Compiled by Scout Burnham, NAHS Class of 2024
The William Morris Agency was a theatrical/performance agency for talented individuals. It merged with the Endeavor Agency and is now simply known as Endeavor. Mary - A telephone operator Act 1, Scene 1
Pinning was a common practice in the 50s, where a boy would give a girl his class/fraternity ring or pin if he wanted to go steady with her (a very serious commitment to young adults). Act 1, Scene 2
When a family’s home had a single number but multiple landlines, only one conversation could be had at a time and each phone would be tuned in to that conversation. During the 50’s, the Minimum Legal Age of tobacco consumption was far younger, so tobacco companies would advertise to minors, leading to younger smoking. Act 1, Scene 3
G.I. was a nickname given to American soldiers. Both the Korean and Vietnam War, to which Birdie was likely drafted, was going on in the 50s. Jerries was a derogatory nickname Americans gave to the Germans during the World War. Pennsylvania Station - A huge, busy railroad station that acts as New York City’s main intercity railroad station. “Mask of Tragedy” “Indochina” Act 1, Scene 4
Soda shops/soda fountains were popular hangout places for young folks. Act 1, Scene 5
Ed Sullivan ran The Ed Sullivan Show, a marvelously influential variety show running from 1948-71 every Sunday night at 8 PM. Privilege of Self-Determination - The right to choose one’s political status and government. It is an important principle listed in the United Nations’ charter. Act 1, Scene 7
Margo was the actress who played Maria, a character who turns shriveled and old when she leaves the magic domain of Shangri La, in the Lost Horizon movie. When Gloria talks about the Suwannee River, she is referencing Old Folks at Home - the state song of Florida that originated from a minstrel show and received reproach for its racist lyrics. Act 1, Scene 8
In the 50s, color photos were still pretty novel, and Kodak was a well-known, respected camera company. Act 1, Scene 9
Albert Schweitzer was a doctor, theologian, and humanitarian who won the Nobel Peace Prize. Ingrid Bergman was an influential Swedish actress who married Roberto Rossellini. Kim mistakes him for Benito Mussolini. Act 2, Scene 1
Henry Luce was a hugely influential newspaper founder who started Time, Life, and Sports Illustrated. “South of the Border” Act 2, Scene 2
Before refrigeration, when people had to use cut ice to keep their goods cool, they would use ice houses to store the ice in warmer seasons. “Looping the loop” Act 2, Scene 3
Fidel Castro - (former) communist revolutionary leader of Cuba Bessie Mae Mucho - Bésame mucho (Kiss me a lot) Kay Sera - Qué será (what will be), also a well-known song A mantilla is a spanish liturgical veil Honky tonk Act 2, Scene 4
Masonic shriners reference the freemasons, a men’s social club that raises money for community service projects like building hospitals. They have a lot of secretive rites and rituals that are only supposed to be witnessed by those in the freemasons. Act 2, Scene 5
Postum - Coffee Substitute Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons was a long-running radio show which featured a private detective named Mr. Keen. The Shadow was a crime-fighting magazine character who later made it to his own TV show. His civilian identity is Lamont Cranston. Tiffany lamp Flying down to Rio and Greed were memorable movies in the 50’s. Act 2, Scene 6
The phrase “monkey on your back” means a dependance on drugs, however Kim confuses monkey with donkey. Murads A reefer is a marijuana cigarette. Act 2, Scene 7