Drury Students Bring Musical 'Zombie Prom' To Life

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass.—Drury Stage Company will present the musical "Zombie Prom" at the Drury Performing Arts Center (DPAC) with three performances.
 
The production is led by students in various roles, including acting, technical work, costuming, set building, and stage management. Community members, school, and district personnel are providing mentorship and guidance.
 
According to a press release, "Zombie Prom" is a zany and heartfelt musical set in a 1950s high school where teen love and radioactive mishaps collide.
 
"This fast-paced show is musically challenging," said Leslie Appleget, District Arts and Communications Coordinator, also serving as production manager and producer of Zombie Prom. "Our students have risen to the challenge with remarkable dedication, commitment, and talent."
 
Performances are scheduled for:
  • Friday, April 11, at 7 PM
  • Saturday, April 12, at 2 PM and 7 PM
Ticket prices are $5 for students and senior citizens, and $10 for adults. Tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds will support future Drury Stage Company productions.
 
"I am so proud of our students," Stephanie Kopala, Drury High School principal said. "They are leading with determination and heart, demonstrating the true spirit of our Portrait of a Graduate competencies as responsible individuals, compassionate collaborators, and lifelong learners to create a memorable performance."
 
For the second year running, Drury Stage Company has partnered with the district’s 21st Century Afterschool Program to present performances in both the fall and spring semesters.
 
"Without strong, unwavering student leadership this production would have been difficult to achieve," Director of 21st Century Programs Annie Pecor said. "When student voice is met with dedicated educators elevating student ownership, magic happens."
 
While Zombie Prom contains content suitable for young adult audiences, attendees are encouraged to consider the maturity level of children elementary-age and younger before bringing them to the show. The production is appropriate for high school-aged students and older, but may not be suitable for younger audiences.
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Federal Cuts Include North Adams Culvert Project

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Trump administration's cut $90 million in disaster prevention aid for the state including a culvert project on Galvin Road.
 
The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program was providing funding to 18 communities, the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. 
 
Engineering for the Galvin Road culvert was one of only two Berkshire projects being funded. The other was $81,720 to Hinsdale to power a public safety building.
 
The two largest disbursements were $50 million to Chelsea and Everett for flood resilience that was approved during Trump's first term, and $12 million to DCR for a waterfront project in Boston. 
 
Many of these endeavors have been years in the making and the funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency has already been appropriated. 
 
The governor's office said cities and towns have moved forward with expensive permitting applications and engineering and design plans because of FEMA's identification of their project as a future recipient of federal BRIC funds. 

"In recent years, Massachusetts communities have been devastated by severe storms, flooding and wildfires. We rely on FEMA funding to not only rebuild but also take steps to protect against future extreme weather," said Gov. Maura Healey.

"But the Trump administration has suddenly ripped the rug out from under cities and towns that had been promised funding to help them upgrade their roads, bridges, buildings and green spaces to mitigate risk and prevent disasters in the future. This makes our communities less safe and will increase costs for residents, municipalities and businesses."

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal noted the difficult flooding and wildfires the state has had to deal and said the funds would have provided assistance to at-risk communities. 

"The BRIC program was established by Congress in 2018, during the first Trump administration, to reduce the hazard risk of communities confronting natural disasters," said the congressman.
 
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