The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1943-05-29
APOLLO GROUP
Wins H0N0RS.
With. PLAYS
Orga nized Six Years
Ago BY Teacher
At Miller
By RUSS J. COWANs

The little theatre groups, once
nourishing in q lush Geld OF finan-
cial support, withered and faded
during the years of depression
when purse strings were drawn
tight. But there's one groep. born
in the waning days Of the depres-
sion. that weathered the storm Of
illnesses besetting youngsters and
Is now roaring along rs a robust
and lusty young organization.
The Apollo Players Of Franklin
Settlement. a group Of neighbo. hood
boys and girls with dramatic in
clinations, afford the distinctive
example OF what can be accomp-
lished through application Of hard
labor and long hours. Organized six
years ago under the direction of
Alvin D. Loving, English, speech
and former dramatic teacher at the
Miller high school, the Apollo
Players have made rapid strides
during the intervening years.
Wins Wide Fame
These young players, flushed with
keen desire to give expression TO
dramatic feelings, have not only
won city-wide recognition as re-
suit Of their work in Detroit, but
have established their fame in other
cities. particularly in Cleveland
where they gave two performances,
In addition to their performances
at Detroit's Institute OF Arts. OlyIp-
pia. Cass Technical high school,
Franklin Settlement Dodge Com
munity Center. and. radio Stations
WWJ and VJBK, they have enter
tanned audiences ia Windsor. Ont,
their last appearances there being
at the Capital theatre in a midnight
performance May l. part Of the
Chinese relief.
The initial performances of the
players, shortly after the inception
OF the club. was a dramatic skit,
"Everybody's Crazy Now" which
vas done in the school auditorium
before a capacity audience. includ-
ing q member Of the Franklin Set
Element who extended An invitation
to the group p give a repeat per-
Torrance atrNe settlement. This re-
peat performance was the begin
ming Of a career that il studded
with brillihncy.
Most OF those IN ne Arst Der.
tormance were In the graduating
class Of that year. Others were In
vited to Join the group. and all Of
them have been with the group
ever since.
The players won the Intersettle.
ment Dramatic Festival In their
nrst year with a sparkling portrayal
o: their original skit. They have
won the prize twice since. In add
ton, they have won the Delta Sig.
ma Theta Jabberwock twice, lS4i
and l943. capturing the honor il
1892 with God Forbid" written by
James Lawrence, a member OF The
/ cast. and Crazy, Amt It. writer
Nv the members Of the cast, wa.
awarde first place at the 1913 Jab'
herwock.
Fifteen In Group
There are about Is members il
the group. including The sever
original members - John Banks
Lydia Porter, James Lawrence
Dorothy Quaker, General McDufy
Robert Winston and Ruth Askev
who later won a place with TIT
floor show at Club Congo.
Endowed with a strong dramsti,
inclination, most OF the players de
] vote long hours OF rehearsing afte
long hours Of work. For ;nst"nce
Mss Quarker is employed al Grea
Lakes Mutla! Insurance compan.
as Office worker. James Banks j
an Inspector in a defense plant, ant
Lydia Porter Is beat tician. Jan,
Caldwell works in the Office Of tn
Supreme Linen Supply, Miles Fai
son. baritone. is studying music. H
is the father OF four children an,
employed in defense plants Will
another is al sttendant az gaSo
lire station. One girl IL a dress
maker.
one of the outstanding per
.o-mances given by the Apoli
PLAYERS was "Csyalcade Of Stars