Gerry Bisantz sent this review of the student performance of the musical “Once on This Island” at Lowell High School this past weekend:

Just a little “shout out” to the kids at Lowell High and the great production of “Once On This Island” their school musical held last Friday and Saturday nights. Directed by Sharon Bisantz with musical direction by Andy Descoteaux, it was a lively, colorful, and wonderful show. The cast was great,and the advantage of the many ethnicities of Lowell High really added to the casting.

HOWEVER, I am very worried about the lack of publicity and the lack of audience that I see at these great shows.”The Crucible”, “Greater Tuna”, last year’s “Music Man,” all should have had bigger houses….these kids work their butts off. If “Art is the handmaid of human good” it certainly is not being supported at the high school. From what I saw, not a single member of the school committee attended, and the lack of marketing to the general public is a big problem. The big school musical at the end of the season should be a BIG deal in a high school. Let’s hope that something can be done to resolve this problem and get more fannies in the seats to see these talented kids, and give them the recognition they deserve. I have seen the results of the arts on kids. It’s amazing how they transform and illuminate their lives. Kudos to all, and to the rest of all you wonderful people, check out a show at the high school next year. You will be glad you did.