LETTER: Do better to protect piano in future

I am astounded and dismayed to hear that dancers of the Alpine Theater Project danced atop the Steinway concert grand piano at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center during their recent performances in the musical “Chicago.” The piano’s top was damaged, and the structure of its case could have been weakened by the weight and motion of the dancers.

Despite a brilliant performance by the Alpine Theater Project, this misuse of the piano is inexcusable. Management of the production should have found a different setting for the dance numbers. Moreover the manager of the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, which has custody of this fine piano, should have intervened to prevent such a travesty. As the owner of a Steinway grand, which I love, I cringe at the thought of people dancing on it.

The Whitefish piano is being purchased for the Performing Arts Center by generous donors at a price of about $80,000 and is still being paid for. It is an extraordinary and valuable instrument, and the donors expect it to be used for performances by outstanding pianists.  They expect it to be moved and handled with care and protected from damage and abuse. I hope that the center’s management will take these wishes to heart. —Bill Cox, Kalispell