This week I have contemplated on writing about several things in the blog but changed my mind several times. 

 

First, I wanted to bring to you highlights of Keynote Speaker, Rhonda Holyfield Mangieri as she spoke at the Women of Distinction using “What In The World” as her theme.  Then I was listening to PBS, and I thought about writing the column about traditions.  Time caught up with me and I did not start either column. 

 

My son, Mike Queen called and asked me to join him at Bridgeport High School to see the school play.  I came away so excited that I am going to share with you a few of the play highlights.

 

The name of the play was Bright Star, a musical by Erin Brickell and Steve Martin. First, I must tell you that they had live music with the musicians seated on the stage throughout the entire play. The play takes place sometime around the 1940’s and tells the story in both music and dance.

 

All the costumes were created to fit the period and were in such good taste. The dance ensemble presented great and authentic dances. I caught myself several times beating my foot to the step of the dance, especially the square dance. The live band accompanied each song, and it was just about as professional as I have ever seen. I have seen plays on Broadway, at the Kennedy Center in Washington and at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh and this play held its own in comparison.

 

There were approximately 25 songs presented throughout the play.  Each song required a scene change, which was done right before our eyes and I did not seem to know just what they were doing as it did not distract me or change my thoughts of the play.  The scenes were so authentic, and the props were too. The play took place in an Appalachian community and sometimes I felt it was right here in West Virginia.

 

I attended on Sunday afternoon and there had been three performances prior to this one.  It was almost a full house and there was one more performance that night.

 

For fear of leaving someone out I will not mention individuals but will praise the Bridgeport High School Theatre and the Class of 2023.  Talk about it takes a village, it certainly must have taken one to present this play.

 

This afternoon restored my faith in our educational system and in our youth that will be leading our community in the future. I know that you all must have “broke a leg.” And if so, be proud of what you have done.

 

Take care stay healthy and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”

 

Editor's Note: Photo by Joe LaRocca.