Symphony Season Opens At Bowl July 17
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 13, 1956, Page 3
The San Diego Symphony’s 1956 series of summer concerts will begin next Tuesday evening, July 17, at 8:30 p.m., with some of maestro Robert Shaw’s most ambitious conducting in three years as conductor.
The concert will feature the Beethoven Ninth Symphony, combining a full seventy-two piece orchestra and a chorus of more than two hundred voices.
Included in the Beethoven Ninth Symphony will be four soloists of unusual ability. The bass role will be sung by Carl Palangi, San Francisco Opera basso, who has previously appeared in San Diego.
Following the National Anthem, other compositions to be played will be Mozart’s Overture to the “Magic Flute,” Geminiani’s Concerto Grosso in G Major and the world premier of an original composition, Passacaglia, by a young San Diego composer, Robert Heminger.
The opening concert next Tuesday evening, according to Mrs. Fred. G. Goss, symphony president, will actually be the first round in San Diego’s new Fiesta del Pacifico. Ewart Goodwin, Fiesta president, together with Mayor Charles C. Dail, will officially open the Symphony season and the Fiesta del Pacifico formal dedication, which takes place the following day.
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“King of Hearts” Next at La Jolla Playhouse
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 13, 1956, Page 3
Laughter and chuckles continue at La Jolla Playhouse this week as Jackie Cooper and a top flight cast of Broadway and Hollywood notables go through their antics in the hit comedy “King of Hearts,” which opened Tuesday night for a two week run. There will be a special performance Monday, July 16th, and the show will close Saturday, June 21st.
Cooper, remembered as one of the greatest child stars in motion picture history, is now one f the most firmly established adult stars of TV as a result of a number of successes first on Broadway and then on tV itself. At La Jolla he is re-creating the role in which he starred for a year’s run in New York a season ago.
Supplying a very enchanting feminine interest for the La Jolla production is Patricia Breslin, who is seen opposite Jackie Cooper in the TV series, “The People’s Choice” and who has had top roles in more than 250 important TV shows in the past few years.
“King of Hearts,” written by Jean Kerr and Eleanor Brooke, is a rollicking comedy about a syndicated cartoonist who gets himself hopelessly enmeshed in the problems of love, children, dogs and politicians and finally loses his battles to the joy of all concerned, particularly Cooper and Miss Breslin.
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‘Robin Hood’ Ready for Star-Light Run
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 13, 1956, Page 3
Tom Datz, who score as a member of the Star-Light Opera Company while serving in the Marine Corps during 1952, will return to the Balboa Park Bowl next week in the title role of “Robin Hood,” second attraction on the San Diego outdoor musical calendar.
Featured with Datz will be Sheryl Gorman, making her Star-Light debut in the role of Maid Marian.
The Reginald de Koven score includes such tunes as “The Legend of the Chimes,” “When A Maid Marries,” “Brown October Ale” and “Robin Hood’s” most familiar hit, “Oh Promise Me.”
“Robin Hood” will run eight nights Thursdays through Sundays, until Jun 22. “Rosalinda” will follow on July 26.
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Shakespeare Festival Opens at Old Globe Theatre
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 13, 1956, Page 3
San Diego’s nationally-known Shakespeare Festival will open its seventh summer season July 20 at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. The Festival will continue nightly through September 2 presenting in rotation “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “King Richard II” by William Shakespeare, and Ben Johnson’s “Volpone.”
Curtain time for the Festival plays is 8:30 p.m. and each night they will be preceded, beginning at 8 p.m, by a colorful Olde English Country Fair at which Good Queen Bess and her royal court are entertained by authentic English folk-dancing and madrigal singing. The pre-curtain pageant takes place on the green in front of the Globe Theatre which is the finest replica in use today of the famous London Playhouse of Shakespeare’s own day.
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(Priority)
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 13, 1956, Page 3
The nurse motioned to one of the expectant fathers and announced, “You have a son.” Another man dropped his cigarette, jumped up and cried, “Say what’s the idea? I was here before he was!”
(Gentlemen)
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 13, 1956, Page 3
The only trouble with a man acting like a gentleman on a date is that the girl usually thinks he’s mad.
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(Heart Fund)
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 13, 1956, Page 3
When you contribute to the Heart Fund, you are helping in the fight against the heart diseases which constitute San Diego County’s leading health problem.
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Press Notes
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 13, 1956, Page 4
By Julia Kaufman
Ole! Ole!
Ernest Hemingway, who has written several books on bullfighting, once said that it is worth watching Matador Luis Procuna ll summer in bad performances just to catch one of his great ones. With Procuna scheduled to appear in the bull ring—across the border – this Sunday, I called on Ray Garcia, local authority, for some enlightenment on the art of bullfighting.
Centuries ago the diversion was originated by the Moors. Noblemen fought the bull on horseback, with the aid of peons on foot. The men on foot became so skilled that eventually the use of horses was discontinued except for special festivals. Originally, the matador dances around the bull and kept away – today he stands as close to the bull as possible, exposing himself to danger as far as good sense will permit.
I mentioned the fact to Ray that most Americans are disturbed watching the bull being stuck by the banderilleros. They consider the act a form of cruelty. According to Mr. Garcia, the banderillas or sticks, used by the banderillos, barely penetrate the hide of the bull. (He compared it to a man nicking himself while shaving.) It is done mainly to correct a fault in the way the bull holds his head so that the matador may make a clean kill. One of the reasons for the picaing, done with the lance of the picador, is not to torture but to release the tension of the angered bull, who by this time is suffering from acute indigestion and is blind with rage – which he vents against the padding on the picador’s horse.
There would be less sympathy for the bulls if people would bear in mind that these animals are chosen for their ferocity. The difference between a fighting bull and a domestic bull can be likened to the difference between a wolf and a dog. The bulls, specially bred, must be four years old and weigh a minimum of 900 lbs. before they are ready for the ring. When they enter the ring, they face the cape for the first time.
After the picadors and banderilleros have completed the preliminaries, the matador steps in for the kill. For the fatal blow, he must lean over the horns of the bull – everyone has pictures of the result of miscalculation. Latins, who consider bullfighting an art and not a sport, look with great disfavor and scorn on the bloodless bullfight, such as the one scheduled for San Diego during the Fiesta. In their opinion, it is absurd to conduct a bullfight in any other manner than that recognized as authentic – which includes the kill (the moment of truth).
I asked Ray about Luis Procuna, whose unpredictable behavior has at times infuriated his audience even more than the bull. They can’t understand how a man who invented the Sanjuanera Pass (the matador, while holding the muleta or cape looks at the crowd instead of the bull) runs away and refuses to perform on certain occasions. One explanation is that Procuna, a Mexican gypsy, is very superstitious. He is sent a telegram by his mother before each fight informing him whether or not the day is favorable for him. This will produce either a dull or brilliant performance – he will be either a coward or a hero. Another idiosyncrasy of Procuma is his custom of standing with bowed head above the slain bull while he offers a prayer for its soul.
On the subject of bullfighting, I noticed a humorous item in the New Yorker magazine. Abercrombie and Fitch ordered some bullfighters’ swords from Spain. These swords are slightly bent, to enable the bullfighter to pass one of them around the animal’s neck and deliver the coup de grace. The clerks, figuring that the weapons had been damaged oduring the trip over, immediately set about straightening them.
As I said before – “Ole!”
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On the bottom of page 27, the conservative N.Y. Times had a small item captions “Millers Remarried.” It was a news report of man eating, head-line-huner Marilyn Monroe and Playwrite Arthur Miller who were remarried in the Jewish faith by Rabi E. Goldburg of New Haven. Through another source I learned that the rabbi, a friend of the groom, instructed the brie in Judaism before performing the Reform ceremony which included the win, the Kiddush cup and the breaking of glass.
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Punsters are having a field day since the news broke on Dublin’s newly-elected Jeiwsh mayor, Robert Briscoe. I don’t know why everyone is so excited – isn’t he a son of “Aaron.” If Mayor Briscoe accepts all the invitations received from Irish-American and Jewish-American organizations, he’ll have very little time left for his duties as Mayor of Dublin.
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Singers multiplied faster than Al Capp’s shmoos last Saturday night at the Secret Harbor. Oh, how we did harmonize! We started out with a table of five songsters and wound up with a lusty chorus, including a trained tenor, a Texas baritone and the inimitable Lilly Mae Barr, who knew the lyrics of all the songs. The evening reminded me of my last night in New York. My “home folks” gave me a send-off at Asti’s internationally famous restaurant—an Italian waiter’s dream come true. Here, all who serve are trained singers and the dinner courses are seasoned with operatic arias.
What became of opera singer, Inez Suez, who had a similar dream which didn’t materialize in San Diego?
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Independence Day was perfect for the demonstration f how new Americans are taught English, shown on a TV program sponsored by the Adult Education Dept. of the public schools. Esther Siegel appeared as speech instructor of the advanced group. Unknown to the viewing audience is the warm relationship between teacher and student. A great deal of patience, understanding and encouragement are included in the basic language lessons.
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Camargo, the Spanish dancer, in addition to providing a stimulating evening with her talent and personality, at her dance recital, had the women in the audience (me too) wishing they could get their hanbds on at least one of her many stunning costumes – for Fiesta.
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Daughters of the Suffrage Movement – Mr. and Mrs. George A. Scott were host and hostesses at an invitational luncheon, on July 1, to acquaint civic leaders with the work of the League of Women Voters. With the same determination as their predecessors, these conscientious and intelligent women have steadfastly done a monumental task of enlightenment. Strictly a non-partisan organization, where the opinion of the individual is respected, the League has won the praise of the highest men in government. With no personal axe to grind, they are able to honestly investigate and evaluate public measures on both a local and national scale. I know that Muriel Goldhammer would welcome the opportunity to give you more detailed information on the League.
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With the Guardians
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 13, 1956, Page 4
By Morrie Pomeranz
The weekly Tuesday night poker game made up of eight faithful Guardians, failed to break up at the “usual hour” – for wasn’t tomorrow the Fourth of July? – plenty of time to sleep—no pressing appointments to keep, etc. The session continued uninterruptedly until … Our hero of this little vignette came home as the morning sun dissipated the thin vaporous clouds – the wife was waiting at the front door and adequately began chastising the hubby – she gave him the whole routine ending up with “what will the neighbors say” – “do you have any idea what time it is?” – etc., etc. Our fatigued Guardian could only mumble sheepishly: “Honey you know how I hate to drive at night.”
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Highlights of the July 5th dinner meeting: Al DeSure, chairmanned an excellent program – four sweet ballads were capably presented by Miss Abbie Lincoln—a very colorful singer—the Happy Jesters (a bouncy trio) kept the group amused with their antics—the door prize, a beautiful table radio donated by Sam Cohen, was won by the Israel brothers – the latter offered the prize back with the proceeds to go to the Hebrew Home – guests included Ralph Haas, Chet Pogo, Clark Higgins, Dick McKee, Arthur Gardner and Maxwell Kaufman, new Prexy of the Hebrew Home. What with a fine dinner, excellent entertainment and a surprisingly good turnout for July, the meeting rates as one of the best this year.
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Not too many Guardians have demonstrated civic pride relative to the Fiesta del Pacifico. Among the “better beards” (and these men display courage in defying constant ridicule) are those of Doc Solomon, Dave Stotsky, Bunny Jacobson, Lew Lipton and some little man with a very gray beard who refused to identify himself. Dave Stotsky was standing in front of Lipton’s last Friday when a kind old lady handed him forty cents with this advice; “So, go inside and get something to eat – you look hungry.” Dave’s sole complaint later: “I didn’t know the beard made me look like I needed a handout –but imagine trying to get something to eat at Lipton’s for 40c.”
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Golfer Dave Block has received so much publicity (sport section of the rib) relative to his constantly improving game “under pressure” that he’s currently finding it extremely difficult to persuade Yale Kahn to continue their series.
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In the fishing section of the local paper last week, there appeared a timely article about the yellowtail at the islands. The learned author of the column went into considerable detail as to the proper method of baiting a hook, casting, setting the hook, and so on. The article ended with the observatijon that it “normally takes” at least fifteen minutes to land a yellow after it has been hooked. But one of our Guardians has never deviated from his original story oft-retold of bringing in twelve yellowtail in just one hour.
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USO-JWB
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 13, 1956, Page 4
By Claire Kaplan
We welcome to the fold the new director of the Jewish Welfare Board, Mr. Robert Imberman and wish him success in his new p0osiition. With the varied activities of USO_JWB, Bob is going to be kept busy from dawn ‘til dusk, and needs the sincere cooperation of all the volunteers to help “keep the show on the road.” Let’s get with it …
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Turn about is fair play … Returning our visit to Oceanside, the Camp Pendleton servicemen guested at the USO Dance at Temple Center, July 11th. Arriving in a caravan of cars, the Marines had the situation well in hand minutes after the landing was made. Thanks again to Chaplain Stanley Schacter for taking charge of arrangements.
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Yo-Ma-Co Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 13, 1956, Page 4
The Yo-Ma-Co Club will hold an Installation Dinner-Dance Sunday, July 22nd, in the Terrace Room of the Lafayette Hotel. In commemoration the 20th year since its inception the Club will celebrate the evening’s festivities in an “all out” Fiesta mood—decorations, favors and garb. Earl Fisher’s orchestra will provide the “makes you want to dance” music and the floor show will have a decidedly Latin flavor.
Taking office for the coming term are: Max Okun, president; Evelyn Hermann, vice president; Evelyn Levine, recording secretary; Ruth Okun, corresponding secretary; Jack Brisker, treasurer; Ruth Silverstein, membership secretary; Al Nadler, auditor; Al Wittenberg, sergeant-at-arms. Vic Silverstein will be M.C. and Installing Officer. Alice Solomon and Esther Brisker are co-chairmen for the dinner dance committee. Assisting them on the committee are Lil Nadler, Flo Pearl, Ruth Silverstein and Ruth Okun.
Call Esther Brisker, AT-4-3363, and Flo Pearl, JU-2-9182, for reservations.
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Sou. California Exposition Dates Announced
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 13, 1956, Page 4
Dates for the 1957 Southern California Exposition and County Fair at Del Mar are June 28 through July 7, it was announced by Manager Paul T. Mannen, at the close of this year’s presentation.
More than 226,000 visitors went through the turnstiles during the 10-day Exposition, Mannen said. Highest single-day attendance was recorded July 4 when 40,452 persons set an all time Independence Day attendance record.
More than $73,000 in premium awards were paid to winning exhibitors, approximately $8,200 more than last year. A record 4,541 exhibitors entered 11,741 entries, also a record.
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Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history. To find stories on specific individuals or organizations, type their names in our search box, located just above the masthead on the right hand side of the screen.