Show Me the Place, 24

“Show me the place.”

Duke Senior in As You Like It (2.1)

24: Aurora Middle School Gym: 1966–1973

The middle school could boast no stage—

And so we used the old gym floor

To mount productions (all the rage!).

It would suffice—but not much more.

The audience in bleacher seats—

The players spread out down below.

And there the players showed their feats

Of acting magic. What a show!

Our lights were either off or on—

Until one year—a spotlight came!

And then just off-and-on was gone,

And shows were never quite the same.

And then we moved to Harmon School—

Which had a stage—some simple lights.

And now our shows were really cool!

With hitherto unlikely sights.

In ways I missed that “ancient” gym—

Our cast spread out for all to see.

But I guess having lights that dim

Was better for our … artistry?

from The Adventures of Robin Hood; or, 
The Man with the Green Robber Band
May 29, 1969
Aurora Middle School