Bravo to the GRHS theater group
Dear Editor,
Bravo personified!
In her remarkably insightful introduction just before the show, Green River High School theater director Terrin Musbach (along with colleagues Weston Lamb, Jill Carpenter, and Karen Feigel as fellow contributors in the program notes) acknowledged whole-heartedly how integral and inherently obvious parental involvement is to the overall effectiveness of any and all worthwhile endeavors their children may pursue, then achieve with the utmost intentions. Indeed, life is really so much more than “Living the Dream”, significantly when we are provided/gifted the promising joy and wonderment purposed in all educational, nurturing, reinforcing of passionate, persevering, exemplifying focus, and true wisdom.
The quite apparent culmination/connection of the incredible investment of hard work by the students as ideally in this regard represents handsomely the awesome importance of adult expectations, mentorship guidance and the positive, necessary encouragement as endowed/abiding in the opportunity afforded; for the moral support and always to mention the empowerment of meaningful motivation and the courageous character of perseverance trying our souls.
It is decidedly pointed out in the director’s notes that (the most important memory is the collective and lies in recalling events that have changed and shaped history” ... “not to yield to bigotry, prejudice, and ignorance” is an age old, perhaps essential for all to ostensibly face, ideally to embrace as part of the “Bigger Picture”, whatever we know this to be as reality in/from our respective perspectives to but endure. Mentioned as well, mountains represent more than metaphorical/metaphysical obstacles/refining their symbolism as a reflective process is to follow in each and every sense of orientation.)
The pervasive message/learning lesson here is “to remind us not ever to accept ethnocentricity and intolerance”, in any way, shape or form, as in bullying, abject ridicule and disrespect, indifference, in any way, shape or form, the intentional, malicious confusion caused by dark sarcasm and insidious meanness, by any other names; all and there are more “attitudes” beyond incredibly hurtful to our sensibilities, yea sensitivities in everything in our hearts that really matters, embraced as well in our minds to but ponder than summarily dismiss as totally unacceptable and without rhythm and/or reason from any standpoint. It is certainly without doubt in high purpose do we discover our true virtue.
From this overview of the supreme necessity of overcoming adversities; I cite a quote given to me personally by dear pastor friend, I sincerely believe the following sentiment also can be expressed openly concerning living itself breathing, caring, sharing, and believing: “When I write without thinking of my readerships, I write insensitively, But when I write in fear of my readership, I lose the edge on the blade of [the pencil] on my writing. Love is the author, you know!
Now specifically, my mother and I thoroughly the absolute privileged honor and blessing of the performance “The Sound of Music.
Incredible casting, choreographing, makeup, staging, to the attractively simple set design given seamless scene changes; all and much more were technically, logistically superlative, an incredible collaboration of seemingly limitless efforts, to say the very least.
From the time Taylor walked with such a nice, special concern alongside my mother into the school while I parked the car, to the much improved lighting and sound systems, it remains pretty difficult to find the proper, descriptively best words to describe how incredibly impressed and appreciative we will continue to be concerning this, our Saturday matinee fantastically exhilarating experience. Fabulous, well-receiving audience in attendance!
Definitively, one of the finest “non-professional” stage presentations I have had the distinct privilege to not only view but feel in the past 20-25 years of my rather extensive theater going life “The Miracle Worker” seen here several months ago, WWCC’s “The Diary of Ann Frank”, and Tennessee Williams classic, “Streetcar Named Desire” at the Avenue Theater in Denver some seven years ago all exemplified the inspiration of the priceless, precious, transcendent wonder of hope and redemption. All can, must never be taken for granted or even become- underestimated on any level, at any time whatsoever.
The characterizations, attention to detail and uncompromising “in the moment” by all members of the cast was really quite something to behold! The live orchestra and appropriate, colorful costumes of the period, as well and as the set design and staging were all remarkably understated yet most relevant, masterful indeed in aiding the difficult tasks at hand; the students literally abided good and great justice and sincere, satisfying interpretative life to the main theme all along the admittedly tenuous never-to-end journey, just beginning,and of course everyone was so dedicated, discovering and then discovering true meaning, passion and purpose in each and everything they said and did on stage, and as an ensemble, no less!
The exuberance, aplomb, stage presence and commitment/internalization of Katrina Knight, who portrayed lead Maria Rainier was, in at least two words, phenomenal and very much promising at once and continuous, she was natural and refreshing, utmost in heart-felt sensitivity, especially in her character development. The many and varied musical talents, endowed gifts, so very graciously in her touching, devotional relationship with the Trapp children. Her voice was, is heavenly, gently soaring with harmonious focus empowered. Way to g0, girl!
What an uplifting, sparkling, stupendous educational and historical honor to witness such “Celebrity of Cause” and with the special performances for of the other schools in the area, this event becomes legitimized that much more as a well-deserved, tour-de-force. Carpe diem always! Push the limits, I say; and adamantly so.
It is here where and when it became obvious to my mother and I how superlatively fabulous was the direction on display (I liken back to “The Nutcracker” tradition), at once proactive and marvelously, phenomenally effective and reflective.
I just wish I could have been able to thank everyone personally for their participation in this opportunity for us all to grow in our respective, collective lives. I emphasis together as shared! Perhaps this letter serves my intentions .
This is exemplary stuff, folks. Performing arts here and now in Green River, Wyo., U.S.A. is forever more than ever alive and well.
We are going to be on the global map, if we’re not already, if only geographically but also in consideration of one’s mind’s eye. My mother’s face was all glow as we left the auditorium/venue.
“Very professional” was her comment. I concur whole-heartedly.
I remain “honoring the craft.”
Tim LaBoria
Green River
(This letter was edited for space.)
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