Letter: Actors make community proud

When I was a teacher, I learned that I sometimes had to establish a rapport with certain students in order to help them gain confidence in themselves. Then they could work on developing their skills/talents and become successful in whatever they were wanting to accomplish.

I watched the outstanding performance of 11-year-old Jesse Flaherty, who portrayed Billy Elliot, in the recent TCR musical. I was reminded of the importance of the relationship between the young actor and his directors and choreographers. They molded him into an outstanding musical performer. The fact that he was the lead actor and had never performed in a musical before was amazing. His directors must have developed a strong rapport with him to help him perform at such a high level.

I experienced the same feelings when I enjoyed the musical Peter Pan at TCR a couple months ago. Sophie Lindwall handled the lead role with such skill and poise. To watch her perform with such finesse at the young age of 14 was a delight to see. Her flawless performance is a tribute to her directors who made her into the talented actress/singer/dancer that she is. Congratulations to all of you! You make our community proud.

Stella Siver

Cedar Rapids