Date: Fri 21-May-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

prom-night-Villa-Bianca

Full Text:

Prom Night In Newtown: A Rite Of Passage

(with photos)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Friday night is prom night for Newtown High School students who will converge

on the Villa Bianca Restaurant in Seymour. For some, it will be a magical

evening which they will treasure for the rest of their lives. For others, it

will seem more like a strange trip into formality from their usual kicked-back

and casual interactions with friends around town.

Boys will be introducing themselves to the mysteries of the tuxedo, with all

its odd appurtenances -- cummerbunds, studs, cuff links, and the infernal bow

tie, which usually requires a grandfather on stand-by to help get the knot

right. Proper tension in the suspenders is also critical; some aspects of prom

night should not be too uplifting.

Girls, on the other hand, have to worry more about fashion. Unlike the hapless

guys, who can get away with looking like a cross between a waiter and a lounge

singer, they have to come up with an ensemble that exudes sophistication

without reminding her date of his mother. And then there's the hair. If they

could only just wear a hat.

Either way, going to the prom is a rite of passage for all those who take

part. The memories can last a lifetime, as can photos -- like this collection

of former Newtown High School students.

Sue and Jim Shpunt went to the prom together in 1968, 1969 and 1970, and after

having such a good time, they decided to get married in 1971.

Then there was Michelle Rosenthal, who attended the 1968 prom with Bruce

Jenner who went on to win the decathlon at the 1976 Olympic games in Montreal.

Herb Rosenthal attended the prom with Barbara Gretsch on his arm in 1964. He

was off to Vietnam soon after. Thirty years later, he became first selectman.

Prom night, as always, will be something to behold -- something to remember.

From 6 to 7 pm Friday night, scores of students are expected at The Pleasance

gazebo for a photo party. No doubt, parents will be on hand with elaborate

photo and video gear to record the moment, which is sure to inspire memories

of other prom nights years ago.

To help in that process, The Bee offers some old prom photos collected around

town this week.

(photos)

Sue and Jim Shpunt in 1970

Herb Rosenthal and his date, Barbara Gretsch, in 1964.

Michelle Rosenthal and her date, Bruce Jenner, in 1968.

Lorrie Bresson and Fred Bresson in 1971

Cindy Curtis Simon and Roger Cullen in 1967

Mary and Mike Kelley in 1970.