Looking Back 50 Years to "Toils and Troubles," A Most Unusual Show at Andrew Warde High School

The Spring season is traditionally the time of the year most high schools present their annual on-stage productions. It was no different 50 years ago at Andrew Warde High School.

Through the hard work of Mr. Michael German, Mrs. Catherine Busch, and Mr. William Bell, and with the cooperation of willing students and parents, Toils and Troubles, sponsored by the Warde Fathers' Club, proved to be a most successful show.

The plot revolved around the escapades of two carefree college students, Luke and Ray, their girlfriends, Monica and Lynn, and the efforts of one cantakerous middle-aged nurse, Miss Dodo, to raise $100,000 for the Endicott City Hospital.

This happy group provided many hilarious moments for everyone. Luke managed to pour water down Miss Dodo's back at Happy Dale Resort while he watched his newly-found friend, Monica, leave the patio. Luke was forced to pose as a patient at the hospital when he learned that Miss Dodo was head nurse. Recognizing him, she concocted a cure called the "ice-steam treatment."

Miss Dodo explained to Luke that he had prevented her from raising the money she needed for a new hospital wing. Her story was so touching that first Luke and then everybody in the ward began to cry. Despite all her difficulties, Miss Dodo's charity ball proved to be a huge success. Luke's rich uncle forced his employees to attend the dance, and he personally donated the necessary funds.

The curtain rang down upon a happy, if somewhat exhausted, group of actors, who left a laugh-filled, congratulatory audience.

Paul