Disappointed With

‘Music Man’ Coverage

To the Editor,

Last Friday as I read my copy of The Bee, I was very disappointed that there was no coverage of the high school’s production of “The Music Man” the previous week. There were five fabulous performances — on Wednesday afternoon, April 12, there was a dress rehearsal presented to the eighth graders as part of the middle school to high school transition process. Newtown’s senior citizens were treated to a dinner and the show on Thursday evening (as highlighted with an article and pictures on the Newtown page of The News-Times on 4/20).  Three other performances were held on Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday evening. With five opportunities, isn’t it a shame that no one from The Bee covered an activity that involved over 100 of our students ranging in age from first graders to seniors? And so, this letter is a public acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication that each of you deserves.

As a parent who has experienced my children’s participation in these spring musicals for nine years, I am comfortable in stating that this production was by far the best! After each performance, I heard comments such as “as good as Off-Broadway shows” and “better than summer stock.” The music, acting, dancing, sets, lighting, and costumes were unbelievably professional. Besides an incredibly accomplished cast, the crews and the pit orchestra were equally as talented. Special applause goes to Ann McNulty Ferraro, musical director; Cherie Swetts, producer; Tom Swetts, technical director; Jim Dumas, orchestra director; Leigh Ellen Lively, accompanist; Erin Zaruba, choreographer; John Kirrane, stage manager; and the parents who helped in so many ways.

To all the young people who were part of The Music Man — bravo!  And to the seniors in the cast: Ryan, Tracy, Andrea, Daisha, Kate, Katie D., Jason, Kyle, Katie H., Hallie, Allison, and Brittany; in the crews: John, Matt, Chris, Kelly, Ben C., and Dan; and in the orchestra: Lydia, Kevin, Jon, Corey, Tom, Terry, Julia-Jane, Claire, Ben K., and Tony, may your talents take you wherever you wish to go!  Good luck as you graduate — you will be missed!

Kudos to all!

Linda Dale Mulholland

21 Russett Road, Sandy Hook                                    April 24, 2000

(Editor’s note: A preview feature story and photos by high school senior Shannon Solheim on the high school production of The Music Man appeared in the April 14 edition of The Bee. Photos of the production submitted by Mrs Mulholland appear in the Enjoy section of this week’s Bee.)