On Sunday, May 3, the newly formed Princeton Arts Chorale, of which I was blessed to play a small part, put on a magnificent show commemorating the 250th anniversary of the town. Under the spectacular musical leadership of Larry Sigler, the Chorale sang a slate of songs ranging from Patsy Mollica's original composition about the Stimson Farm to a spirited spiritual "Rock My Soul" to the"Battle Hymn of the Republic". The Reverend Thomas Prince (we know him better as Harry Pape) descended from his resting place in the belfry of the First Congregational Church and graced us with glimpses into his life and Princeton Past. Although appearing rather austere in last week's edition of The Landmark, (April 30, p.15), "in real life" Thomas Prince is quite a funny fellow and delighted the audience by sprinkling humor on them throughout the evening. State Representative Lew Evangelidis, complete with stovepipe hat and bow tie, made a "cameo appearance," as artistic director of the show, Denis Coughlin put it, as Abraham Lincoln at his second inauguration. Rep. Evangelidis read a very stirring and somber portion of Lincoln's inaugural address.
The Chorale ended the program with Irving Berlin's Broadway blockbuster version of "God Bless America," and I dare say that during that piece there wasn't one person in the nearly-filled meeting house who was not feeling a sense of patriotism and love for country and for a beloved community once named Prince Town.
Check out this T & G photo of John Stimpson as he appears to catch Irving Berlin's attention from Somewhere back in time.
Telegram & Gazette picture, "Back to the 1920's" Tuesday, May 5, 2009, p.B3
http://telegram.com/article/20090505/NEWS/905050396/1101/LOCAL
The Landmark, "History of Princeton in song," April 30, 2009, p.15
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
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