The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-08-18
Playground Echoes
DUGGAN

The minstrel show presented at Duggan gymnasium last evening by the children of Duggan play ground will have to be repeated. The presentation was received en- Enthusiastically by crowd of more than six hundred people. The close of each number brought about an applause that endangered the roof of the building and despite the fact that the cast was amateur the characters done their parts as well as more seasoned performers. v When the curtain rose one of the most beautiful scenes imaG- inGbl greeted the audience. The ackcround consisted of flags on , White setting. The children were a'tired in pretty costumes. The girls wore blue skirts with white blouses while the boys, blue suits. Miss Anne Brickhern who presld- ed as mistress of ceremonies was attired in white sports dress with q corresponding red blouse. Miss : Brickner introduced the various members of the company in splen- did fashion.
 ,s The opening song by the chorus was a encouragement of the tune a "Anchors Aweigh" and it was of sfered by the chorus consisting of forty voices. Helen Albino then held the spotlight as she offered "Over Somebody Else's Shoulder" !, The Misses Ruth, Irene and Edith |! Jones presented a novelty tap < dance that won considerable ap- z plause and then thunderous greet i5ing was extended the end men, Patsy and Paul Revere, Eddie 7 -Coachcala, and Patsy Albino as they ap~eared in the rear of the hall in thcir comic getups. The comedians pleased the crowd dur ling the remainder of the perform ancc, appearing from the wings at various intervals.
 Mss Helen Rocco then sang Why Don't You Practice What You Preach" and she was forced to sing again. "Shanty, in Old sShanty Town" by Lorraine Clem- Yente was good. Pink Elephants" sby Helen Clsmente was decided Unit. One of the high spots on the Sbill followed when Agnes Grey and Eddie Cocchiola told about that sssFunny Melody and drew rounds Of laughter from the audience. Miss Mary and Albert Graveline, local favoritcs appeared and to- sgether they presented, If l Only Had Somebody To Love-" and the applause was so great that the children were brought back several times.
 Mary Mitsche presented another snappy dance number in pleasing fashion, and she was followed by Joseph Tartaglia who rendered. True" Ralph Passara then held the attention with a group of man. dolin selections. A skit entitled Dancing that is Dancing was next with Edith Comardo as the principal. The Iroquois Quartette then appeared and sang several numbers, With My Hat on the Side of My Head" was presented in pleasing style by Helen Urkeaie.
 Albert Gravelin was brought back into the spotlight to sing Tn the Valley of the Moon" Albert has been frequently heard singing over Connecticut radio stations and both he and his sister Mary who sang, Little Man You've Had Busy Day" will appear at WATR on next Saturday morning and judging from their success < last evening they will have a large audience.
 Jean Martin and Edna Lag dauskas appeared and offered a dance speciality and they, too, were given a great ovation. An Italian Song" as per Patsy Albino was quite humorous, little Jean Brickner stole the thunder with her rendition of This Little Piggy" she was a cute youngster and the same may be stated of her voice. Little Miss Brickner was called back to repeat several times. Then the Duggan school girls fol- lies appeared and ten girls com prising the chorus and dancers done a clog that would be the envy of professional performers. The closing number, again a parodiddy on 'Anchors Aweigh" brought to close one of the most pleasing of minstrel shows ever shown to gathering in the city.
 The cast was directed by Cliff McHale, supervisor of recreation at Duggan playground, and who