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The below was taken from a Facebook post in the Amherst Central Alumni Group:
“As some of you may know, we lost one of the most loving, kindest, and craziest Tiger that graced the halls of ACS, Steven Drachenberg. Please join us as we come together to help his family through this devastating loss.
April 9th we will be holding a benefit to honor him and spread some love to his girls. https://fb.me/e/34I6lLO4F
We’ve also started a go fund me for those who would like to donate. Thank you for your love and support. https://gofund.me/ea1cb800“
A musical production not often done by high schools was selected for this year’s 73rd annual ACHS Operetta because there is a strong group of actor-singers who can handle the complexities of the score for “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (School Edition).”
“This Stephen Sondheim piece is one that I have always wanted to do,” said Justin Pomietlarz, director of choral activities and operetta director. “It is complex in its characters, music, and orchestration, yet tells a witty and poignant story about the complexities of human nature – love, revenge, anger, and compassion.”
Tickets can be purchased online at the following link—>
https://amherstoperetta.ludus.com/index.php
Tickets can also be purchased at the door the night of the performance as well. Ticket prices are $12.50 for general admission, $10 for students and senior citizens. Through the online ticketing platform, the Amherst Operetta Association can accept donations as well as ticket purchases.
Though much of the piece is quite funny, the second act gets very dark as the principal character, Sweeney Todd, goes on a killing spree to seek revenge on the local Judge Turpin who at some previous point banished Todd from London and took in his daughter to raise as his own.
“It was chosen because there are a strong group of actor-singers who can handle the complexities of this score,” said Pomietlarz. “It’s also not frequently done by high schools as it poses many challenges musically and theatrically. However, we are blessed with a fantastic design team who can tackle these issues with creativity and artistry. It’s challenging, yet exciting music, and the kids are having a lot of fun.”
The Operetta poster was designed by ACHS sophomores Sage Sabatino and Chloe Camping with assistance from graphic designer Katherine Kuo who combined the work of both students.
The audience will be in-person, limited capacity and socially distanced. Performances will be Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 12 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 pm.
Wendy passed away on January 19, 2022 at the age of 65 after her courageous battle with cancer, for almost 2 years, surrounded by her loved ones.
Wendy was born on April 15, 1956 in Buffalo, New York. As a child she enjoyed playing in the woods and cheering in sports. Wendy and her husband, Bill, met at New Years Eve party in 1988 in Buffalo and instantly connected. They were married 5 short months later on May 13, 1989. And the following year they had their first child, Christina in 1990. Then in 1992 along came their second child, Kelton. They lived in Houston and in the Fort Worth area all of there married life. Where they enjoyed building 3 of their homes and raising their family. Wendy and Bill enjoyed traveling the country, spending time with family, and attending their children’s activities. Wendy loved being a stay-at-home mom; shopping and helping her friends design and organize their houses and was very involved in her children’s interests, and never missed a dance recital or football game. She felt very blessed to have friends that she could call family throughout her life. Most recently she loved spending time with her grandkids as much as she could, which was made easy by living on the same property next door to them. She was very excited about moving to the country, watching her grandchildren grow up and building one more house with her husband, but God had other plans for her in heaven.
Wendy is preceded by her mother, Carol and her father, Richard. She is survived by her husband, Bill; her son Kelton; her daughter and son-in-law Christina and Josh; her grandchildren Luke and Lilliana; her brother and family; Mark and Amy, Liana and Alan with children Tommy, Henry and baby girl on the way, Ethan and Megan, and Lucia; and youngest her brother Kent and Chris.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all that have supported them during this time. Especially to their dear friend Carol, who was Wendy’s caretaker angel, and Keith who supported them in every way in her last two weeks of life.
Original obituary: https://wadefamilyfuneralhome.com/obits/wendy-darann-ponder/
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