Washington's message on the Touro Synagogue

George Washington visited the oldest synagogue in this nation (founded in the 1600s) at Newport, Rhode Island.  His remarks on the Touro Synagogue are a reflection of, and support for, the new Bill of Rights.

“...every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.”

He wrote this in August 1790.

"For happily the Government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.^"

He meant it.  We should mean it, too. 

Happy Hanukkah and blessings to all our countrymen of all faiths.

In the Spotlight 25th Anniversary - Springfield, Massachusetts

Congratulations to founder Shera Cohen and In the Spotlight, Inc., a non-profit agency and website showcasing performing arts reviews and previews, which began as Bravo newspaper, a monthly arts periodical, now celebrating its 25^th anniversary.

Press coverage of theatre events is as necessary to the arts as the audience, and without which the performing arts would not have the benefit of thoughtful public discourse, a record of our culture, and a way to connect with the public for support.  In these days of dwindling numbers of newspapers and magazines, and the number of media outlets that provide theatre coverage, In the Spotlight is an important part of the theatre world in western New England.  May In the Spotlight and its staff continue to bring us news of the performing arts for many more years to come.

Have a look at the website for In the Spotlight here.

The Road to Mt. Tom, Holyoke, Massachusetts

We're on the road to a new adventure, for the next several weeks at least.  This is an old illustrated postcard of Route 5 running north along the Connecticut River in Holyoke, Massachusetts.  We're on the road to Mt. Tom.

The mountain hosted on its wooded slopes an interesting variety of inhabitants over the decades: a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, a ski area, an amusement park, a series of summit houses...and a summer playhouse.

This theater and its various players from vaudeville, to operetta, to recent Broadway hits in drama and comedy, is the subject of my latest book: Comedy and Tragedy on the Mountain - 70 Years of Summer Theatre on Mt. Tom, Holyoke, Massachusetts.

The book will be released in the coming weeks.