Volume 33, Issue 4 October 11, 1996
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South wordS
Maine South H.S. Park Ridge, IL
The Last of Mrs. Lincoln set to go by Graham Schmidt Fiction can be fun, but the reference section is a little more enlightening. For instance, if you were to research the name Mary Todd Lincoln, you might learn that she was the wife ofthe sixteenth President. What you wouldn't learn initially is that this lady had a history of pain-killer abuse, lost two children in their adolescence, was committed to an asylum by her son Robert, and held hands with President Lincoln as he was assassinated. Indeed, the fall play " The Last of Mrs. Lincoln" chronicles the life of Mary Todd Lincoln directly after the death of her famous husband. The play, written by James Prideaux, will be performed at 7:30 the nights of Thursday, October 17th, Friday, October 18th, and Saturday, October 19th in Maine South's Clyde K. Watson auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door. The student director, Kathryn Donehoo, the stage manager, Tami Gudukas, have ked hard to shape the play into a great w. Described as historical fiction, the performances would give any students studying the Civil War era a really good representation of the time period. Authentic costumes and scenery are being created to add to the illusion. But, most importantly, the story is entertaining enough to make the three dollars it costs well worth it. Mary Todd Lincoln' s life was quite a roller coaster: from inmiense popularity in Springfield to public disgrace in the White House. A known sympathizer to certain confederates during the Civil War, she over spent all her allowances and went deeply into debt. Practicing a policy of non discipline with her last
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child. Tad, he remained practically illiterate until his father's death and failed to dress himself before the age of eight; generally, a tremendous brat. If you think Hillary Clinton's press is bad, you have no idea ofthe intense hatred some Northerners felt toward this first lady. Representing this figure is junior Jennifer Beacraft. Her credits include "Charlotte's Web" and "Mother Hicks." Not only does she love the role because of its complexity, but also because she gets to wear big hoop skirts with wide hips. Having to circumvent the hips on almost every cross, one can attest to their extreme size. Beacraft says ofthe play, "The struggle that the Lincoln family has to go through is similar to the experiences that many high-schoolers may go through with a
Photo by Kate Boychuck grandparent." She also adds that, "It was shocking to discover how 'crazy' Mrs. Lincoln really went. It's a lot more interesting than a lot ofthe history you learn about the family." Other key members ofthe cast include Steve Tallungen, Ryan O'Boza, and Aileen DeCourcey. DeCourcey, who is also make-up head, thinks that "The play will be interesting for student audiences because the information presented applies to what some are learning in their history classes. It will give the audience a closer look at something they may have already known about." The cast is working hard to create the best possible performances. If you don't come for the dramatic caliber ofthe play or the bang up theater that's sure to occur, come for the funky Mrs. Lincoln. She was one unusual babe.
Mr. Verber inducted into Hali of Fame by Sushila Dalai Mr. George Verber was inducted into Bowling Green State University's Hall of Fame on September 28. Verber was awarded this honor as a result of playing baseball at the school for four years. He attended Bowhng Green State ^^pversity, a school just outside of Toledo, ^ K i o , on a baseball scholarship. Verber lettered in the sport for three years, the maximum
time possible, since freshmen couldn't play on the Varsity level. Verber played center field and first base during his time on the team. As a junior, he batted .398 in a span of twenty-nine games. He led the team in runs scored and stolen bases, and was second in RBI's. These accomplishments led to his election as Most Valuable Player and the honor of being an AllConference Mid-American player.
As a senior, Verber was elected team captain. He batted a .393 and led the team in stolen bases and runs scored. He also achieved allconference status and was elected as Most Valuable Player once again. He became an All-Midwest district player and third team All-American. Verber achieved a career batting average of .379, which is the third best overall batting continued on page 6