Helen Hayes...the Senior Show Sponsor

On December 9, 1954, "It's Maroon" opened to a sold out audience in Collins Auditorium and was an instant success. Helen Hayes was the show sponsor and it was praised by the NY Press.

"It's Maroon" was the story of Fordham winning the colors, Maroon, which was the stakes of a highly contested football game with "Harvey", a fictitious Ivy League College, which has also claimed the color Maroon. (Note this is a true story and Fordham won the color from Harvard in the courts and not the football field).

The legend was set in the year 1905 and the members of the Fordham Class of 1905, were as dedicated to the spirit of Fordham as the legendary class of 1955.

Ron Taggiasco was the pot-belled Jesuit, Father Ducan, who occasionally beat out the tunes on his tummy. CO-producer Dick Murdy did himself proud as the distinguished inebriate Crum...as did his "Harvey" compatriots Dick Cieciuch and Hank Greer, who demanded decorum as Crembly and Cripps. Bob Hawes put on the change act, and was convincing in every role, especially Commander Whitecap, Chairman of Athletics Arts at Harvey. Legend as played by Lang Toland was polished, suave and legendary.

The creative direction of Bob Kennedy helped immeasurable throughout the show and came to the fore brilliantly, especially on the well coached taming the comic characters.

The hit score for "It's Maroon" was composed by Pete Pastorelle with the lyrics by Jim Prior. There were twelve songs in all.

The show opener, "We Need A Color" was given a real "rah rah" rendition by the chorus. The point song, "Maroon" was also presented in exceptionally good taste by the the chorus.

Jim Conway, who played the "Frank Merriwell" role of the hero Fordham football player, Andy McKenna, excelled on his solo number. "Fordham in the Air" and " A Real Good Day".

"Who is the Girl?" was sung and soft shoed by Steve Huber and Carl Candles, who stopped the show as the audience demanded encores by the song and dance men.

Steve Mahoney as the reminiscing alumnus wistfully sang " College Days". His rendition was very popular, especially with the understanding older members of the audience.

Another hilarious show stopper was the entrance of Ted Stanton and Gus San Fillipo as the two man, "Happiness Army". They scored on the plea for good living and contributions "Save Your Soul".

The Rambler octet flawlessly offered the bouncy, "Too Much Ado About Love". They returned to offer Pastorelle's harmony arrangement of the poignant "Fordham Means to Me", which has since become the official song of the Fordham Club. (Note the Class of 1955 started the Fordham College to honor those who contributed extensively to Fordham life.)

Live wire business staff managed by Willis Reilly with the ticket promotion in the capable hands of Jack Gordon; and don't forget the playbill layout of Jack Kennally of the Ram; or the swell appearance of the tuxedoed ushers out front by Jack McGovern and Ernie Miller; or the valuable technical advice of Rev Leo Monaghan SJ; and the of course ti would be impossible to forget the spirit and encouragement which the Moderator Rev. Franklin Ewing SJ, gave in such abundance to the seniors; but most of all to the many, many members of the class of '55, who worked, performed, sold and brought, in the unsung hero tradition, which has made it possible "55's two memorial hits" Angles and Angles, the class Junior Year production and it's senior year hit" It's Maroon"/

This is taken from our Year book and its great writers and editors. These pictures were provided by Nick O'Neill.

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