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Press Notes
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 6, 1957, Page 3
By Julia Kaufman
As interesting as any story on stage is the “Story of Star-Light” itself. in an interview with Producer Bill Dean and his wife Nemecia at a rehearsal of “Anything Goes,” I learned something of the personalities and events which are part of the inside story of the Starlight Company.
The Story of Starlight
A Wm. L. Dean Production
Cast of Characters
Nemecia Azcarate Dean
William L. Dean
Charles Cannon
Robert Sullivan
TIME: 1944
PLACE: San Diego
ACT ONE
Scene 1: Living Room of Dean home
Scene 2: Wegeforth Bowl-San Diego Zoo
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The idea of Star-Light was conceived in the Dean home by four people who had the will and the know-how but no funds. With $100.00 in the treasury, it became a do-it-yourself project.
William Dean, who handles the publicity for the shows, has done an excellent job of publicizing his stars, but little is known about him or his part in Star-Light productions. Mr. Dean was not “born in a trunk” but he did spend many hours, as a child, on the couch of the great Metropolitan Opera Impresario, Gatti Gazaza, while waiting for his mother, Alia Dean, an opera singer, to return backstage after her performance. His father, Frederick Dean, was a music critic with the New York Times for 25 years. Bill Dean, who sang both on stage and radio, had talents which extended beyond music. In World War I, despite his youth, he succeeded in becoming an R.A.F. flyer. When he finished his service, three years later, he was at the proper enlistment age. In New Mexico, while mining for fluorspar, a mineral used in refining steel, he met and married his wife (they recently celebrated their 30th anniversary). During his years in New Mexico, he also operated a radio station and edited a newspaper. Today, as the producer of Star-Light musicals, he chooses the shows for the summer season and does all the casting.
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From its inception, Nemecia Dean has played a leading role in Star-Light. Her talent for costume designing was put to good use and she assumed responsibility for the costuming — a position she maintains today. In the early days, with a limited budget and no staff, she would go alone to Los Angeles with a small trailer and bring back the costumes. Mrs. Dean, who studied fashion art in Mexico, Europe and New York, does the research and selects the costumes for the plays. except where entire shows are purchased, such as “Kiss Me Kate,” “”Guys and Dolls” and “Pajama Game,” the costumes are obtained from Western Costumers in Los Angeles.
At the close of the season each Fall, the Deans go to New York City for six weeks. Mr. Dean selects and takes care of the details for the forthcoming shows. Mrs. Dean attends classes at the Metropolitan School of Design and does some sketching.
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Charles Cannon plays a dual role in Star-Light. In addition to behind-the-scenes activity as Choral Director, he is the Company’s outstanding singer-comedian. To San Diegans, who have watched him perform for the past twelve years, he is like the signature on a popular paining. At one of the shows this summer, I heard someone say: “He’s good! Who is he?” Thus you can tell a stranger in town.
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Robert Sullivan, owner of Sullivan Lumber Co., is the President of Star-Light Company and one of its staunchest supporters.
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Among the pioneering group who are still active today are Robert L. Leib, musical director, who recently took over the baton of his father, the late Julius Leib; Harry A. Hays, stage manager and Marguerite Ellicott, who is in charge of ballet and choreography. F. Allen Richardson, in the current show, was also in the opening performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Mikado,” held in Wegeforth Bowl about twelve years ago.
The Deans and their colleagues are justifiably proud of Star-Light’s record. They took in $62 for the first performance mentioned above. This season’s budget will be around $200,.000. The company has never received a subsidy from the city, in spite of the fact that for the first three years they operated at a loss.
ACT TWO
TIME: The present
PLACE: Balboa Park Bowl
Dress Rehearsal: Going backstage during a performance is like removing the face of a watch to see the springs and coils that turn the hands. The mainspring of the backstage world is the big light control panel, with its numerous switches and maze of wiring. In contrast to the glamour on stage were the starkly functional costume racks, sewing machines, ironing boards, prop boxes, and the seeming unrelated backdrops waiting to be pushed into place like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. The silent director of all the backstage activity is the CUE sheet — a severe taskmaster which doesn’t allow ad libbing.
Two young men, practicing a dance routine, were so oblivious to everything around them that they could have been on another planet. Mrs. Dean interrupted looking over the dress on a pretty young girl to dash after the Star-Light cat, which had a sudden urge to “get in the act.” Mike Bogle, star of the show, said that he had painfully injured his ankle in exactly that way–chasing a cat. Charles Cannon, in costume, was pacing up and down backstage with the script in his hand, boning up on his elusive lines. When a dress rehearsal is “rough” everyone gets jittery. Each director concentrates on his own phase of the production, trying to iron out kinks, adjusting sound, lights, replacing props, etc. Certainly no place for an outsider. but, everytime I could corner Mr. Dean I asked another question.
Auditions for the season are held in January … general music rehearsals, held at the Washington Elementary School, on State Street, start with three nights a week for three weeks and are gradually increased until they are held every night … all San Diegans are welcome to audition… understudies are on hand but only once in twelve years was there any need for one … everyone is salaried.
Star-Light is a golden opportunity for talent to be seen and heard by a large audience (The Bowl seats 4,000). Sharlyne Baker, Gina Turner and Anne Jones are a few examples of former Star-Lighterts who have made good on Broadway and in motion pictures.
Before leaving backstage, I spoke to Lee Whitney in the dressing room. Miss Whitney, former opera singer, who sang at the Opera Comique in Paris and for years was affiliated with the Shuberts in New York City, indicates her professional status by the ease with which she handles her stage part of the wealthy Mrs. Wadsworth T. Harcourt. Offstage, she was gracious and charming. It did not seem incongruous, in this split world of make-believe and reality, to see her adjust the glittering tiara, which she had formerly worn in performances of the Opera Thais, with a large, practical-but-unglamorous safety pin.
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As the Psychologist Sees You
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 6, 1957, Page 3
By Irving R. Stone, Psychological Consultant
Preparation for School
Many years ago, Thomas Paine wrote these words “These are the times that try men’s souls.” While patriot Paine was concerned with the turbulent time of our American Revolution, the times are no less trying, although of a different form, as most households face the busy days of the next week.
Preparation for school is a period of uneasiness, of anticipation, and of regret. IT is a time of fear in the minds of many old and young. Children regret that their summer of fun is over and parents regret that school did not start sooner.
Many preparations are needed before students are ready for school. There is the need to buy new clothes and here the father is drawn into the picture because of the drain on the budget. Often a good physical check-up is necessary and the visits to the dentist must not be overlooked. In some cases, psychological testing seems to be indicated in order to determine children’s weaknesses and strengths. Transportation problems must be considered so that parents can take turns driving groups of chidlren to those schools which do not have bus facilities.
If children are older, another transportation problem arises. Should Billy or Sue have the family car to go to school or should the high school or college student have his own car? The days of limiting this problem to college students is over and now the high school student is just as vocal in his demands for independent automotive conveyance.
Finally, due consideration must be given to the students at the extremes of the age cycle. There is the child who is going to school for the first time and mothers finally must face the fact that their youngsters are “growing up” and are less dependent. IT is a period of strong emotional impact on mothers to face this and of equally strong impact on fathers to recognize that they, too, are growing older. At the opposite extreme we find many mothers looking forward to their own schooling and checking on nursery schools and available baby-sitters so that they can complete their own preparations.
School is a powerful force in our lives and the week before the new school year opens makes us realize how powerful it is. Only through careful preparations can we keep it from being a nightmare.
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Community Center Building Making Progress
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 6, 1957, Page 3
The Jewish Community Center building, to house all Jewish Welfare offices, as well as provide a facility for Center activities, is now in the stage of construction where the outlines of the building can readily be seen, according to William B. Schwartz, Center President.
“Excavation for the olympic-size pool began last week so that those who have seen the construction now realize that a great deal of the excavation is being done for future building. The lower portion of the building will contain, in the future, the gymnasium, locker rooms, and health club,” Schwartz said. The balance of the excavated area will hold the olympic-size swimming pool and a patio area around the pool.
“In order to complete the building, including swimming pool, furnishings and equipment,” Sidney Rose, Chairman of the Building Committee, said, “The Center will need an additional $150,000 before date of completion.” Approval of the Community Chest and the United Jewish Fund has been asked for a completion campaign to raise the necessary $150,000 in December, January and February, according to Rose.
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Two Books of Unusual Interest
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 6, 1957, Page 3
“Before the beginning of the nineteenth century all Jews regarded Judaism as a privilege; since then most Jews have come to regard it as a burden.” These are the opening words of Mordecai M. Kaplan’s monumental study of Judaism in the modern world. It is Judaism As a Civilization, first published in 1934 but now available in a new edition from the Thomas Yoseloff publishing house ($7.50).
The above statement is the first note of a trumpet blast against many walls, just how many will be apparent upon reading or re-reading this classic effort at a reconstruction of Jewish life. The modern Jew, according to Kaplan, is “maladjusted, morally and spiritually as a result of losing the traditional conception of salvation.” The passing of the belief in other-worldly salvation is both the effect and the cause of the changes which have taken place in the ideological, the economic and the political order of mankind.” Thus, today’s Jew must find a purpose which will bring him spiritual redemption and willing identification with Jewish life.
The bulk of Kaplan’s Work is devoted to a careful analysis of the significant problems of Jewish life. His conclusion is that what is needed to a “creative Judaism” … a dynamic pattern of life. In Kaplan’s words: “Judaism as a civilization is a call to American Jews to attend to the following needs: 1) to reaffirm Jewish peoplehood; 2) to revitalize the Jewish religion; 3) to form a network of organic communities; 4) to strengthen the State of Israel; 5) to further Jewish cultural creativity; and 6) to cooperate with the general community to all endeavors in behalf of freedom, justice and peace.”
Though disagreement with Kaplan’s thesis has been voice in many ideological quarters of American-Jewish life, few have failed to express admiration for the author’s style and great scholarship.
The Jewish Bible for Family Reading, by Joseph Gaer, 559 pps. $5.95 (Yoseloff).
The publishers of this book believed that “with the impediments removed, the Bible would be read with ease and profit by many who have turned away from it but who would now find in it the spiritual sustenance it has given generation after generation.” Joseph Gaer, who prepared The Jewish Bible For Family Reading has sought to eliminate the difficulties found in the standard versions of the Old Testament. The reading Bible is written in precise English. Detailed genealogies and lists of donations and sacrifices (of interest more to the theologian and scholar than the general reader) have been dropped. Duplications and contradictions have been removed.
In making the Jewish Bible more easy to read, Mr. Gaer has taken away none of the great inspirational qualities of the original. He has, rather, added to the effectiveness of the Book by including his own fine introductory notes to the sections of the Bible. This handsome volume is a helpful addition to, not a replacement for standard Bibles. We feel that with this book the wisdom of the Bible is brought closer to millions who for “technical” reasons, have not benefitted from it. — P.K.
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Jewish Center News
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 6, 1957, Page 4
The Cooperative Nursery School sponsored by the Center will start fall sessions on Monday, Sept. 16, according to Mrs. M. Sibulkin, president of the Parent’s Group.
Registration will be limited to 27 children. The fee for the half-day school (9:00-11:30 a.m.) has been set at $11.00 per month for Center members and $13.00 per month for non-members. Parents are expected to work within the Nursery School program as well as attend Parent Educational Meetings twice a month. The staff, which includes four working mothers and an assistant teacher every day will be under the direction of Mrs. Norma Wilson.
Interested parents are asked to call Mrs. Carl Prager at CO-2-1194 for further information.
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The program committee of the Young Adult Group announced that its first program of the Fall season will be a Lox and Bagel Brunch to be held on Sunday morning, Sept. 15, from 10:30 a.m. on. Open to all Young Adults in the community, plans for future activities will be discussed after the brunch. Members of the Committee include Al Hart, Roscha Belfor, Carl Shible, Jack Shaitman and Syl Weindling.
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The Jewish Community Center’s Single Adults are planning a cook-out on Sept. 8, at the Silver Strand Recreation Beach. All interested people are invited and asked to contact Mollie Kutler at CY-8-5250 for reservations.
The group will meet at the Center at 11:00 a.m. and transportation will be arranged for those who require it. Members of the Committee include Helen Chavin, Ann Belfor, Jack Levenberg, Louis Kramer, Seymour Doran, Phylaine Sherman and Betty Husted, coordinator.
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‘Brain Washing’ Next for ‘Coffee Chats’
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 6, 1957, Page 4
Much used and abused yet little understood, Brainwashing will be the subject for discussion at National Council of Jewish Women’s Coffee Chat Thursday, September 19, at 8 p.m. at Mission Valley Country Club, according to Chairman Mrs. Simon Reznikoff.
Vividly describing brainwashing methods and effects among the American GI’s who fell into Communist Chinese hands, a tape recording prepared by Army psychiatrist Major W. E. Meyer will be featured in the program. Release by the United States Army in an effort to strengthen the convictions of the individual soldier regarding the Fighting Man’s Code, the recording is informative.
Bot the recording and the topic of brainwashing in a more general sense will then be discussed by a panel of experts. Includes in the panel will be:
Dr. Clarence E. Fishburn, assistant professor in education at San Diego State, and president of the San Diego Post of American Ex-Prisoners of War; Dr. Ned V. Joy, assistant professor of political science at State College; Dr. Charles Manucia, formerly chief clinical psychologist at the Naval Hospital and now in local private practice; Col. Lloyd Walker Jr., chairman of division of Air Science “ROTC” at STate College. Mrs. Herbert Reder, Vice-President, is in charge.
President Mrs. Herbert Robbins extends an invitation to all to attend this timely and vital meeting. Coffee Chats, held monthly in hte evening are open to the public. Following the program, dessert and coffee are served for 50c per person.
For reservations call Mrs. Lester Kraus, BRowning 7-3206.
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City of Hope Aux. To Honor Gotkins
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 6, 1957, Page 4
On Tuesday, Sept. 17th, at Beth Jacob Center, the City of Hope Auxiliary will honor Mr. Sol Gotkin on his 65th birthday with a luncheon for his many years of service and generous contributions to the City of Hope Medical Center. Sol and Liz Gotkin are one of the husband and wife teamswho have been the backbone of our Auxiliary and prior to their residence in San Diego they were stalwart workers for the City of Hope in Los Angeles and San Pedro. Luncheon will be served at 12 noon and a regular meeting will follow. All friends of Sol Gotkin and the City of Hope are urged to attend.
President Ruth Aronoff thanks the community for its help in making our recent picnic sjuch a success.
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Yo-Ma-Co
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 6, 1957, Page 4
Plans are complete for the annual Yom-Kippur Dance sponsored by the Yo-Ma-Co Club, to be held Saturday night October 5 at the El Cortez Hotel’s Cotillion Room. The dance promises to be the outstanding social event of the year, with a top dance band on hand,.
Committee Chairman Sid Steckel and Milt Kossy are making all the arrangements. Tickets can be purchased through any Yo–Ma-Co member. The only meeting of the Club in September is scheduled for Wednesday the 11th at 9 p.m.
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Jolly Sixteen Club
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 6, 1957, Page 4
Mrs. Abe Bard, Chairman of the Jolly Sixteen’s Candlelight Dinner-Dance, announced that the big event will be held on November 9, 8 p.m., Don Room, El Cortez, instead of the previous date mentioned, which conflicted with the dance being held by the B’nai B’rith Weinberger Lodge.
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Judy Aved Hostess For Armed Services
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 6, 1957, Page 4
It was announced by Morris W. Douglas, Chairman that Miss Judy Aved, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Aved, has been appointed Junior Hostess Representative on the Jewish Welfare Board Armed Services Committee of San Diego.
Judy has been an active leader among the Junior Hostesses, representing them at Board meetings and acting as chairman for many of their social activities.
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New Massage Parlor Opens at S.D. Hotel
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 6, 1957, Page 4
George Solberg, former masseur at the Mission Valley Country Club announces the opening of his own Massage Parlor at the Hotel San Diego. More than 30,000 dollars has been spent to make this the most modern and beautiful place on the West Coast. Containing steam and dry heat rooms, and minieral tub baths it also offers oil and alcohol rubs and sunlamp. George invited all his friends to visit him and inspect the new facilities.
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Sisterhood To Hold Membership Luncheon
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 6, 1957, Page 4
Tifereth Israel Sisterhood will hold their annual membership luncheon on Thursday, September 12, at 12:00 noon at Tifereth Israel Synagogue.
Their program promises to be of “World-Wide” interest to both Sisterhood members of long standing, as well as to all newcomers to San Diego. The new members will be active participants in this presentation.
The newly elected officers who will serve for the coming year will be: President: Mrs. Luis Feller; Membership Vice President, Mrs. Morris Hirsch; Ways and Means Vice President, Mrs. Harold Barad; Cultural Vice President, Mrs. Joe Singer; Program Vice President, Mrs. Victor Weiss; Recording Sec’y, Mrs. Jonas Feurzeig; Corresponding Sec’y, Mrs. Stanley Foster; Financial Sec’y, Mrs. Al Young; Treasurer, Mrs. Leonard Effron; Auditor, Mrs. Isadore Teacher.
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Time is running out. Don’t forget your family picture included in your personalized Greeting Cards, for the High Holidays. They’re catching on like wildfire. Have you yours? For appointments call: CY 8-3466.
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“Americana” Theme Of Fashion Show
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 6, 1957, Page 4
The S.D. Chapter of Hadassah will climax their membership teas with an exciting presentation of “Americana” personified in the fashion designs of award winning Designer Luis Estevez. The fashion show and luncheon will be held on Wednesday, September 18, in the Palm Room of the U.S. Grant Hotel.
Mrs. Morton Thaler, President, issues an invitation to any woman in the community to attend. Anyone interested in joining Hadassah is welcome to attend as a guest of the local chapter.
General Co-Chairmen for the event are Mmes. Harry Felson and David Block. Reservations may be made by phoning Mrs. Al Slayen, at HO-3-3752 or Mrs. John Ruskin, AT-1-6802.
The theme for the luncheon decorations and show will be the golden eagle which Estevez uses for his “signature” on all his fashions. Mmes Alan Raffee and George Burnett will be in charge of the decorations committee.
The lucky winner of the door prize will receive an Estevez creation. Please make reservations as soon as possible.
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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.