Letter to the editor: ‘Peggy Lee’ performance was truly a sight to see

There was an audible, collective gasp from the audience at Jamestown High School July 1 when Peggy Lee, a.k.a. Kate Stevenson, took the stage. The resemblance between her and Lee was remarkable, and the comparisons didn’t end there.

“Peggy’s” amazing range, the tricky timing and her exquisite expression were greatly enhanced by Carrie Kraft’s fantastic piano arrangements. Woven through the almost 20 renditions was the story of a 4-year-old, raised by a father and an apparently very unloving stepmother, who graduated with honors from Wimbledon High School. We even heard the class poem she penned. So the biographical research was amazing. Lee’s life personified the pioneer spirit of North Dakota — humble beginnings, life struggles, talent, a dream and dreams come true.

For me personally, the high point was her very torchy “Fever.” The concert was so well choreographed, until I read the program later, I didn’t realize that this wasn’t a professional “road show,” but local talent. The performance was so well orchestrated and timed that although we heard so many great songs we were left asking ourselves “Is that all there is?”

It was a wonderful evening, an exceptional venue and a real credit to the Jamestown 125th. Thanks much!

Dorothy Orts

Oriska, N.D.

Tags: peggylee, 125celebration, music