszynski each day in rehearsal. Complex dances have been added by Mr. Keith Elliot, the show's choreographer. TTie pit orchestra, directed by Pressler, is playing technically challenging music. Because The Will Roger's Follies is a modern musical, the instrumentation is unique. There are no string instruments and electronic key-
Photo by Ines Tiu boards play a key part in almost every number. Meanwhile, the stage crew, under the direction of Mr. Pat Sanchez, has been busy building. Among their many tasks was the construction of a massive staircase filling the entire stage. Costume designer Ms. Laurie McCleneghan and her crew have been sewing in order to costume the entire cast. Overall, the musical has a powerful message and is a great family show. All involved are looking forward to a wonderful run of the Follies. The musical is March 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 7:30 and March 9 at 2:00. The $5 tickets can be bought in the Fine Arts Office or at the door.
Magsamen honored in Hall of Fame by Brian Albin One of the forgotten aspects of high school athletics which truly separates the good teams from the elite teams are the coaching staffs. Here at Maine South, we are fortunate to work with coaches who consistently lead our pro^ ^ a;ams to the state's elite. This is very much the e with the football team's coaches. This • ' spring one of the team's coaches. Coach Carl Magsamen, will be recognized for his out-
standing career. On April 5, Coach Magsamen will be inducted into the IHSA Coaches' Hall Of Fame. His 38 year career includes 205 victories and only 103 defeats, 10 conference championships. 12 state playoff appearances, and the Class 5 A state championship last year. In his thirty-two years as a Maine South assistant. Coach Magsamen has led the always devastating defense and dominating offensive line. Nine all state linemen, including
past NFL great Dave Butz were under his tutelage. These tremendous accomplishments truly merit a place for Coach Magsamen in the Illinois High School Football Coaches Assosciation's Hall of Fame. About his induction. Coach Magsamen says that it, "Is a great honor for me and my family." President of the State Driver Education for two terms and Lead Teacher of Drivers Educontinued on page 6