Breaking the status quo through a musical

To the editor:

After reading a letter regarding Xavier High School's choice of 'Chicago the Musical,” I am simply appalled ('‘Chicago the Musical' not best selection,” Nov. 12).

Leland Hutchison Sr. is attacking the hours of practice and hard work that the students of Xavier have put into this production. He is judging a book by its cover; focusing on the Broadway version of the musical, blatantly disregarding the fact that the director of this production has edited portions of the show to make it appropriate for families and students of Xavier.

The mission of Xavier is to develop the total person in a Catholic environment, and as a graduate of Xavier, I can attest that Xavier does this and so much more. With that in mind, Xavier prepares its students for what comes after they leave high school, what happens in the real world.

These students are aware that there is smoking in the real world, that individuals may get pregnant out of wedlock, that sometimes sleazy attire is worn. But Xavier is not promoting these types of actions. These students are not in the musical because they want to possess these personality traits; but because they love to perform, to sing, to express themselves. They perform because they love it, and these characters they are portraying are simply that: characters.

Quinlan Moran

Cedar Rapids