•June 28, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

The music was written by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by Dick Scanlon and it was based on the 1956 British musical, “Chrysanthemum”. The pre-Broadway promo starred Kristin Chenoweth as Millie and the redoubtable Bea Arthur as Mrs. Meers. It had nearly 1,000 performances and won six Tony awards including Best Musical and Best Actress.

Basically, it is a small town Kansas girl, Millie Dillmount, who comes to New York in the 20’s to marry for money and not love. She takes delight in the flapper lifestyle, but problems arise when she checks into a hotel run by a washed-up stage star who is reduced to a life of crime in a white slavery ring in China.

Having never seen this musical before I came prepared to be wowed. Thoroughly Modern Millie is thoroughly, magically magnificent.

The musical opens on a beautiful blue and grey New York backdrop, and above the stage is a marquee which sets the scenes and also translates the Chinese language of some characters so pay attention to the marquee! Read More

10¢ Meal Increase

•June 28, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

Sullivan Community Unit #300 school board members received good news about facility savings at the regular meeting June 12.

Director of maintenance Kevin Landrus gave an assessment of the HVAC replacement project for Sullivan elementary, middle school and high school.

“With the present trend the three buildings are saving 20 percent in utility costs,” Landrus began. He explained the new HVAC systems will need a full year before net savings are realized. The school district saved $4100 in May over the previous year which was under the old HVAC systems.

He went on to emphasize the new HVAC systems have improved the comfort levels in the classrooms which is of greater benefit to the learning environment for students. Read More

Photo by Alex Menke
Kylie Burke gets her face painted as part of the fun.

•June 21, 2017•

By Alex Menke
for the News Progress

Local residents of all ages came to Sullivan’s town square from 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 16 for a celebration of community.

The festival was created by Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development agency with WCIA-TV’s Our Town segment showcasing Sullivan. Chamber director Laurrie Minor explained how it all began. “Channel 3 called and said they wanted to cover Sullivan for an ‘Our Town’ program, and we threw a festival together and made it happen.”

She expressed her delight at the success of the event. “It became bigger than what we anticipated and more successful.”  Read More

•June 21, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Sullivan City Council discussed and agreed to waive the bidding requirements for the demolition of the old water tower off Jackson Street.

Other contractors were invited to bid, but there was no interest shown the city council learned at the June 12 meeting held at Elizabeth Titus Library.

Iseler Demolition, based out of Romeo, Mich. is scheduled to arrive the week of July 12 for the demolition. All the buildings and businesses in the surrounding area will be tarped to protect them from debris.  Read More

•June 14, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Indeed, researchers estimate this story to be at least 4,000 years old with its origins in the Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche. Written in 1740 by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, the original story had no Gaston or talking furniture - these are figments of Disney’s imagination.

In the 1700’s marriages were still arranged and this story was specifically intended to prepare young French girls for such a marriage.

Almost every country has a variant folktale of Beauty and the Beast, and it has been adapted for film (three times), stage, TV, opera and even a ballet.

That said, I can’t gush enough stars for this stellar production, its incredibly talented cast and especially the set and stage crew.

A narrator begins the prologue of how the Prince is turned into the Beast as the Prince, Beggar Woman and the Enchantress pantomime the action on stage. The curtain descends and rises again on a breathtaking French square as the villagers colorful costumes and carrying wonderful props bring the town to life. Belle (played by Samantha Matthews - she of the translucent skin and sterling voice) enters as does her father Maurice (Pat Swearington) and their loving and devoted relationship is revealed in the song “No Matter What”. Maurice has invented a clever wood shopping contraption for the science fair. Pat Swearington in both voice and mannerisms makes a most believable, devoted father. Read More