The News from Frederick, Maryland • Page 9

By Richard Lebherz Kreeger Offers Best American Play Of 1971 The House of Blue Leaves by John Guare with Roy Shuman, Gary Bayer, Leslie Cass, Dorothea Hammond, Jill Eikenberry, Grayce Grant, Madelyn Coleman, Phyllis Somerville, Howard Witt, directed by Norman Gevanthor at the Kreeger in Washington thru Feb. 20th. "THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES" IS ONE OF THE, MOST BRILLIANT AND ORIGINAL PLAYS that I have seen in quite sometime. I regret to say that its author, John Guare, is new to me, even though he has been winning awards in New York with annual frequency. Last year, for instance, he won the New York Critics Award, the Obie Award, and the Outer Critics Award for "The House of Blue Leaves." This season, if you should go to New York to see the musical version of "Two Gentlemen of Verona," you will find John Guare's talented hand Leslie Cass as Bunny fills her overshoes with paper, so that her feet won't get too cold waiting to see Pope Paul drive by on his visit to America in 1965.

Leslie is one of the many excellent actors in "The House oi Blue Leaves" now playing at the Kreeger thru Feb. 20. (Photo by Fletcher Drake) at work as the lyricist and co-adapter. There is little doubt that "Two Gentlemen" will harvest itself quite a few awards next year. It seems that while we have been lamenting the future of the American theatre, young, new, vigorous playwrights like John.Guare and Michael Weller, who wrote "Moonchildren," have been doing the opposite.

They have been creating and pushing new creative energies into a theatre whose veins have become hardened from the lack of it. John Guare's humor, his depth of understanding for the contemporary American (and human being) is quite something to absorb. The Arena Stage has given it quite a lavish production with a set designed by Santo Loquasto, who gave us such an exciting set in "Pantaglese." Arena offers us a cast that dazzles, and a director, Norman Gevanthor, who has added dimensions, no doubt, to the over-all effect of the production. "The House of Blue Leaves" deals with one day in the life of the Shaughnessy family, such as it is. They live in Queens and the day is October 4th, 1965.

That particular day, if you can recall it, was a momentous day for Catholics here in America, because it was the first time in American history that a Roman Pontiff ever sat his satin-slippered foot on American soil. He arrived at Kennedy International Airport in the heart of Brooklyn. In a two-hour motorcade, he made his way to Cardinal Spellman's residence in Manhattan while over three million people lined the streets and highways to behold his crimson vision. It was a day, to say the least, of hope for many. It was as if a new sun was shining in the sky and truly, the clouds were painted with sunshine.

Using this visit as a springboard, Guare takes us into the bosom of an American family (somehow or other it reminded me so much of what was left of the family in "You Can't Take It With The Shaughnessys are what is. left of human beings who live in a society that lives off of illusions about itself and each other. Their only hope is that their illusions will come true. Staring them in the face is the horrible fact that it is their nightmares that are coming true. Their illusions have taken the place of oxygen.

They breathe them in and out with the same desperate regularity. Artie Shaughnessy (Roy Shuman) for instance, writes songs and works in a zoo. His wife, Bananas (Dorothea Hammond) has lost her mind. He has found a mistress Bunny Flingus (Leslie Cass) in a women's Turkish bath, practically raped her, only to find that her cooking was better than her sexual responses. At least, Bunny says that she's a better cook than a lay.

These two plan to put Bananas into a mental institution and fly off to Hollywood where an old friend, Billy Einhorn (Howard Witt) can give him a break. Billy is a successful Hollywood director and has recently lost a wife. Into this unbelievable situation comes Pope Paul. He is invading America in many little ways, (like television) and he has upset the normal routine in New York until the strain begins to tell on its inhabitants. Nuns steal field-glasses from their Mother Superiors, and run off to stand o.n the curbs like pregnant black crows.

With Bunny at his side, Artie calls Billy in Hollywood, tells him that he is leaving Bananas and is coming out with Bunny 'o make- new life for himself. The Shaughnessys have one son, Ronnie, who they believe is in the Army but instead, he is hiding in his room with two hand grenades. It is his intention to blowup Pope Paul. Gary Bayer is exceptionally good as Ronnie Shaughnessy who knows more than he tells, and does more than he knows. "The House of Blue Leaves" has all the madness of a Feydeau comedy, which means it is usually difficult to verbally recreate so many endless funny situations.

So I will simply say that John Guare's unexpected humor provides unbelievable and daring situations, like the arrival of Corrina Stroller (Jill Eikenberry) a glamorous Hollywood star, who we discover, is as deaf as a post unless she has her transistor hearing aid on, promptly loses her transistors, and consequently, never hears a word of what is going on around her. Eventually, Bananas, who must take constant tranquilizers to calm herself, mistakenly swallows Corrina's hearing aid or transistors, I could never tell which. Jill Eikenberry, by the way, is giving the best performance that I have ever seen her give at the Arena. She is also on her way up to New York to appear in "Moonchildren," along with Howard Witt, who is the Hollywood director in this play. I was completely dazzled by the extraordinary abilities that John Guare offered us in "The House of Blue Leaves." He is original, American, and oddly optimistic.

And this play gives us a glimpse into the future of American theatre that is honest, solid and funny. REMEMBERING THE CO CANAL THE WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS LAUNCHES THE NEW YEAR WITH A SPECIAL EXHIBITION designed to attract area historians and conservationists, as well as an appreciative, art loving public. John Louis Wellington, 1878-1965, was foremost a Cumberland, Maryland banker whose hobby and greatest joy was in painting. In later years this early hobby became his all-consuming interest. Denied the formal training he wished, and largely self-taught, he spent his vacations taking instruction in various phases of art.

He enjoyed working with other artists in such summer colonies as Cape Cod, Provincetown and the Berkshires, and the winter one at Sarasota. He was truly a native artist, capturing the architecture, country side, and life of the people of his period and area in hundreds of sketches and paintings. His aim was excellence; he would make numerous studies of the same subject, searching always to interpret faithfully what he felt and saw to the best of his ability. Wellington was forced to retire from business by a severe stroke in 1939 which left his right side paralyzed and speaking almost impossible. Despite this tragic handicap, which would have ended the career of a lesser man, he felt compelled to continue with his art, however, training his left hand to replace the skill of his right.

During this period he mastered the difficult medium of water colors. The present exhibition is a specially selected group of paintings which graphically traces the rise and decline of the CO Canal from Cumberland, Maryland, 184 miles east along the Potomac River to Georgetown. It is particularly noteworthy that the Canal itself, though no longer a mainstream of interstate commerce, is still very much alive today. Its future is of great concern to many private citizens, historically oriented people, conservationists, and the National Park Service, a branch of the U. S.

Government Department of Interior. The latter, through the Antietam CO Canal group is developing elaborate long-range plans for the future enjoyment of the Canal by visitors of generations yet uncounted. A portion of the exhibition has been installed on the mezzanine of the Washington County Free Library. Consisting of forty photographs, this portion of the Wellington exhibition traces his excursion down the Canal in 1912 by motor launch and documents important sights along the way. Additional Canal artifacts are arranged through the courtesy of the Washington County Historical Society.

The exhibition opened with a Members' Preview and Reception, Wednesday evening, January 5, from 8-10 p.m. Other special programs planned during the exhibition include: January 16: Films: The CO Canal THE MAGNIFICENT DITCH, TOWPATHS WEST, 2 p.m. January 23: THE CO CANAL REMEMBERED Slide presentation by George Hooper Wolfe author, historian and lecturer on Canal history. Followed by a discussion of John Wellington and the Canal by a panel of guests including Mr. Wolfe; Gordon G.

Swan, grandson of the artist; C. William Gilchrist, Cumberland attorney and longtime friend of the artist; and W. Dean McClanahan, Superintendent, Antietam- CO Canal Group, National Park Service, Dept. of Interior, 3p.m. January 30: Gallery Talk: MAN AND HIS ENVIRONMENT: IN CONFLICT, 2p.m.

All Museum activities are offered free of charge and the public is invited to participate. The exhibition will be on view thru Jan. 30. TITLE IS CHANGED HOLLYWOOD (AP) "We Pointed 'Em North," a western drama, has been changed to "The Culpepper Cuttle Co." The film stars Gary Gimes, Billy Bush and Geoffrey Lewis. "RAID" IN ARIZONA NEW YORK (AP) Robert Aldrich will direct Lancaster in Ruid." to bo filmed skirting late January in Arizona.

Aldrich first directed Lancaster in "Apache" in 1951, then in 1953. Miss Draper, Jonathan Gormer Exchange Nuptial Vows Miss Fonda Ann Draper, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Draper, Wolfsville, became the bride of Jonathan L.

Gormer, son of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Gormer of Cumberland on Dec. 23, at Salem United Methodist Wolfsville.

The Rev. John W. Schildt, former pastor of the bride, officiated the double ring ceremony. Mrs. Evelyn Grossnickle, Myersville, was organist.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a floor length gown of white mossette crepe. The stand-up collar and high waisted bodice trimmed with embroidered lace roses and tiny buttons. The same lace trimmed the wide cuffs of the long full sleeves and bordered her long veil of nylon illusion. She carried a white Bible topped with a corsage of yellow rosebuds, variegated holly and yellow streamers. Her only jewelry was an heirloom cameo necklace, a gift of the groom.

Maid of honor was Miss Terrie Hess of Taneytown. Her gown of sea green mossette crepe was styled like the bride's, but long narrow sleeves and slit neckline. Her bow headpiece was of the same material. She carried a single long stemmed yellow rose with variegated holly and streamers. Both gowns and headpieces were designed by the bride.

Charles Zang of Frostburg was best man. Ushers were Jerry Draper, brother of the bride, and Mark Draper, cousin of the bride, both of Wolfsville. For her daughter's wedding, Mrs. Draper wore a tan knit dress with dark brown accessories and a gold cymbidium corsage. Mrs.

Gormer chose a red two-piece wool suit, black accessories, and a pink cymbidium corsage. Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the church Family Section SOCffTY, Mrs. Jonathan L. Gormer social room. Assisting were Donna Dodson, i Jeanne Hessong, Wolfsville; Arlone Kriss, Baltimore; and Phyllis Lawson, Hagerstown.

Mrs. Glenna Moser of Middletown, aunt of the bride, presided at the guest book. The bride is a graduate of Middletown High School and a 1971 graduate of Frostburg State College. She is teaching mathematics at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School, Frederick.

The groom is a graduate of Fort Hill High School, Cumberland, and recently completed his studies at Frostburg State College. Prior to the wedding, a miscellaneous shower was given in honor of the bride by Miss Hess. The newlyweds are residing near Myersville. Monday, January 17, 1972 Page A-8 Mardi Gras Ticket Sale Set For Weds. Mrs.

William C. Hobson, chairman of the llth annual Mardi Gras, has announced the date of ticket and table sales for the gala event, to be held in the National Guard Armory on Feb. 12. Wednesday, Jan. 19 will be the first opportunity for Frederick County residents to purchase their tickets and-or tables.

There are no advance sales of tables, even to members of the Frederick Woman's Civic Club which sponsors the ball. All sales will be made from Steiner House at the corner of West Patrick and Jefferson Streets, from 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person, and tables are $25. Although tables are expected to sell out immediately, tickets will be available from Mrs.

Richard L. Hargett at 1 Catoctin Avenue. Proceeds from the dance are used in a variety of community service projects undertaken by the Civic Club and are also used to maintain the historic Steiner House. Mrs. Hobson also indicated that everything is in order for a really gala festival of Mardi Gras this year.

The Queen will be Miss Beth Rhoderick of Grove Hill, and the kings are: Paul Stull of Walkersville, King of Myrrh; Don Hiltner of Frederick, King of Frankincense; and King Rex is Robert Alexander, the King of Gold. Once again a capacity crowd is expected to join in the fun of Mardi Gras. Miss Vicki Lynn Tyeryar Miss Tyeryar Miss Carolyn S. Cooper Miss Cooper Engaged To Marry To Mr. Perry Mr.

Working Mr. and Mrs. William M. Ty- eryar, RFD 5, Clifton Road, announce the engagement of their daughter, Vicki Lynn, to Gurnon F. Working; Frederick, son of Mr.

and Mrs. Gurnon 0. Working, Sabillasville. Miss Tyeryar, a 171 graduate of Gov. Thomas Johnson High School, and her fiancee, a 1968 graduate of ThurmontHigh School, are employed by the Farmers and Mechanics National Bank, Frederick.

A February wedding is planned. Contributors Please Note! If you wish engagement, wedding or anniversary pictures after they have appeared in the paper, they may be picked up in the editorial room of the News-Post, from Mrs. Harper or Mrs. Frank. Please see that pictures submitted are BLACK and WHITE, and as large of the SUBJECT as possible.

(Engagement pictures can be wallet size.) Mr. and Mrs. Clark S. Cooper of Gaithersburg announce the engagement of their daughter, Carolyn Sandra to Richard Bentz Perry son of Mr. and Mrs.

Perry, also of Gaithersburg. Miss Cooper graduated from Gaithersburg High School and received her BS degree in nursing from West Virginia Wesleyan College. She is employed by Suburban Hospital. Mr. Perry is a graduate of Gaithersburg High School and is a senior at Salisbury State College working toward his BS in math.

No date has been set for the wedding. THE CLOCK AND SILVER SHOP Hand Crafted Leather Goods and Ceramics Hand Engraving CUSTOM MADE STERLING SOLID GOLD JEWELRY "Gus" Gilbert Kurke Gary 113A EAST CHURCH ST. PHONE 662-0300 ALLEN'S COSMETICS GIFTS SWEETEST SMELLING COR. MKT. 2nd ST.

Special Sizes Special Prices Big SAVINGS L'Air Du Tempts-- 1 Spray Plus 1 Refill $6.00 Tabu or Ambush Spray Cologne M. Bochns Spray Cologne with Free Bath Oil Chantilly $5.00 Hand Lotion $2.50 Deodorant $1.00 Skin Sachet and T. Water Both $IUX) Coty Spray Cologne $2.75 $6.00 Tuvara Spray Cologne $4.00 or My Sin Spray Cologne Hair coloring products are many and sometimes confusing to the layman. There are color restorers, color shampoos, dyes, bleaches, rinses, and tints. The best way to color your hair, is to have it done by a professional.

Then you are assured of good results. If you do decide to do the job at home, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Test the solution you are going to use by placing a small amount on your forearm. If swelling or irritation occurs, do not use the product. Instead, let us advise you further.

HELPFUL HINT: Cleanse your neck with cleansing cream every time you do your face. Care now will avoid wrinkles later. When it comes to hair coloring, let the experts do it let DEAN'S VILLAGE BEAUTY SALON, 303 9th 663-6812, do it! have experienced and courteous beauticians to assist and advise you. Let us suggest the hair color which best flatters your skin. Come in anytime and speak with us.

We give prompt, personalized service. Children's styling available. Specializing in the latest stylet. Photo by Hardin Mr. and Mrs.

Ralph Clinton Bowles Miss Hafle Is Wed To Ralph Bowles Miss Donna Kay Hafle and Ralph Clinton Bowles were united in marriage Dec. 24, at the Assembly of God Church, Alexandria, Va. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald R.

Hafle, Frederick. The groom's parents are Mr.andMrs. Wheeler Bowles, Annandale, Va. The Rev. Earl L.

Cox, Annandale, officiated the double ring' ceremony. Miss Donna Grossman, Falls Church, was organist, and Mrs. Ora Mae Simpkins was soloist. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a floor length empire gown of white crepe with a pearl lace headpiece. She carried one long stemmed red rose placed on a white Bible.

Mrs. Paula Bowles, sister- in-law of the groom, was matron of honor, attired in a floor length empire gown of deep rose. She carried a single long stemmed pink rose. Dee Bowles, brother of the groom, was best man. Ushers were L.

Thomas Hafle, brother of the bride, and Charles Rincker, Falls Church, Va. For her daughter's wedding, Mrs. Hafle wore a beige double knit lace dress with matching accessories and a white carnation corsage. The groom's mother wore a lavender and purple dress and coat with matching accessories and white carnation corsage. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the groom's home in Annandale, Va.

Assisting were Miss Betty Cannon, Frederick; Mrs. Odel Bowles, Falls Church, and Mrs. Marie Bohrer, Annandale, Va. Mrs. Bowles is a 1966 graduate of Frederick High School, and is employedby Drs.Wallert and Rosenbaugh, Springfield, as an orthodontist assistant.

Mr. Bowles is a 1965 graduate of Annandale High School and is employed by the Fairfax County Police in Virginia. The couple spent their honeymoon in Hollywood, Florida. GIVE YOUR VALENTINE A GIFT IN ANY AMOUNT From Sheroken House 1 EAST THIRD PHONE H03-4421 We pride ourselves on our tremendous selection of fine diamonds and beautifully designed mountings for every size and shape. And we brief you on the fine points of every one.

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