Better leadership needed for theater

For as many years as I have lived in Schaumburg (which has been about 25), the Schaumburg Park District always provided high-quality entertainment, leisure-time pursuits and family activities.

For about a dozen years, the Schaumburg Park District, under the direction of Toni Thrash-Higgins, produced musical theater productions, like "Oliver!", "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and others.

However, when Ms. Thrash-Higgins chose to move on, she was replaced by Beth Waller, who would rather produce simpler child-oriented shows, like "How Santa Lost His Christmas Tree" and "Frosty Frolics". While producing children's shows is not without its merit, producing only children's shows precludes adults from participating in them, as well as attending them.

The fact that Ms. Waller chose to hold auditions for "Annie" last November without securing the rights for the show, and being turned down for the rights after auditions were already held, could speak to the fact that Ms. Waller is in over her head. This could be remedied by asking Ms. Waller to step down from her position with the Schaumburg Park District and be replaced by someone with the skills and talents necessary to deliver the kinds of entertainment Schaumburg has grown accustomed.

The fact that organizations like H.O.T.T. Productions and Schaumburg on Stage can produce quality shows like "Meet Me in St. Louis," and the Schaumburg Park District, under the direction of Beth Waller can't, could indicate that changes should be made in that organization.

James McDunn

Schaumburg