River Campus: A great mix

Congratulations to the River Campus and Bedell Performance Hall for bringing four outstanding productions to this area all in one week. We saw the performances of "Carousel," River North Chicago Dance Company, Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra and "TAO -- The Martial Art of Drumming."

The beautiful and heartfelt musical production of "Carousel" was equal to many of the shows we have seen performed by Broadway traveling productions at the Fabulous Fox in St. Louis. The vocals, costumes, sets, acting and dancing were wonderful. Congratulations to the students, director and Theatre and Dance Department faculty and staff for their hard work in presenting this musical gift.

River North Chicago Dance Company brought a unique creativity and dance expression that left the audience spellbound by the contemporary interpretation. And the company's second-act Cuban-influenced sequence with a touch of classical style was elegant while rhythmic.

The Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra was unsurpassed as one of the finest symphony performances at the Bedell. The solo pianist played Rachmaninoff flawlessly. The entire orchestra and the solo violinist enchanted us all with "Scheherazade." Certainly this was a performance to remember for a very long time.

The TAO program brought a whole different audience into the Bedell who appreciate the martial arts movement and playfulness on the drums, as the drummers carried out the emotions of their dance. It was good to see children, boys and men enthused by this performance.

Thanks to the River Campus management for these touring programs. And there are more to come, including Garrison Keillor in May.

KIM McDOWELL, Cape Girardeau