Letter to the Editor: A Final "Vote" Plea From a Former Masquer

Masquers Supporter,

It all comes down to today. 

As a proud NRHS Masquers alum (2009), I was, like many of you, frustrated with the news that it would cost more than expected to construct the new high school. We've been placed in a bind through no fault of our own--on one side, a tax increase now, on the other, a greater potential tax increase later, and an incomplete school in the meantime. 

The cuts that are on the table would greatly affect the program I grew up in: imagine Masquers performing without lights, or curtains, or even chairs in the auditorium (all cuts that a "no vote" would engender). Of course, we know that Masquers would move forward and do the best with what it had, but it doesn't take a theatre professional to see that NRHS would have a series of logistical challenges standing in the way of putting on the caliber of shows we're all used to. 

What's been heartening is that in the light of this, the Masquers community has risen up to have their voice heard. A more recent alum, Adam Sperry, put together this video: which I highly encourage you to watch. 

Masquers supporters have stood up in Town Meeting, on facebook, in the Transcript,  and from colleges thousands of miles away (or, in my case, hundreds). But talk is cheap, and it's time to vote--we've got five hours left to get to the polls. Tell your friends and tell your neighbors, (remember, PROJECT so everyone can hear you) how important this is to not just Masquers but the future of North Reading. See you at St. Theresa's.

Best,

Rob Flaherty
North Reading High School '09
Former Masquers Officer