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Mount Greylock Staging Musical 'Wonderful Town'

By Molly PolkCommunity Submission
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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Mount Greylock Regional High School will stage its spring musical in the auditorium on Thursday to Saturday, March 8, 9 and 10, at 7 p.m.

The production of "Wonderful Town" is directed by faculty member Jeff Welch, curriculum leader for history and music, and brings together more than 40 students on stage, in the crew and in the pit orchestra.

Tickets for the performances are $6 for students and seniors and $8 for adults and may be purchased at the door.

"Wonderful Town" premiered on Broadway in 1953 and was revived in 2003. The musical has won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Choreography. Written by Joseph Fields and Jerome Chodorov and based on their 1940 play "My Sister Eileen," a work itself inspired by a collection of stories written by Ruth McKenney. "Wonderful Town" is sure to delight audiences with its intriguing plot and memorable songs composed by Leonard Bernstein.

The production traces the adventures and misadventures of two sisters who move from their comfortable Ohio town to Greenwich Village in New York in pursuit of their dreams. 

"I saw 'Wonderful Town' with the Mount Greylock High School chorus on Broadway in 2004," Welch said. "It is a dynamite production that fits our students well and should appeal to a broad audience."

Senior Karl Mick, who plays the role of Robert Baker, said, "I love the experience the characters have in New York City, finding themselves, and developing relationships with a diverse range of people."

Mary Laidlaw, also a senior, plays one of the sisters, Ruth Sherwood.

"Wonderful Town is a classic story with a unique twist," Laidlaw said. "It manages to be inspirational, entertaining, funny, serious and imparts a powerful message — never to give up your dreams."
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St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School  in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
 
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
 
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
 
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
 
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
 
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
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