Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
To See Or not To See
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 11, 1954, page 4
By Berenice Soule
This Hurts Me—In the “cultural center” 140 miles to the north, a theatrephile can see this summer: “The Seven Year Itch” with Eddie Bracken; the four prize winner, “Picnic”; Yul Brynner in “The King and I”; the New York City Ballet presenting 5 different programs from July 5 through August 15; “Carmen” with stars of the Met and the N.Y. City Opera Co., and “The Mikado.”
The Theatre Guild, bringing “The Seven Year Itch” will present five other hits, among them very likely, “St. Joan,” “Tea and Sympathy,” with Deborah Kerr; “Oh, Men! Oh, Women”; and “The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker.”
It’s not too much to expect that some of these shows would travel down to this “suburb” of L.A. if we had adequate housing for them. A suitable theatre in San Diego would encourage greater attendance among local residents and attract many more of those tourist dollars everyone is out for.
It’s time we stopped thinking of San Diego in the terms of the small town it was twenty years ago. A population increase isn’t the only requirement of a big city; that larger population must be given at least the advantages it would receive in other cities of comparable size. It’s interesting to note that Berlin—with its practicably insurmountable task of rebuilding—is building an auditorium and Ankara, Turkey, with a population of about 400,000 is also erecting one.
“The Heiress”—A community theatre group has the right and a duty to its participant to produce drama yet fail to do more often because of audience disinterest. Amateurs most often find comedy the best medium if pleasing the public is the goal.
Rarely can a small group produce a drama as emotionally moving and as sensitively touching as one expects from professionals but the Coronado Players with “The Heiress” proved it’s not impossible. The tragedy in this drama arises from tensions created by innate temperament antagonisms not from dramatic action, thus it depends almost entirely on character definition.
Much of the praise must go to Elinor Canedy and Bill Roesch for the finely drawn interpretations of their roles which sustained the necessary mood throughout. Selden Hooper was properly hateful as the unloving father and Arline Fort Detyens was well cast as the sentimental aunt.
In a bit part, Bettye Pack was delightful to watch and no doubot will be seen in larger roles. Other members of the excellent cast were Marie Durland, Lucille Parsons, Pat Twelvetrees and Jeanne Curcio.
Mabel Chamberlain deserves the credit for the lovely 1850 costumes, all of which were designed and made by her or under her direction.
Summer and Suds—One can never accuse the Coronado Players of not knowing when they’ve got a good thing – for this year again their summer attraction will be the ever hilarious ‘Suds in Your Eye,” scheduled to open at the Playhouse on the Strand July 8.
Appointment – John Robert Clarke of the “Adventures in Living” series has received a spring appointment at San Diego State College to conduct the senior Shakespeare course and other classes of Dr. Frank Johnson, popular State College professor currently on sick leave.
Star Light Opener – “Oklahoma” enters its final rehearsal stages tonight to ready itself for a July 1 opening. While, for the past few months, cast member of all five Star-Light musicals to be produced this summer have been working, now, everything they’ve got will be poured into readying the opening show.
Star-Light dancing, under the direction of Marguerite Ellicott, has always been excellent and costuming superior as handled by Nemecia Ascarate Dean. “Oklahoma” will prove both a fertile ground and a challenge in these fields so we expect great things from Miss Ellicott and Mrs. Dean.
Home Talent – Charles Jeffers, familiar with every back-stage job and who this side of the backdrop has carried spears and leading roles, has grown into one of San Diego’s most talented young men. He will serve as dramatic director of “Babes in Toyland,” the Park and Recreation Department’s summer operetta.
Jeff has been studying drama at the University of South Carolina and word has drifted back that’s he’s earning honors there, too.
Extra-Curricular—Vincent Price, co-starring in “The Winslow Boy” with Dorothy McGuire for La Jolla Playhouse this summer, is scheduled to appear in San Francisco and read the Declaration of Independence for an Israel Bond Drive dinner this month.
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Raasche to Appear for Group June 20
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 11, 1954, page 4
Fresh from her European triumphs and a successful Los Angeles concert, folk singer Raasche will appear for the Pioneer Negba Club Dinner on June 20. Her songs include music from four historic epochs: Biblical; and prophetic, the Diaspora, including the Ladino, or Judio-Spanish period; the ingathering of the folk and return to the homeland; and contemporary Israel music.
The Chicago-born contralto’s performances in Paris and London last winter proved the surprise sensation of the season. She is a former star of Borschteapades” and the “Hour of Israel” radio show and has sung extensively for USO and hospital tours.
‘Winslow Boy’ Set for La Jolla June 29
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 11, 1954, page 4
Dorothy McGuire, beloved member of the Board of Producers of La Jolla Playhouse, will launch this summer’s series co0starring with Vincent Price in Terence Rattigan’s “The Winslow Boy.”
“The Winslow Boy,” the first of five plays scheduled for the eighth season of La Jolla Playhouse, will open Tuesday, June 29 and will run through Saturday, July 10.
In addition to announcing the first production, John Swope, executive producer, revealed that at lest two of this summer’s plays will be current New York comedy hits, in keeping with the pattern set last summer when La Jolla patrons saw “My Three Angels” and “Dial M for Murder,” while they were still being produced on Broadway. Specific announcements as to the two New York hit will be made withi a few days.
Tickets to “The Winslow Boy” and other individual plays of the season will go on general sale Monday morning, June 14, at the box office.
Phil Silver explains politics this way: “Politicians shouldn’t be so haughty. … after all, today’s President is tomorrow’s three cent stamp.”
J.W.V. Auxiliary Garden Tea Planned for Members
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 11, 1954, page 5
A membership tea is being planned by Jr. Vice-Pres Sophie Silberman and her committee for the JWVA 185. It will be held in the garden of the home of Henrietta Cohen at 4565 Norma Drive, on Tuesday, June 29, at 1:30 p.m.
A speaker from the Department of California JWVA in Los Angeles will be present to outline the important work of JWVA. Entertainment will be in the form of a skit performed by members of the auxiliary, and directed by Eva Finn.
Refreshments will be prepared and served by members of the committee and board. A very cordial invitation to attend is extended to the Jewish women of our community who are eligible for membership by being mother, wife, sister, or daughter of a veteran or serviceman of the United States of America Armed Forces. For reservations or information please call Atwater 1-8735, Atwater 2-6677.
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City of Hope Aux
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 11, 1954, page 5
Did you see the huge picture of Gov. Goodwin J. Knight in the June 1st edition of the L.A. Examiner, signing up his 2-year-old granddaughter, April Eaton, as California first City of Hope Little Helper?
Cowboy star Roy Rogers, who is sponsoring the campaign, signs each Little Helper’s membership card—each member also receives a pin. Anyone interested in signing up their children or grandchildren contact our President Ethel Berwin.
Our next luncheon meeting will be on June 15th at the Beth Jacob Center -12 noon. Anna Lazarowitz and Muriel Strauss are Chairmen for the luncheon.
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Del Mar Track Is Open July 27
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 11, 1954, page 5
DEL MAR, Calif., June 10 – An imposing total of 87 swift 2-year-olds have been kept eligible for the seventh running of the $25,000 added Del Mar Futurity, highlight of the summer meeting “where the turf meets the surf,” it was announced today by General Manager Clive H. Becker. Del Mar’s season begins July 27.
The Futurity, famed as one of the nation’s outstanding classics for juveniles, will be presented on Del Mar’s closing day, Sept. 11, and is expected to have a gross value close to $50,000.
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Bay City B.B. Women
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 11, 1954, page 5
The time has come when once again thoughts of outdoor living and garden parties are foremost and in keeping with the trend Bay City B’nai B’rith Chapter has set aside Thursday, June 17th as the day for their garden party.
This event, to be held at the home of Mrs. David Schloss, 4525 48th St., is being sponsored by the members of the board and is chaired by the 3 past presidents, Mrs. Schloss, Mrs. Sanford Sack and Mrs. Harold Garvin.
The luncheon will be served at 12:00 noon, with cards, Mah Jong, etc., to follow. A donation of $1.25, the proceeds to be used for the many B’nai B’rith philanthropies, locally and otherwise, will entitle one to a most enjoyable afternoon.
The luncheon is open to all members and friends and reservations may be made with Mrs. Addis, AT-2-6274, or Mrs. Elkin, HO-6-5950.
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Internal Immigration Offsets Newcomer Drop in Israel
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 11, 1954, page 5
JERUSALEM—Immigration from all countries has slowed town to a negligible number, but internal immigration has added to the population rate at the rate of 30,000 births a year.
Only 11,800 immigrants came to Israel in 1953, and the umber has decreased this year, with only 3,000 arriving through June.
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Mexican Vacation Spa Popular With Americans
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 11, 1954, page 5
San Jose de Purua, the wonder spa of the western world, offers an ideal vacation spot for San Diegans. Located about 115 miles from Mexico City, the resort is easily accessible by air from Tijuana. The retreat boasts an ideal all year climate—of great importance to summer vacationists—because it is situated at an altitude of 4300 feet with an average temperature of 71.6 degrees, varying less than 10 degrees throughout the year.
The food at San Jose de Purua is an epicurean delight, highly recommended by international travelers. The resort has four swimming pools, one of which is reserved for children, and in addition provides bath houses for individual radio-active spring baths, staffed by skilled attendants and a competent physician.
Information about San Jose de Purua, and all Mexican resorts, may be obtained from the Mexico Travel Service, 740 E. St., San Diego.
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Home of Peace Mausoleum Sanctified
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 11, 1954, page 5
The Memorial Day Services, held at Cypress View Mausoleum on May 30 , were highlighted by the dedication of the Home of Peace Mausoleum and Chapel. Rabbi Morton J. Cohn and Cantor Julian Miller conducted the services, with Mack Esterson and Sol Stone taking part.
Members of the Committee responsible for the completion of the beautiful new Mausoleum were Morris W. Douglas, Ben Rubin, Henry Weinberger, and Dr. Robert M. Stone.
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Danny Kaye: The meaning of a kiss: To a young girl … faith; to a woman … hope; to an old maid … charity.”
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“Adventures in Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our indexed “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history.