As an involved parent, I really wish this story had been balanced and fair. There were three teachers and the principal of HMS in the show. It was co-sponsored by the PTO- all of whom reviewed the show and approved it specifically because of all the work done to make it appropriate for 4th and 5th grade performers. Many parents and staff were involved in rehearsals throughout.
I think Arts Alive deserves an apology from the Times as do the families of the children singled out.
Publishing "rumors" and "opinions" as facts, reduces the Times to the level of an online blog. As I have stated before, as a parent, I received multiple emails from the start of the show explaining that lyrics were changed, that children should use the script to practice so they would learn the lyrics correctly, that the practice CD had the original lyrics on it b/c there was no way to change it (and children need to hear music to learn it).
It's been hard enough to explain to my children why people are criticizing the show, and they weren't the ones targeted. We teach our children to ask questions, to speak up for those being bullied and not to believe or spread rumors- unfortunately the Times doesn't seem to know or practice these lessons. How sad and destructive.
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