<p>dadofsam--"Your D apparently has a huge number of opportunities to shine - looks like more than there are time for, particularly now with college considerations." This is not just about soozievt D. It is about the other students who also want to be involved in the production. Also putting together your own production represents a different grown opportunity. She's not looking for opportunities to shine, she is trying to pull together a production for everyone. If it was just her, I'm sure she would have said forget it a long time ago.</p>
<p>It may be a lost cause, but I also agree with fosselover to a certain extent. It is not about having an opportunity to shine and gain kudoes, or recognition. Nor is it about letting down the other students, although that must be a consideration. Artists and performers are driven to create and to perform, athletes are driven to play (remember that nice essay about running by raspberrysmoothie?). Applause is nice, but that is not the primary motivation. The joy and satisfaction comes in the doing. And they are being turned off.</p>
<p>Gosh, Susan, what I missed in the last few days! I had followed the story about your D's cabaret last year with great interest and was wondering what she would follow it up with. S is working on some stuff as well as his senior project and had put on, of all things, "The Wizard of OZ" at a children's theatre this summer. He was working there as a student director/producer and he intertwined numbers with "Wicked" to spice it up. It ended up being the fundraiser for the theatre and its runs extended because it attracted so many people! He is working on a cabaret type production now for spring production as well as a small script for a banquet before winter break. </p>
<p>First of all, do meet with the teachers. I am sure you have already set up the meeting and am curious to hear their piece. They may have some things to say that they do not want to discuss with the kids. I do believe that part of it may be that they do want an adult there at all times and none of them want to be that adult. That has been an issue for my kids on similar things at times. And I cannot blame them. There have been some incidents that came to light--kids smoking, displays of affection, language, meanness, that were sidelines to the event at hand, but upset someone who got wind of it. Hopefully, that is the reason at hand, and if that is the case, the parents involved need to set up a rotating calendar of who is there babysitting and making sure the facility is left in the same shape as when the kids arrived. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, there could also be some other reasons as well. I know that there are some long standing feuds among faculty members at S's school and he has had to step gingerly when working with both parties. You never know what the history of some relationships are and it is too easy to put someone's nose out of joint. I have a feeling something happened last year that did that. You may never get to the bottom of something like that. </p>
<p>We had thought long and hard about doing what you and your H did with respect to settling in a out of mainstream area. For my H, it was sailing, rather than skiing that was a main draw, and we would have gone on the eastern shore somewhere further south. But medical and job issues along with school choices were the reasons we did not do this. However, though we are now in mainstream midatlantic, with S in a known prep school, the same issues you are facing occur at his school as well. Though S is a hell raiser and has deserved some of the problems from his school, a number of issues have really been because someone had some stake in something that was not disclosed and he was getting a bit too close to it. He is having some issues right now because of inter faculty conflicts, and it would be funny, except it is really getting in the way of things that he wants to do for no good reason. Sometimes a parent can sniff out the direction of the problem and come up with a face saving solution. That has often been my role at his school as S is definitely a kid "out of the box". He is hoping at the moment to graduate in January (has doubled up on English to do this) if he gets into some schools--this is his latest thought. Driven, in part, by some of the craziness and territorialness of some of the performing arts faculty at his school. He is having trouble getting his advisor to sponsor his project which is large in scope, and yet he does not want to release him to someone else since his choices are people the advisor can't stand! Crazy, petty, yes. And I'm going there to see what I can work out for him, sigh, not a job I envy as there is always something crucial S leaves out when telling me the situation.</p>
<p>So keep us posted as to what the school has to say about this one. And you are not alone in this sort of stuff. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thank you one and all for your supportive words. </p>
<p>It is very true that this has nothing to do with her "shining" as she has plenty of other outlets for that. In fact, shining or being a star has never been her motivation. She is very very into a deep passion for theater, any aspect of it. She is a very driven kid. She loves to create and she loved seeing her vision come to life and one aspect that she felt the best about was seeing the other kids come together and enjoy it and the pride and accomplishment THOSE kids felt...who would thank her over and over again for this opportunity she created and she NEVER wanted the limelight and as I said, when asked to proof news releases written by a PR parent, she requested that her name be taken out of them and to treat the cast as equals and to never let on that she had created or directed the show. She did not have any more of a starring part in it and went out of her way to create shining solo moments for the others, some of whom had never been given a lead before. Most kids only did theater through school and had NO other opportunities but this and the spring musical. She is one who does a LOT outside of school in this area. She did not NEED to do this but wanted to. As soon as she got home from her summer long program out of state, she spent hours and hours on long car rides, creating the concepts for her new musical because she CRAVED this kind of thing for FUN. </p>
<p>As others have said, the OTHER students will be very let down, it is not about her. She has informed most of them, particularly the returning cast members, all of whom are not happy about this. When she spoke to the teacher today, and he said he wanted to talk to her parents, she said that was fine but couldn't the kids still have a chance to talk to him about whatever issues there are and he was just very perturbed by that idea she said, saying he had no interest in that and "did I ever approve this project??" and she said she knew he was not yet approving it but that is what they wanted to discuss as far as whatever it was that perhaps were issues that he wanted to address. </p>
<p>The issue of his supervision, I am not sure is indeed the issue but SURELY is something that could be worked out which I have told my D such as parent volunteers rotating being on site and such. If these are the issues, it is not like he said ,"gee, I know you want to do this but we have some reservations and in order to do it, we need to meet to iron those out first and maybe we can work it out." Rather it sounds like they aren't interested. He has not returned my call that offered to meet with him per his request. He really drove home to her that it was all about HER and HER parents, which again, she tried to say this is a collaborative project. I imagine some other kids might want to speak up as well as their parents. I do feel badly to hear a teacher say, "I have no interest in meeting and talking with the kids involved." </p>
<p>My daughter is home briefly before we head out of town to dance class but she already has an idea in her head as this other project may not happen and even if they got an ok, am not sure she sees the aggravation or attitude there as worth it. While I mentioned she should see if this group of thespians could get a local community theater venue to allow them to use the space, she has not looked into that and I am not sure that would be possible though she should try if she wants and we suggested that alternative. But NOW, her creative mind is flowing with a new idea, though she admits it is hard to throw out all the work she has already done to create this show (they have no idea how much work she has done already!). She said she wants to look into getting the rights to a two person musical she loves called The Last Five Years and do it with a boy in school whom she is very close friends with who was in the cabaret cast last year and was to be again this year and is currently in the adult production out of town with her. He is the likely male lead to the school musical this year. This past summer, due to my D's influence, he attended her intensive theater summer program out of state. He has no training in this field but has natural talent. She persuaded him to audition for this big adult production in our state and with her encouragement he finally did and he got cast, one of only three teens who got in and we are so delighted for him. She is thinking that if she did The Last Five Years, she could rehearse anywhere, even at home as it is just two kids and then get the local theater for the actual production performances and use ticket fees to help pay for the rights and to hire the pianist and use of the theater space. She has an older friend from DC who is currently a freshman in musical theater at Emerson who did The Last Five Years as a senior project (we do not have senior projects here). These endeavors of my D, however, are the kind of thing that IS done at other schools by kids, such as for senior projects. For my D, there is no requirement but of her own initiative, wants to do these sorts of things, as a labor of love. It is like a craving, as Marite says, to create.</p>
<p>So, I will see this through and meet with him if he returns my call and truly do want to hear what he has to say and profer the parent point of view. I hope other parents speak up if they so choose to. </p>
<p>Jamimom, it is disconcerting to hear your son is having somewhat similar issues going on and you are right, it is not just cause my kid is in some unknown rural school as your son is in an elite prep school.....these things happen anywhere. However, some schools truly relish and celebrate such initiatives. My D has friends in public schools in other states doing these very things. </p>
<p>I am sorry this is happening but it is just one of many things that have happened in her schooling, that as I have mentioned, even her GC has written have been roadblocks in her education. </p>
<p>While the issues of student behavior that were mentioned above are valid things, I am quite convinced those were not of issue here. He already mentioned the issues on his end about "work for him"...again, it seemed minimal, as she only went to him when she had a question or needed permission....and about his feeling that the group was a clique of kids....again they really are not all friends but did gel as a collaborative group who shared a common passion for theater....and that the music dept. was not happy when these theater kids expressed displeasure and "attitude" when the school announced they were putting on Wizard of Oz...which we see as totally unrelated because that displeasure woudl have happened regardless if there had never been a cabaret. The kids wanted to be challenged. Believe me, at my D's summer theater program, they never would have considered Wizard in a million years. This past summer they did shows like Nine and Sweeney Todd and while I realize that was a private program, the talent in our high school just was beyond Wizard of Oz and the show selection really cut out many of the best senior females as there were hardly any girl parts and in fact, it was such a problem that they had TWO Glindas in the show at the same time! I think it is ok for kids to express their views of such things. My D did not love the idea but she did enjoy playing Dorothy and the show was great but it is still ok to have an opinion. Many parents were not thrilled with it either. </p>
<p>No matter what happens, I know her spirit was dampened at least in that setting but I know she will never give up in doing these passionate endeavors in the long run but she may have to bag this if it turns out to be a total hassle and uncomfortable situation because afterall, this was a volunteer type thing, nothing she HAD to do, just WANTED to do and so did all the other kids. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Actually, Susan, my son has benefitted greatly from his school on many productions and endeavors, as has your daughter from hers. The problems occur when you hit that "sweet spot" where some exists that no one really wants to talk about. And, boy, does my son have a knack for honing in on those sweet spots. </p>
<p>Do talk to the school, since the teacher indicated that they want to talk to HER parents and see if you can sniff out something. I want to share with you that though S's summer project was a huge success, I doubt he will ever be asked back because of the off stage shenanigans that went on that grayed the hairs of many of the adults affiliated with the production. He would and should have been summarily dismissed from the whole thing but no one really wanted to take it over, and it not only made a big splash but brought in a record amount of money. But during the rehearsal, alot of bad things were going on with S right in the middle of it all. I did not get wind of any of this until much later, though I had clamped down on a few things that I had noticed, and had supervised some of the rehearsal myself. Few people know the story about all of this. </p>
<p>As for S's projects this year, I am sure it will be resolved but all of this nonsense is just so unnecessary I could scream. All because of a few egos involved. But I guess this is the type of business our kids are heading for!</p>
<p>Sigh. It's ugly out there.</p>
<p>We managed to avoid lots of this stuff through homeschooling of course. My d. wrote an opera (took almost a year), recruited adult singers, and an orchestra, and a conductor (we found the location and recording equipment), and a place to rehearse. A dry run allowed her to hear what she was doing, and to make revisions for a performance nine months later. We had lots of help from schoolteachers (in getting rehearsal space, recording equipment, etc.), and I think one of the advantages was that they were not doing anything in the name of the school, or with any interests of the school at heart, one way or the other.</p>
<p>I think you just might find out that moving the project out from under the school is the best thing that ever happened.</p>
<p>I agree with the posters who feel that there is some resentment of your daughters for being talented, achieving kids who are active in school and the community. I also think that at any type of school there is administrative resistance to what is perceived as "rocking the boat". (the sweet spot?) What is viewed as rocking the boat might be defined differently depending on the school involved, but I am sorry to say that I think it is the very rare school that supports a student who proposes something outside of "their" box. I understand that from an administrator or teacher's point of view it can be just one more thing added to their already busy lives but it makes me a little sad none the less....especially in this instance where there is a track record of success with the endeavor. </p>
<p>Soozie, I am sorry that your daughter is feeling so frustrated. It just stinks.</p>
<p>By the way, I am really impressed by the depth of your posts. You must have majored in something to do with the written word.</p>
<p>Well, I'm not much into this site anymore but just happened to check it and here is this very upset mother and bizarre responses.
Gee, Sue, take a deep breath.
I see the school's side. The school wants to control what is happening.The teacher feels your daughter is usurping his position. The teachers do not like the tone of what is happening. This does not mean your daughter Sue will not go on to be a fabulous and creative success in life.It does mean this project is not the time right now.
I am very very sorry you are so upset. What I would do,...I would advise my daughter to be cheerful and upbeat and approach said teacher (not the principal) and say, 'Mr So and So, I fully understand your position, How can I help you? I would like to help in some way with something . What can I do for you?' And whatever Mr. So and So comes up with, do the darnest best job.I would not fight this.I would teach my daughter how to work within the system.<br>
As for the theater, gee, look into other outlets for your talent. I'm sure there are other local companies.Or try something completely different- like making meals for seniors or reading to the blind, or learn sign language! Whenever you feel really really down, help someone who is less fortunate.It puts a whole new perspective on life.<br>
Remember, how you are judged is how you respond when you are beset with adversity in life.All will not always go your way. What really defines us is our integrity. And most important I would share this with my daughter. Have a nice day!</p>
<p>There are so many ways to see the world, and I'm always interested to hear all opinions. But please Susan, do not teach your daughter not to take on systems that don't work.</p>
<p>Well then fight it. And how will that make you feel when you break them.</p>
<p>I'll go against the grain here a bit, SoozieVT. Sometimes, an irate parent (or set of parents) can be quite intimidating to the pencil-pushing weenies who inhabit most school administrations. If you want to get something done, think through your logic. Think of how the local newspapers might play the situation. Let your anger build, but don't let it get out of control. When you meet with them, don't be afraid to show your anger, but don't lose it... at least not too much. Public exposure is the enemy of adminstrators and their self-protective behavior, so let them know you won't hesitate to let everyone know about their heavy-handed actions. Feel the power... :)</p>
<p>backhandgrip--soozievt started this as a vent and that is how it was orginally labelled. She was venting her frustration with the school and many of us chimed in. Her daughter put together a marvelous program last year and there were no complaints at that time, it is only with the second production that the school has developed objections.</p>
<p>You obviously did not read all of Susan's postings where she talks about the other activities her daughter is involved in and how this isn't just about her daughter. </p>
<p>Why are you encouraging her to tell her daughter to lie? "I would advise my daughter to be cheerful and upbeat and approach said teacher (not the principal) and say, 'Mr So and So, I fully understand your position," She doesn't understand his position!!!</p>
<p>"Or try something completely different- like making meals for seniors or reading to the blind, or learn sign language! Whenever you feel really really down, help someone who is less fortunate.It puts a whole new perspective on life." This is really condescending. The work she did last year did help those less fortunate and she wanted to continue that work. </p>
<p>Susan's daughter has a "PASSION". Unless you have a passion or are fortunate enough to have a child who does, it is hard to understand. It's not for the glory, the applause, the ego, or because she doesn't have anything else to do. She does this because deep inside her soul she knows that this is what she was meant to do. She has a love of her craft that is akin to the love one feels for another.</p>
<p>Sorry, backhandgrip, I think you really missed the point.</p>
<p>Elleneast, I agree with you that part of the frustration is that this is not a new idea, though even in that instance, it would be frustrating but in this instance, it had been done once with what appeared to be great success from all accounts that we have ever heard. People were talking about hoping to see this as an annual event at our school. So, she is not trying to break new ground here. There was NO opposition last year when she proposed doing it. She went to the principal and asked and she said yes immediately and said, "anything you want, you got it". At this moment, I don't know that ANY administrator even knows this is going on. We do have a new principal. </p>
<p>Even if the project is thwarted, I think the manner it is being handled in is not appropriate. A child goes in politely, asks a question, is met with a sense of "attack" or "reprimand" and then told that she or the other kids cannot discuss it with them. I would much prefer an adult to say, while I hear you want to do this project again, I have reservations and would like to tell you what they are and if we can agree to do X, Y, and Z, we may be able to do it" or whatever other solution is reached. </p>
<p>Backhand, I realize you do not know the whole situation because you are suggesting other outlets for her to engage in performing arts. Believe me, she engages in countless hours of performing arts NOT associated with school. She did want to give back to her school and create something exciting for her fellow students who mostly do NOT do performing arts outside of school. Besides she is very proud of the significant money she raised by this endeavor to donate to the American Cancer Society because her grandfather was dying during this time of cancer and this really was a big motivation and the Cancer Society was extremely touched by these efforts. The kids did not have to donate this money. It was a very good feeling for her to present that check to a representative in front of the entire school. The sense of giving to her school and community was one she and others treasured. The sense of pride if you had seen it on the participants' faces because they had "done it all themselves" was palpable. The TV interview focused on how they had done this on their own, that was the big deal, not that some theater stuff was going on. </p>
<p>BHG, she does not NEED this activity in order to do theater. She is in a major adult production right now, will be in the school production this spring, is in a dance repertory company outside of school, is in musicals out of state in summers, and on and on. This was more about doing something FOR her school, plus the desire to CREATE, not just perform. Many schools do this sort of thing anyway and she has friend elsehwhere who do. I can see if our school does not want to but they did quite successfully last year. For me, because I am an educator by profession, I am into encouraging kids, not discouraging them. I feel my D and her fellow thespians, have been discouraged and that does concern me not just as a mom but as an educator. </p>
<p>She'll go on, no problem. But she already wrote the show so it may have all been for nothing. As I said, the wheels in her little creative mind are spinning already and she is researching getting rights to a two person musical if the show she wrote can't happen. She is not one to sit still. They might squelch her projects but they can't keep her down! </p>
<p>BHG, we are not looking for things for her to do. In all honesty, she knows if this does not go through her life will be easier. Even without the show, she will have 25 hours per week ok ECs without the significant drive time, college auditions and so forth. So, it is not like she is looking for something to do. </p>
<p>As far as how she responded to adversity, she conducted herself, from the way she describes it, quite mature and professionally. She asked to meet to see if they might discuss any concerns the teacher had. I am not sure what else she could have done. As well, she was praised for the way she produced and organized the entire thing last year and frankly, I was amazed at how she handled it as in her home life she is disorganized but she cared do deeply about this, she took on adult roles in every respect of producing a show. At least she got to do this once and will do it again in college I am sure. She also produced another major event last June for a school history project well beyond the assignment because she was so into producing a show from teh cabaret experience that she created another major event to do with political activism and had a local theater venue allow her to hold it. She donated all those proceeds to Amnesty International. What happened after both these events was that she realized that even though she loves and wants to be a performer, she had a knack and an enjoyment of the creative process as well as being the performer. She had written extensive musicals when in elem school and has just taken it further. She also sees her work on stage as a form of community service to those in the audience. </p>
<p>All I can say as a parent is that these are wonderful discoveries and endeavors and I hate seeing adults put up blocks to such positive things with our youth. I guess she could hang out after school and go to the alcohol parties and stuff like that. I am glad she tried providing a creative outlet for a group of students at school and would like to see teachers encourage such efforts. Thankfully, numerous teachers did and as I said, I noticed several recommendations that chose to mention this particular event so it did impact others. That is why this recent turn of events does bother me, though we and she will go on and as I said, my kids have met with roadblocks at school many times so it is not entirely new. Still bothersome though, admittedly. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Dadster, don't worry, I don't plan to go in as an "irate parent". I did not want to go in AT ALL because I was not involved the first time and do not see what it has to do with us. The kids can hold their own and discuss it with the music staff if they would give them an opportunity to do so. I am only going in because this teacher said, "this is between you (my D) and your parents" and would not talk to her further or anyone in the cast. So, I have to go in and will. Because I WAS a teacher for years and have been a teacher OF teachers for many other years, I am quite cognizant of how to conduct oneself in these situations. I always try to come across as "let's try to work together" to figure this out. I am a bit concerned because he did not come across to the child as "I have some reservations we would need to work out agreements upon." If that is what he wants, that would be great. She got the feeling that he and the choral teacher do not want it to happen. I am interested now in what he has to say. I have been an ardent supporter of the music department and they know it. My kids have been significant participants in all facets of that program there. The other reason I would not be confrontational is because even my D does not want to "fight" it as she sees no point because she does not want to do this day in and day out and have it be unpleasant or not supported or difficult in this way. It ain't worth it. She does care about it deeply and would like to see if she can do it but if they say no, and we bring closure to it, so be it. She is not planning to take on some fight. I will hear them and I would like to honestly convey my thoughts on an adult end as well. I am not sure if the meeting is just to inform us it is a no go or just what. My D also feels she has to work with them in other facets of school such as chorus, a class she takes, select choir, jazz band, regional and All State endeavors, and the spring musical. I have no idea why her own teacher who is the one she has for chorus, select choir, homeroom and is also dept. chair is not saying one word to her on it and is having the instrumental teacher deal with it because no instrumental kids were involved, only choral kids. Not sure I get any of this honestly. I see it as a school "club" of sorts and if the music staff is not into it, perhaps another adult can sponsor it or see what the principal suggests or if parents can volunteer but my D says that the music staff is involved as it is their space. I hate to see them disenfranchise the key students in their program but what can you do. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>PS...the thread title was "A Vent" and I have no idea how or why it got changed and wish it had not. It is not a news story but I am grateful that I got to air it with other parents who I find to be some of the most awesome parents I have known who are involved in their kids' educations and are simply quite supportive folks and am grateful that I had someone(s) to "talk" to about it and actually hearing perspectives from those in other schools and communities helps me so thank you all very much again.</p>
<p>SoozieVT, I changed the title when we featured the thread - we try for titles that will describe the contents for the many readers who may scan the list of New Posts to see which topics look interesting. :) We edit titles to help people figure out what to read. ("Help!" and "Tell me what you think" seem to be popular variants. ;))</p>
<p>Yikes, Roger, did not know it was "featured"...hope I am not going to be sorry I posted it. Just was thinking I was sharing with the parents on this forum mostly who share stuff like this from time to time back and forth. </p>
<p>I realize the original title was not really "subject" centered but really I meant it as a VENT to my parent forum regulars, so for me, that is what it was about! Now that it is featured, oy. And to have "musical theater" in the title.....as you know THAT topic itself is one of the most popular longest threads in the CC forum.....which I frequently read myself. I realize this is getting more attention that I ever imagined by just trying to talk to other parents about it and it is my fault to have shared it but I hope I don't regret doing so. It did help me to be able to discuss it back and forth with other parents, but never imagined it to take on this degree of interest or certainly never thought it was something that would be featured. Definitely NOT seeking that. While admittedly I needed to bounce it back and forth with others, it is not like the BIGGEST deal in the world and I am not bent out of shape over it but just find it all discouraging. I don't want it to turn into anything bigger than it is. Frankly we run into experiences of this sort from time to time, and this is not the biggest of them all by far. This is one of the only times I have started a thread on an experience and never imagined it to be quite as involving but I actually truly admire the many thoughtful parents who have posted.</p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>PS..reading the "synopsis" of this "featured" thread, I just need to clarify that the "administration" has not tried to squelch it...for all I know the administration has NO idea what is going on. The principal is new and to my knowledge so far, it is just between two teachers and this group of kids that my daughter has led. I almost wish the principal did know. Last year I recall the process being that my D asked the music teachers if she could do a student run musical and they told her to ask the (old) principal, she said yes, and then it began. </p>
<p>This time because it was just doing it "again", she did not go and ask the principal (whom she does not know) and assumed it was on again (who would have thought differently?) and just asked the music department if the dates could be put onto the school calendar. I am sure they knew it was being planned again as it was no big secret. These teachers are the ones squelching it so to speak, when she went to confirm the dates. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>I fixed the administration thing, Sooz... this is a fascinating and involving story (even if it is disappointing right now). I wish you the best of luck in resolving this, but regardless of how it turns out I'm sure your daughter will go on to great things in college and in life! (I'll put in a plug for my alma mater, Carnegie Mellon, as a great school for theater.)</p>
<p>Is there another side to the story here?</p>
<p>Thanks Roger. I just hope I don't regret posting it as it got more attention than I imagined. I learn so much here reading of other parents and students' experiences so perhaps our experiences are of interest the same way to others. I mostly mentioned it as an opportunity to vent my thoughts to a captive caring supportive parent group on here! </p>
<p>I'm not worried about my D (at least not in this one area!) but the main thing is as she said, to have this kind of negative attitude thrust toward her in the manner it came across regarding the very thing that she felt her biggest sense of accomplishment over is not pleasant. To think she has chosen last year's successful experience to speak about on some of the college essays and all and to now come up against this is weird timing from my observation. </p>
<p>As far as CMU, indeed it is a fantastic program and she is an applicant and in fact, tonight was working on that very application! We will be going there in Feb. for her auditions. My other D originally had CMU on her list to visit but when she decided against a five year BArch program, CMU came off the list. </p>
<p>I am glad you loved your alma mater. I don't know that my D needs "plug" at this point because I tend to wonder if she will be so lucky as to even have a choice of schools given the difficulty of admission to all of these BFA programs. She does have a friend who is a freshman in that program now. They only take about 6 girls and 6 boys!</p>
<p>Anyway, luckily in this latest scenario, while discouraging, my D is not one to get discouraged but finds another way or will do something else. She's a mover. She already has started to figure out plans for her alternative and prepared all the music tonight to give to her male friend to look at should they find a way to do that two person musical instead somehow. So, they can't keep her down. That is the bright side. This is not like an "end" but another turn. Unfortunately, if the musical revue does not happen, it is the other kids who won't have a theatrical thing to do, I'm afraid, and they were very much looking forward to it and all blocked out two months to do it, long ago. </p>
<p>Susan</p>