Show spectacular outdoor pr pageant ageana revives california lore residents of two tivo towns unite uni te in staging drama aranza features all the romance and adventure of early california along with the pathos and tragedy of the indian people are revived in the historic ramona pageant long heralded as one of the nations most spectacular outdoor presentations which will open in ramona bowl near hemet calif april 19 immortalized by helen hunt jackson jackion in her best selling novel ramona the tragic experiences of an indian couple living in san jacinto valley form the general theme of 0 the pageant drama the spectacle now in Us its season Is staged in its own amphitheater situated at the toot foot of towering snow capped mt ML san jacinto revives early days the authentic atmosphere of early california history pervades the thas pageant it Is replete with colorful fiestas indian ceremonials and dancing typical ot of that period in one of the most spectacular scenes a mounted posse thunders across the 50 acre mountainside stage ramona Is the result of the work and talents of more than residents of the towns of hemet and san jacinto Jacl nto neighboring communities nestled in the foothills of the majestic sin san jacinto mountain range in southern california combining their efforts the townspeople stage the pageant as a labor ot of love to record an outstanding example of cooperative community spirit aside from one or two professionals in the title roles every member ot of the cast Is a citizen of either hemet or san jacinto all production details including costumes settings maintenance box boi office and even parking of cars are performed by townspeople I 1 studied in school ramona as written by mrs jackson is on the curriculums in the schools of both hemet and san jacinto youngsters who study the dramatic pages ot of the novel appeal appear in the play as children many as they grow up graduate to more important roles during the three weekends in which the pageant Is staged business in the two sponsoring communities lg Is virtually at a standstill men and women in all walks ot of life move en masse to ramona bowl some as performers some as stage hands some as service attendants and still others just to view again the stirring story of early days in their valley the general theme of ramona Is the tragedy of the indian people in 1883 mrs jackson came to los angeles on a government mission to gather material pertaining to the 4 tl in A i t WE V TRAGIC LOVERS juanita encell and henry brandon play the leading roles of ramona and alessandro whose tragic romance forms the theme of the ramona pageant spectacular outdoor production staged annually in the mountain swept ramona bowl near hemet calif indians from her pen emerged the pages of the novel which continues to thrill adventure seeking children based on history most of the important incidents in the book actually occurred in san jacinto valley the home of the characters in the story mrs jackson conceived the idea tor for ramona after learning of the tragic experiences ot of an indian couple juan diego and ramona who lived in the valley tattered records ot of san jacinto justice court as written by justice samuel V tripp contain the story ot of the shooting of 0 an indian juan diego by a white man sam temple diego the records reveal owned a plot of land containing water a site which was cherished by certain white men A trip into san jacinto one day brought disaster to diego he made the trip on horseback tying his mount in front of the general store in town diego had a couple ot of drinks and became confused with the result that he rode away on another horse although he rode directly home diego was branded as a horse thief in the eyes of sam temple it is recounted that temple borrowed a shotgun formed a posse and rode away in the direction of diegas land he returned with the story of having recovered a stolen horse and having killed an indian in the process true to life climax this incident gave mrs jackson the climax for or her story and she aim w P 01 xa 1 AUTHENTIC atmosphere Cali fornias colorful and romantic past is recreated in the ramona historical pageant here a posse thunders cross across the 50 acre mountainside stage where helen hunt jacksons be best selling novel ramona 13 3 presented by residents of 0 hemet and san jacinto calif transposed it into her novel after changing the names to alessandro and jim farrar in the picturesque setting of ramona bowl with its 50 acres of natural mountainside studded with trails this climax and the 1 love story of ramona and alessandro is brought to life in the spectacular pageant abandoned during the war years since it is almost imperative to visit the play by automobile the ramona pageant has been seen by more than spectators during its I 1 19 9 seasons last year the play was viewed by more than spectators in its eight performances with the exception of last season ramona always has been presented on three consecutive weekends playing in the afternoons of each saturday and sunday this year the schedule calls tor for performances on april 1920 19 20 april 2627 26 27 and may 34 3 4 gains laurels rapidly the ramona pageant originally was started as a publicity enterprise by the joint chamber of commerce organizations of hemet and san jacinto from this pioneer start it has become one of the recognized outdoor spectacles of the nation taking over last season and continuing this year as the plays production executive is adrian awan prominent for many years in producing outdoor pageants for several seasons he was connected with california state fairs he also staged the tamed famed pilgrimage play in hollywood and since its inception has been connected with civic light opera in both los angeles an and d san francisco currently he is producing the revival of the famous mission play another early california ia historical pageant which is seen annually in the mission playhouse in san gabriel 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