Dear Editor,

The Nederland community has a unique opportunity to experience art with deeper connections at NMSHS with this year’s musical performed by the High School students. Songs For A New World, music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. This musical could be viewed as a string of musical solos performed very well by the students but one would be missing the greatness of the production without allowing yourself to take it to the next level of understanding. It is intense in its ability to span moments in time that explore our humanity and the students are rocking the music, vocals and dance traveling through what spans decades of human experience in American history and yet, with a worldwide perspective relevant and current in the world we live in today.

Tobiah Nagle sets the tone with her beautiful melodic voice in “The New World” as the Company joins her we move to “On the Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship, 1942” with Sasha Godsil and Damon Vigil producing goose bump harmony. Emily Albright does a brilliant job in “Just One Step”, it’s funny or is it? The sweet voice of Hattie Bakke in “I’m not Afraid of Anything” let’s us rejoice and identify with this fearless woman, vulnerable in that inner place where most of us, do indeed, find fear. “The River Won’t Flow” is a number with sass and attitude that will make you want to jump out of your seat.  Natasha Kinczel beautifully takes us on a journey looking at the desires that drive us to some big decisions and their consequences in ”Stars and The Moon”. Hunter Mayhew, Damon Vigil and William Culver bring us to examine one of the mysteries in a relationship between a man and a woman in “She Cries”.  With pizazz Damon Vigil and Company give us an uncomfortable view into the realities behind a young mans’ life in “Steam Train”. “The World Was Dancing” Mazie Pancoast, Hunter Mayhew and Company give us a glimpse into the fast paced life, choices one man makes with a taste of what drives him and the impact of his choices. Sasha Godsil fabulous strength of voice and humor belts out “Surabaya-Santa” a story of one woman who has a desire she pursues that doesn’t end as she has dreamed. In a “Christmas Lullaby” Tobiah Nagel draws us into an intimate relationship of hope between mother and her unborn child, fathers will feel it too!

Hanna Woods and Company powerfully demonstrate brokenness and the unquenchable human drive to never give up in “King of the World”. Stories of relationships and choices continue to be displayed in “I’d Give It All For You” performed beautifully and with tenderness by Hunter Mayhew and Hattie Bakke. With “The Flagmaker, 1775” the Women in the Company deliver face to face with our humanity, frailty and strength, leaving us wishing it was a song only about 1775. To say that William Culver and Company in “Flying Home” are powerful is an understatement, uplifting… maybe, beautifully performed, absolutely! In the “Final Transition” the Company takes us around to the present that is in the past and the future, a touch of mindfulness in this musical pilgrimage. In “Hear my Song” there is so much nurturing, it is overwhelming, the musical ends on a note of melancholy hope that touches our souls and you are aware you have gone on a voyage of being human in an entertaining and moving display of talent in your own community where the young will soon be our leaders. They have learned and portrayed a very deep perspective in to life as a human being. Congratulations to Director Liz Evans, Choreographer Kiona Goodman and Technical Director Josh Lake, well done all! To reserve tickets email lori.kinczel@bvsd.org

Local business deals:

Crosscut Pizza - Bring in a ticket from this Friday or Saturday’s performance of SFNW and get one beer, wine or draft root beer for free. Good through Sunday, April 24th.

Ned’s - Bring in a ticket from this Friday or Saturday’s performance of SFNW and get a domestic beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverage for free. Good through Sunday, April 24th.

Blue Owl Books - Bring in a ticket from this Friday or Saturday’s performance of SFNW and get $1 off ice cream or drink. Good through Sunday, April 24th.

Brightwood Music - Bring in a ticket from this Friday or Saturday’s performance of SFNW and get $1 off a set of strings. Good through Sunday, April 24th.

The Mountain-Ear - Bring in or mail in a ticket from this Friday or Saturday to order your new subscription and get 50% off your first year. Good through Tuesday, May 31st.

Kathy Bremers

Nederland