We are writing to ask you to support the February 2010 Somerville High School production of Beauty and the Beast by purchasing an ad in the program book. You can find details on the range of sponsorship costs and benefits, and information about how to become an ad book sponsor online at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/musical.

Beauty and the Beast will open on Thursday, February 4th at 7:00 PM at Somerville High School, and run through the 2:00 PM matinee on February 6th. However, the more than 40 student performers, musicians and technical crew members have already begun running lines, blocking scenes, practicing dance numbers and designing sets. One member of the cast, high school senior Andrea Mendes, shares her reflections on the importance of the high school musical in her educational career.

Andrea Mendes has a deep sense of belonging to Somerville High School, cultivated through her four-year involvement in the Drama Club. Her active involvement in high school dramatic and musical productions has resulted in lifelong friends who share a passion for drama. Cast in the lead role of Babette, Andrea is going to enjoy Beauty and the Beast as one of the last moments she will spend with her friends, and in an activity that she has loved and been inspired by over the course of her high school career. As rehearsals begin in earnest Andrea is already looking ahead to the final curtain call at the matinee performance on Saturday, February 6th. This bittersweet moment will be include feelings of sadness as she closes the chapter in her high school drama career, and a deep sense of accomplishment at having played the lead role in an internationally acclaimed stage musical.

This year Beauty and the Beast will cost $12,000 to produce. The annual high school musical, which provides invaluable leadership, creative and professional opportunities for students like Andrea, is funded almost entirely through donations, ad book sponsors, and ticket sales. Please take a moment to review the enclosed sponsor materials, or visit us on the web at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/musical and become a sponsor.

If you have any questions about becoming a sponsor of the 2010 Somerville High School production of Beauty and the Beast please do not hesitate to contact me by telephone, email or through our website at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/musical.

On behalf of our student performers thank you for your support. We hope you will “be our guest” at Somerville High School February 4th, 5th or 6th!

Sincerely,

Rosemary Sears , Producer, Beauty and the Beast

Richard Saunders, K-12 Supervisor of Music Education