To the Editor:

Those who saw Huron High School’s performances of “Second Samuel” were treated to a semi-professional team of outstanding young actors.

The 1949 tale takes place in the sleepy little town of Second Samuel, Georgia. Its residents go about their daily activities interacting with each other as autistic young man, B-Flat, narrates his thoughts of the townsfolk and his memories of beloved piano teacher Miss Gertrude after her passing. The town is thrown into commotion when it’s revealed Miss Gertrude had been hiding a shocking secret. Being different was frowned upon until the most “different” among them - B-Flat - helps all realize Miss Gertrude treated each as equals, including possibly the only Black family in town.

The audiences reacted with enthusiasm as they enjoyed a challenging dialect and three vastly different sets on the same stage. The characters were revealed slowly and methodically during the first half by a very talented cast of young thespians. The big secret was dropped just as the curtain closed on the first act.

Intermission treats were available for the audience to regroup in anticipation of what would ensue in the final act. The male lead character was mesmerizing as he stuttered through B-Flat’s thoughts and feelings of the situation while unknowingly pulling the town together before the funeral. A generous serving of humor, interspersed in sometimes tense situations, kept the story interesting. Dry eyes at the final curtain were hard to find. As the program states, “Laugh, be moved, but don’t leave unchanged”.

The directors, the set designers and construction, the light and sound operators, the tech crew, and especially the cast deserve a third standing ovation for their outstanding efforts. Huron High School has performed excellent plays in the past but many will agree this is among the very best in recent memory.

Bob Eickhoff
Huron