St. Paul's High School Archives: The St. Paul's Dramatic Society at Paul Shea Hall - The 1940s and 1950s

Despite the many challenges that the school, along with the world, faced during the 1940s, the Society remained resolute in their activities. During the wartime period, the Society tried to continue their longstanding production program of both a Fall and Spring performance. Yet, the loss of faculty members, students, and alumni weighed on the Society, eventually forcing the cancelation of one of the annual productions. In 1945 and 1946, the loss of director, Mr. S. Hurley, left the Society without a leader and all performances were canceled. The Society was revived in 1947 with the arrival of Mr. A. MacDougall S.J.. In April of that year, the Society staged an evening of one-act plays, featuring The Merchant of Venice, The Ghost of Jerry Bundler, and Miracle of the Danube. From that year, the Society continued to build up the program, trying to return to the earlier production program. 

Shortly after the revival, Fr. John J. Murray S.J. arrived at St. Paul's. His arrival in 1952 and subsequent takeover of the St. Paul's Dramatic Society set the program on a new course. Under his guidance, productions became increasingly more elaborate and scripts shifted to reflect his interest in classical playwrights, particularly Shakespeare. His influence also encouraged casts to expand, stage designs to become more embellished, and the handmade costumes to feature intricate details.  

This period set the stage for the future of the Society as Fr. Murray established many traditions that continue to be an important part of the productions.