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Show 6 TIMPANCG0S-T2ME- S March 19, 2013 rfliwW? : --- - Lincoln Academy Received Permission to Present Modified "Oklahoma!" r i - ' " -- - - - ; ' "X 1 ' ' I ' - ' ., - - y - A M (";'. -- :M - . - - . ) ' ; v. j - - - :j . " -- CN ! 1 X ; X ' X " XX r X y X - , - 1 ' ' : I ?K X ' " V H i ; w . ' - - iii I. - ii ii - in in ii by Geri Taylor Kudos to Lincoln Academy and director Erin Smith for standing fast to their principles as they took on an unrelenting industry. When Smith received the script for Oklahoma!, she stated, "I didn't want those words coming out of my kids' mouths." And so began a quest to modify what has been acclaimed as "the single most influential work in the American musical theatre." Working with the school attorney, Smith began the arduous and seemingly impossible task of obtaining permission to change a copyrighted play so it would represent the anti-bullyi-position of the school. The play was adapted for secondary schools as a shortened version, but script writers apparently .never took into consideration the impressionable youth who would be acting in and viewing it. Smith's astonishment that the copyright holders had not addressed the underlying messages, like bullying and encouraging suicide, to be inappropriate for school-age- d children, was possibly the convincing argument for a revision. With permission granted to make the 'minor changes, Smith demonstrated her talent by rewriting the lyrics to several songs and tweaking lines' to portray a slightly altered outcome from the theme of intolerance. The director's notes in the program offered a succinct summary of her desire to teach a principle through the medium of a play. So, without further ado, Lincoln Academy presented Oklahoma!, a g, fast-pac- musical story about the challenges and prejudices surrounding the settling of the West. For those familiar with the original version, the lyric changes were a bit disconcerting at first, but it was soon apparent that the "original" wasn't appropriate for youth. Consequently, the older generation paid attention to the altered words and appreciated the effort to stand on principle. Arianna Lone was perfectly cast as the matriarch of the community, and aptly maintained charge of the story line through the interactions with the main characters. Her clear, strong voice and convincing portrayal as an older woman quickly endeared her to the audience. With her facial expressions, flighty behavior and beautiful voice, Emmeline Grimmer did justice to the role of Ado Annie. Character parts are harder to play and can bomb if under or over-acte-d and Emmeline as Ado Annie, Sasha as Gertie and Taylor playing the Peddler did an excellent job in making their characters emote. Lincoln Academy presented Oklahoma!, a g, fast-pace- d musical story about the challenges and prejudices surrounding the settling of the eS Photo courtesy of Geri Taylor It is always amazing to see when the first Laurie adamant that didn't the talent of teenagers as they sing, dance and credibly portray characters that are associated with well-know- n celebrities. The main roles of Laurie, Curly, Jud and Will kept the audience engaged and anticipating the next song or dance and the choreography was especially fun to watch. The crowd scenes were impressively controlled. I have to admit my favorite scene was during the dream sequence and Curly took the stage. The tyke who played Little Laurie stole the show and is destined to be a true thespian. Sitting next to three young girls was quite a treat as I observed their enjoyment during the play and afterwards when I asked how they liked the production, Kelsey, Eva and Katya were bubbly and excited to watch their friends perform, especially Gabby, but all were they want to act. They had never seen Oklahoma!, so this was their reality, and hopefully that of all the other youngsters in the audience. Kelsey answered my question by stating, "I liked how it was put together", a rather insightful comment for one so young. It takes many hours and sacrifices to put on a successful "Lincoln" continued on Page 8 "Library" continued from Page 5 technology and be more productive. There are classes on a myriad of subjects from beginning computer, financial literacy, birthing classes, a professional writing series, to how to use your electronic gadgets. There are also many online programs that can only be accessed with a library card. The possibilities are numerous and the opportunity for growth limitless. Sheri Britsch's vision forthe library is to see thecommunity and those in leadership, value the library through financial support and by using it. She wants the public to be aware of, and participate in, the many programs and offerings that are free to the residents of Pleasant Grove. Last year 24,228 patrons participated in the 620 programs (many are repeats of individual courses) offered during the year. The goal is to increase attendance and make the library more than just about books. Timing is everything. It takes time to gain the trust of fellow workers as well as that of the community, especially when the predecessor is a well-love- d icon. Sheri expressed appreciation for the retiring librarian, noting that April Harrison had left her with an excellent staff, a desirable gift for any new manager. She knows communication is important and plans to share her vision during staff meetings and through the other media outlets, including the city newsletter. I 533 West State Road, Suite 202 TV ft TJ1 "Iff f f 1A Pleasant Grove, Utah 84062 - IVi 1 JL(A I 1 1 ' i 801-785-88- 35 Fax:801-785-962- 9 o lJ W i We are excited to now offer , ; Sinsational Smile Teeth Whitening ... .: i Fast easy, comfortable and affordable. rr"r''--'- . - v ' We can help you achieve a whiter smile r and a more confident you. ! ; ' , fatiOntil milt ; ' 1 I r New Patient Special: ' , .' '7 fe rrprr 2 Call for your I I Sinsational Smile appointment I Adult Teeth Whitening I today! (with new patient examxrayscleaning) Certain restrictions apply - Call for more details J ' Offer expires 0430201 4 ' .... ., --- f-, rfctf KfcJ bd bud" '"bj"' Kwl hd bwd "' kj r(mv Is 300 Unit Senior Housing Complex Right for the Economic Development of Cedar Hills? by Harlow Clark Cedar Hills owns and would like to develop nine acres along 4800 West as retail space, but no retailers want to come in just now. That was the conclusion of a study developer Doug Young presented to the city council March 4. Young began by pass-ing out maps of restaurants, movie theaters, and some other retail types in Utah County. After consulting with other developers throughout the county, he learned there are no sit down restaurants or movie theaters that want to come in, he said. Young did the study in connection with his proposal to develop a 300-un- it senior housing complex at 4600 West Cedar Hills Drive. He said the facility will help at-tract businesses, since the residents would be "affluent people who like the temple nearby," but cautioned the city not to force development. Rushing to develop the retail sector will attract strip malls and check writing places, he said. 'Tin willing to buy the property at fair market value, but I will not develop it until the apples are ripe." Young said he was a silent partner operating facilities for the Wood part of Prowswood. "We like to be involved with the school districts wher-ever we go, making charitable donations to libraries and computer rooms, and using the seniors who live in our facili-ties as mentors and helpers in the schools," Young said. Young noted that the city doesn't have a library where tutors and students could meet for such tutoring, and said his group would like to be in-volved with a city library, too. "You're asking us to trust thiit you'll come back to de velop?" Mayor Gary Gygi asked. "Beyond that, I'm willing to purchase the nine acres," Young said. "I understand," the mayor said. "Do I have it right that you think the facility will build up the demand for retail there?" "Yes." Council Member Rob Crawley had a different ques-tion. "A lot of the feedback I get is that 300 units is too much. Is 300 a magic num-ber?" "We need that many to make it financially viable," Rees Wants Library Reimburesments Over Raise and Training by Harlow Clark The early part of the year is time for budget discussions. In the March 4 council meet-ing Cedar Hills Council Mem-ber Jenney Rees asked Finance Director Charl Louw about several line items, then said, "I appreciate you wanting to give us a raise and additional train-ing, but my personal preference would be to put that back into library reimbursements." Louw replied he felt small er consistent salary increases are easier to justify and easier for residents to make sense of than larger infrequent increases. The two discussed the mat-ter briefly, with Louw offering the caution that fully reimburs-ing fees for library cards in oth-er cities might draw people who will get a card but never use it. Council Member Daniel Zappala said that if the city saves $20,000 in legal fees, "we could triple the amount we're reimbursing." '. ! X , i Cedar Hills Council Members are Rob Crawley, Mike Geddes, Daniel Zappala, Mayor Gaiy Gygi, Jenney Rees and Trent Augustus. Photo courtesy of Harlow Clarke |