From the Pit

It has been common practice to categorize the Radcliffe girl as intelligent, occasionally attractive, but generally plain. As one wag put it, "You only look at a Radcliffe girl once." This has been modified somewhat recently, but the second annual "Drumbeats and Song" production in Sanders Theatre Friday night presented something entirely new. There are those among the Annex group who are talented.

For the first time it is possible to discuss the affair without particular reference to the Harvard Band. This is not to say that the Band was not excellent, for Malcolm Holmes and his musicians turned in their usual top-notch job. From "Carousel" to the "National Emblem" march, the Band showed the versatility, poise, and ability which people have praised for many years. The band was as good as everyone thought it would be, which is about all you can say about the band.

But the other portion of the program, "Annexdotes," was a surprise. Here, an assembly of people, many of whom had never performed on the stage before, put on one of the finest musical performances Harvard has ever seen. The program had only one failing, and that was the 45 minute time limit.

The two star performers were Nancy Fisher '54 and Genevieve Murray '51. Miss Fisher, a comedienne whose style is similar to that of Nancy Walker, is new on the local scene. It is sad to report, however, that Miss Murray's talents have been wasted for three years.

The producers of the extravaganza were extremely fortunate in securing the services of Robert Ashenhurst '50, a summa graduate in Physics, who wrote the music and lyrics and collaborated with Georgianna Davis '51 on the book. Although his lyrics were schmalzy at times, the overall work was excellent: light, witty, and highly melodious. Mr. Ashenhurst has done a similar interlude for a freshman smoker and also an original work for WHRB, but has never had a full-length musical produced. Which brings us to the heart of this piece.

It seems a shame that the principals and producers were limited to a one-shot performance of such short duration. There has been no male-female original musical production at Harvard within recent memory, although such things as the Pudding show have gone over exceptionally well. The talent is definitely here, and waiting for the opportunity.

Approximate production costs for the "Annexdotes" section of Friday night's program were $35. The 1236 seats in Sanders were sold out, and aside from the publicity, the hiring of the hall, the dance afterwards, and the 20 percent of the gross receipts which went to the Band, all the money went to the Radcliffe Student Government's "Grant-in-Aid" Fund. People have suggested that the affair should have run for two nights, but I do not believe that this is the best solution. What is needed is an expanded production of the original musical comedy. If the Student Government wishes to raise money for its scholarship program, there is no reason why it couldn't sponsor two affairs, a band concert and a musicale.

Mr. Ashenhurst has expressed an interest in developing the theme which he handled so well. Such songs as "My Little Radcliffe Girl," "I Know What Little Girls Are Made Of," and "Bluestocking Blues" could well serve as the basis for a new production, but development of the plot would be required. Miss Davis' chorus line, the "Miss Demeanors," should definitely remain, for although Miss Davis admits that she has only seen one chorus line perform, the group danced with night-club precision.

The elements are all there. The people are willing, and all that is needed is a little push from the right place.