Dear Jim and Eileen,

        I want to thank you for allowing me to take part in the premiere of "KATrina."  When Larry asked me to participate in the performance, I had no idea how wonderful your work would be.  When my script arrived, I sat down and read it immediately, becoming totally involved in the fantasy. Perhaps I was more moved by the events of the story than other people since I am the owner of four cats. When Purrsilla watched her daughter getting married as a human, it brought tears to my eyes. I knew it was going to be a delightful experience to take part in the production.  When I first heard the score on that Sunday afternoon at you lovely home, I was simply overwhelmed by the beauty of the melodies.

        I hope that you were pleased with our performances.  It was an absolute joy to help you realize a stage production of your musical.  I hope that things will not end here. "KATrina" needs to be completely staged with fine costumes and wonderful, magical effects.  If you don't mind my saying this, I think it would be perfect for Disney to produce.

        Good luck with this and other musical projects.  Please feel free to call me if I can assist you in any way. I live just down the road in Flushing, and it's not very far to go.
 
Yours truly,
Tom Newby

Dear Jim and Eileen,

Thank you for your wonderful compliments, but I personally don't think that I am as good as you say I am. My voice is really showing wear, and you were very kind to overlook the flaws. As for Shakespeare, he has always been a god to. Portraying Prospero on the stage would be a dream come true, but I am afraid there are few venues in Queens that would support a production of "THE TEMPEST."

I wish that I had connections so that I could recommend "KATrina." I seriously think that it is perfect for a Disney animation, and I wholeheartedly suggest that you pursue this possibility. I am sure that Larry can be of more help than I. I have former students who have made it to Broadway, but they are not producers. I have former students who are doctors, lawyers, accountants, conductors, musicians, opera directors, and college professors, but no one is a producer. Rest assured that I shall keep my ears and eyes open and let you know of anything that appears relevant. I am deeply honored that you would consider including me in future projects. I spent thirty-four years in the classroom, but I always dreamed of appearing on the stage. I am very much open to any theatrical endeavors you might have in mind, and I shall remain in contact on a regular basis.

Yours truly,
Tom

P.S. I have begun to listen to Jim's symphonies, and I adore traditional tonality. I don't want to make any comments until I have heard the music several times, but my initial reaction was very favorable. I adored the "Miniatures" and I think that the later symphony may be my favorite so far.