As we approach the end of term next week, the theme of these pages will drift to the topic of performance, because this is a time when we perform....through exams, visual arts, theater, sports. Today's page is unique in that it's about what's happening in the Norris Theater within 24 hours.

Every winter term, a student (or two) assumes direction of an ambitious dramatic production, enabling the best of Proctor theater to advance those skills. Such an experience led to my son majoring in theater at Colby College. This year, Amy and Hallie have directed a large cast of students and teachers with confidence, patience and skill in the production of Ben Kaufman's Up the Down Staircase, a powerful, touching look at the coming-of-age experience of an idealistic English teacher hired into a tough, inner-city high school.

Holding the academic bar high, Miss Barrett is confronted by both an administration withered by years of disrespecting students and students motivated to resist the ridiculous system they have always known. One character, in particular...a bright, furious boy played by Jake...deserves to be won over.

The victory, in the end, is immense, and is played beautifully by this cast.

This show opens tomorrow (Friday night) at 7, and plays Saturday night at the same time. Get there if you can.

What you can't experience is the faculty rock 'n roll band's performance in this morning's assembly. This band, known as the "Fun Raisers" (or is it the "Fun Razors" or the "Fun Razers"?) has several gigs lined up for the spring and summer, but this is the first time we've played to the home crowd.