"Parting is such sweet sorrow."
William Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet)
Those words from the "Balcony Scene" of Shakespeare's famous play, speak of the joy that is experienced by being in the company of certain people, and the despair that comes from leaving them. Befittingly, those are the very thoughts I feel now, as I retire from leading the Founders' Hall Drama Club and Spring Musical.
As the unfortunate Covid-19 isolations came to an end, Mr. Tom Knight (then the Founders' Hall Principal) asked me if I would be willing to lead the Drama Club and Spring Musical after the retirement of our longtime Director, Miss Jeanne Gallo. My immediate response was to say, "Let me think about that!" While I had worked with the musical staff for several years, as a Vocal Coach, I was still supplementing my school employment by working as a professional singer/actor, appearing in nearly 100 productions of musical theater and opera during my 30 year career. Ultimately, it was the opportunity to take my lifelong dedication to the Arts to a new level, as a teacher and mentor to kids, that prompted my retirement from performing, and my new beginning as a producer and director.
That first group of kids were hungry to perform... They were just hungry to be near each other and have an outlet for their isolation during that awful period of Covid related restrictions and shutdowns. I will always cherish the time I spent with those kids because, for everything I taught them about confidence, courage, reliance on others, and the individual desire to "Shine" they, in return, taught me how to direct. It truly is, one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.
During our time together, we have presented a challenging but fun variety of shows; each one ideally suited to the group of kids I expected to have that school year. In order, we produced Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr!, The Music Man, Jr!, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Jr, Xanadu, Jr!, Disney's Moana, Jr!, and this year's most challenging of all shows, CHICAGO: Teen Edition. I take great personal pride in the work we have done together, the positive publicity we have brought to our combined communities, and the fact that we have given opportunities for our students to achieve while making a little money for our school district!
I owe deep debts of gratitude to the School Board of the McKeesport Area School District, administrators from Francis McClure School and my own Founders' Hall, custodians, food service workers, and other supportive colleagues. Certain parent or guardian volunteers and professional vendors deserve many thanks. My Musical Staff: Drew DeCarlo, Dave Kelly, Vik Patel, Cassie Fedor, and Manny Oramas are MY FRIENDS... Without their friendship, trust, labor, and creativity none of this would have been possible, or worth doing! To my family... I love you! Thanks for always accepting my passions, and my crankiness! Lastly, and most importantly, to my kids... upwards of 200 middle school students of differing levels of talent, intelligence, ability, and personality... I tell you each year when the show stops being "My show" and actually becomes "Your show." It is with great affection, thanks, and my deepest love, that I say 'My accomplishments are actually your accomplishments! Thanks for taking me along for the ride!' All good things, as they say, must come to an end. The end of my time with all of you has arrived, but always smile when you look backwards, and keep your chin held high moving forward because, for you, the show must go on!
Edward Ray Moore
