‘Cinderella’ delayed at Catskill High School
Postponement comes as music teacher remains suspended
CATSKILL — Catskill High School’s spring musical has been postponed after the play’s director was suspended due to an investigation by the school district, a situation that’s outraged students and parents for weeks.
Superintendent Dan Wilson, who ordered the investigation, posted a message on the school’s website late on Tuesday saying the play would be delayed until April.
“We understand that this change may inconvenience some of you, and we sincerely apologize for any disruption this may cause to your plans. However, please know that we have made this decision with careful consideration to ensure that the production meets the highest standards and that all involved have the best possible
experience,” Wilson wrote.
“We truly appreciate your understanding and flexibility during this time of adjustment. Your support means the world to us, and we are committed to delivering a magical and unforgettable performance for you and your families,” Wilson continued.
Friday’s scheduled premiere of “Cinderella” had been in doubt since Michelle Storrsryan, a teacher at the school, was suspended two weeks ago along with Principal Juniat
Shah over an incident at a rehearsal involving a piece of Scotch tape. Several students would not quiet down, so Storrs-ryan walked over to them with the tape and handed it to a student, who then placed it over her mouth. The student told the Times Union she considered it a joke and “everyone was laughing.” Shah was not present at the rehearsal.
Marcus Mcgregor, the play’s choreographer who has struggled to continue rehearsals after Storrs-ryan’s suspension, said the postponement has “given us more time to hone in the play.” But rehearsals were not going smoothly, with the student actors stressed out about their director’s suspension. And the postponement might do little to help if Storrs-ryan’s suspension is not soon lifted, he added.
“We don’t really know what’s going to happen,” Mcgregor said. “They gave us a date, but yet Michelle’s not back, so we don’t actually know if (“Cinderella”) is going to happen. We haven’t heard any news or anything. Everything’s up in the air.”
At least “a couple hundred” people attended a regularly scheduled school board meeting Wednesday night, most to protest the suspensions, according to Scott Hallam, the parent of a student actress who attended the session.
School board meetings are usually held at the high school’s library, but the gathering was moved to the elementary school cafeteria to accommodate the crowd. The meeting’s agenda did not include the suspensions as an item to be discussed, but several people spoke out against the suspensions during the public comment period.
The board closed off the public comment period — meeting rules allow only 15 minutes for items not on the agenda — before a group of students could speak, according to a video of the meeting given to the Times Union. The crowd chanted, “Let her speak,” before the board voted to extend the comment period.
Student actors Alexandra Hallam and Madison Mudge approached the stand, backed by many cast members from the production. After demanding a microphone, Hallam said the group was “promoting what we believe is good and fair.” She said she was proud of her school but had “never been more disgusted at a collection of actions in my life.”
The video shows the group receiving a standing ovation after Hallam spoke.
“They were kind of in attack mode against the superintendent,” Hallam, Alexandra’s father, said of the meeting’s attendees.
The play is now set to run April 12, 13 and 14.