Ruralite Cafe: Published 05/17/01

By Lynn Hotaling - Associate Editor

SMHS musical sparkled from start to finish

Presented by Smoky Mountain High School Theatre and directed by Tinnie Salzano, the show featured a polished and poised cast drawn from the SMHS student body.

The show sparkled from the moment we heard sophomore Michael Ayers begin to sing "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning," right up until the entire ensemble belted out the jubilant title song.

What a high note this show is for Salzano, who is ending a six-year string of directing musical theater at SMHS. Beginning with "Leader of the Pack" in 1996 and continuing through "Bye, Bye Birdie," "Anything Goes," "Guys and Dolls," "The Music Man" and "Oklahoma!," each musical has grown bigger and more successful.

After teaching honors English and play production classes at the school for seven years, Salzano has been tapped to serve as an instructional specialist beginning next year. Her leadership role with SMHS Theatre will be filled by English teacher Inga Sutton, who will take over the play production class as well.

"I was absolutely thrilled with this show," Salzano said. "The kids worked hard - that was clear - and it was very evident they were enjoying themselves. You could tell they were having a good time being onstage."

All six productions Salzano has directed at Smoky Mountain have been musicals.

"I think we've done good shows," she said. "When someone asked me why musicals, I said, 'I'm just a sucker for upbeat, happy endings.'"

Salzano credits a former SMHS student, Carrie Richardson, with persuading her to start the annual shows.

"Oklahoma!," a sellout both nights, was such a success that she and Sutton are talking about the possibility of three performances next year, Salzano said, and added how grateful she is to everyone who has supported the plays.

The 20-piece orchestra, conducted by Bob Reid and featuring SMHS band directors Kenny Franklin and Amy Palo, "really added another dimension to the show - and involved more kids," Salzano said.

And speaking of kids, those of us with progeny onstage or in the orchestra pit got a special treat as we watched and listened as our offspring performed almost flawlessly.

And while productions I've seen at ritzier venues have been enjoyable, they can't compare with the thrill of seeing local kids - the ones I remember from soccer, T-ball, softball, baseball, school and Sunday school - up on the stage, singing and dancing with great aplomb.

On behalf of the entire audience, I'd like to thank the directors, musicians, cast and crew for a terrific job - and a night to remember.

It wasn't Broadway - it was a whole lot better.

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