Islesford, ME 04646 1990 August 31, 2004 Dear Bruce, We have just returned from attending a wedding in Las Vegas. While there we saw two shows - Mamma Mia which was excellent and singer Celine Dion who wasn't - not for me anyway. The staging for the Dion show was fascinating, however, and I spent most of my time watching all of the other people on the stage and trying to figure out what they were doing and why. About half way through, I began to think about possible staging for a performance of Hannah Caroline's Lament at Islesford next summer. That's how interested I was in Dion's singing! As I recall the lyrics, Audrey Nother began singing about the schooner Minerva sailing away. Then she sang about Hannah Caroline hauling Sam's stuff to the shore. Finally, the sadness of the many mothers and widows left behind. Perhaps, as Audrey started singing, we (I'd need your help) could have the image of a schooner sailing across the stage behind her. (I have a handsome schooner model that you might photograph.) Then someone in old costume (Joy Sprague and Jo Bartlett have costumes) wheel a barrow or a wagon slowly across the stage with stuffed animals in it. Finally a chorus of the weeping widows might join in. Just a thought. If it sounds interesting, perhaps you could pass the enclosed copy of this to Audrey Nother to see what she thinks about it. I'd have it in mind for the program following our Historical Society meeting which could probably be during the 3rd week of next July. Anyway, this was more fun than listening to Celine Dion! Best, Hugh Dwelley 4996 PS. As soon as I get back to Virginia, I'll see if our German friend, Ulf Bankmann, has a DVD player. If yes, I'll want to get a copy of Hannah Caroline's Lament to send to him in Berlin. Ulf and his wife did a lot of research on her and will love to hear this.