Letter: In praise of 'The Artist and The Astronaut'
To the Editor:
It was an afternoon’s delight to join a packed house at BBA’s theatre this weekend for a showing of the new and extraordinary documentary, “The Artist and The Astronaut.” It was the best event I’ve attended in town in a long time. This brilliant work penetrated deeply into heart and soul.
Hats off to Burr and Burton’s own Bill Muench who with a talented team spent the past six years devoted to capturing this moving and educational tale. It is a love story and a history that showcases the glory, the joy and the tragedies that joined the lives of the featured couple, artist Pat Musick and astronaut Jerry Carr, during the pinnacle of American exploration and social change - the turbulent ‘60s and the Apollo space mission.
For many of us of a certain age, it was a moving recollection of that unique period, and for younger audiences, a tightly woven case history of that era. A number of local folks either appeared in or supported this important project. And now it’s time for Bill and team to take it on the road. Distribution is the next step. The film has already been honored at the Fort Lauderdale International film festival. To learn more, visit theartistandtheastronaut.com.
Many thanks to Green Mountain Academy of Lifelong Learning, which hosted the event, and special thanks to the four principals who shared their spectacular artistry at Burr and Burton this weekend: Director Bill Muench, narrator Paul Muench, original score composer Todd Hobin, and space historian Andrew Chaiken. They graciously answered our post-viewing questions and deserved our generous applause. Well done, gentlemen!
Kathe Dillmann
Manchester
Andy Chaikin, Rev. Steve Berry, Bill Muench, Todd Hobin and Paul Muench celebrate another successful screening!
