Larissa Mark is the young lady behind the plea to bring the musical “Rent” to Trumbull High School.
“The topics that it brings up are not fantasy. They’re in our everyday lives,” she said.
Her words didn’t strike a compromise between the high school staff and the Thespian Society.
Earlier this week the school board backed up Principal Marc Guarino, who says the musical is too risque for high schoolers.
First Selectman Tim Herbst is stepping in.
“The whole purpose of the statement I issued earlier was to start the dialogue,” he said.
Herbst issued a statement Friday saying it may be possible for “Rent” to be performed through the town theater program as a summer musical.
Those involved in the Trumbull Theatre Association say as good as it sounds, it may not be feasible.
“It really isn’t going to work for us,” said Mary Wright with the Trumbull Youth Association. “We feel like the high school should take it on.”
“I’m not sure if it’s necessarily realistic for this summer and our summer program, but I’m glad that we’re at least working together,” said Larissa Mark.
The Trumbull Youth Association said their group works with youth from ninth grade on up to 21-year-olds.
In a student production of “Rent,” the typical cutoff age is 18.
That would leave out many in their theater group. Still, they’re glad that dialogue is progressing, not ending.
“We’re excited he’s gotten involved and is proposing a compromise,” said Merial Cornell, of the Trumbull Youth Association.
“Everybody should walk away from this proud of the production, proud of the town, and the goal here is to bring everybody to the table to try to resolve this,” said Herbst.
TYA directors say they plan on meeting this weekend to take any necessary steps to continue the musical.
Fox CT called the home of Trumbull’s principal, but we were unable to reach him for comment.