Jayme Armstrong deserves Richmond’s votes

Editor:

We have a rare opportunity to make a difference to the life of a very talented, straight-A graduate from Steveston secondary, who passed up scholarships in order to pursue her lifelong dream of performing in musical theatre.

So far, she has performed in both Canada and the U.S. to much acclaim.  We, in Richmond, now have an opportunity to shine a spotlight on our city and Gateway Theatre and its special programs that help children and youth, as they helped her.

Jayme Armstrong is currently one of four competitors still in the running on the CBC reality show How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, hoping to win the coveted role of Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music, which is being staged in Toronto this fall.

Jayme is a gifted singer with a great personality, excellent stage presence and a strong work ethic, all of which have earned her compliments from one of the icons of musical theatre, Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as his associates—the people who are responsible for the CBC competition.

The opportunity to work with and learn from one of the all-time greats will have a significant impact on Jayme’s future in musical theatre, of that we can be sure, but in order for this to happen we have to make sure she receives the support she deserves.

The competition is not about how much the producers like her—it is about how many votes she receives from the viewing public.

So, for the next couple of Sundays at least—we need to vote and get as many of our friends and associates to vote as well (whether they live in Richmond or not).

You can watch the show on CBC Sundays at 8 p.m. Voting takes place for three hours after the show. We can cast up to 10 votes by phone (1-866-610-3556 ), 10 votes by e-mail (www.cbc.ca/maria) and 10 votes by text messaging (“JAYME” to 777111).

You can be creative, as some people have, voting using a second computer (as long as it isn’t on the same network), going over to your neighbour’s house to use their phone, etc.

I personally have not met Jayme, but a close friend of mine knows her family well. I remember, however, having had a dream of my own when I was her age, a dream I was able to pursue. So, let’s make this happen!   

Frances Clark

Richmond