When we did it in high school, our Ali Hakim was Italian American--a guy by the name of Dan Castellaneta. And our Laurey was also Italian American--she went by the name Mary Mastrantonio (she added the Elizabeth, her middle name, when she started performing professionally). Our Dream Laurey was Greek American, with the lovely name Helene Alexopoulos (I doubt many high schools had a Dream Laurey who was studying with Maria Tallchief and would go on to be a soloist with the New York City Ballet). I, alas, was only in the chorus (though I had a name--"Chalmers"--and played the fiddle break for the dance in "The Farmer and the Bowman"). I did get to pair up briefly for the walk-on for the "Many a New Day," escorting another chorus member on for her to serve as back-up--her name was Kathy Griffin. She had fiery red hair and a tongue to match. Wonder what ever happened to any of these folk?
Yes, it was a suburban public high school--west of Chicago--back when towns were willing to pay school taxes to support the arts! |
