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Wonderful story brings sunshine to readers

Lane DeGregory and Cherie Diez are both to be congratulated. Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now is a wonderful story of a young girl's dream, a mother's love and the difficulty in letting go.

I have been reading the Times for 28 years and never before have been this anxious to read the next installment. Keep us posted on Michelle's progress. Many many thanks for bringing sunshine into what can be dark news.

Energy and excitement

I am loving your Hairspray articles about Michelle Dowdy! The energy and excitement of a Broadway debut fresh out of high school are evident throughout the series.

Thank you for writing this upbeat series about the success of one of our young people. Outstanding writing and photo work are a trademark of the Times. Congratulations on your achievement in this series.

A Cinderella story

Thank you, Lane DeGregory and Cherie Diez, for one of the most interesting and beautiful articles, proving that another Cinderella exists today. It is so nice to read of happy endings in place of the constant turmoil printed and viewed every day.

Best of luck to our young lady from St. Petersburg. I'm sure she will be very successful wherever she makes her stage appearances. These comments come from one of her newest 73-year-old senior fans.

An inspiring story

Re: Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now: Showtime, Dec. 11.

All I can say is, Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Times' six-part series. And I especially enjoyed the final installment, which was the icing on the cake. Michelle Dowdy's dedication and determination paid off well with her successful Broadway debut in Hairspray.

What is even more remarkable, though, is that Michelle's drive and enthusiasm could actually be felt through reading the series. To Michelle's credit, her story is a great inspiration to all of the young talents, who are just getting their feet wet, while hoping to make the big-time.

With one under her belt, there is much that yet awaits this power-house talent. She is now ready to spread her wings and fly. After all, she's a big girl now.

Such upbeat reporting

I don't know this young woman, but I want you to know how much I appreciate the articles you have put together about her! It's great to read such upbeat reporting about a young woman educated through the Pinellas County Public Schools and the wonderful relationship she has with her mom. Thanks again!

Getting it right

It was with great pleasure that we wrote a letter to Lane DeGregory and Cherie Diez about their exciting and sensitive series concerning Michelle Dowdy and her adventure on Broadway.

This type of reporting along with honest, hard-nosed and factual reporting and commentary on the news of the day is just the mission that "Florida's Best Newspaper" should have as its goal. It has been such a bitter disappointment in recent days to see "pandering trash" on the front page! Just what demographic are you seeking with Debra LaFave and Bubba the Love Sponge? Yuck!

Too much ado

While I wish budding actress Michelle Dowdy all the luck on stage, I have to wonder if things are really slow at the features desk of the St. Petersburg Times.

Come on, was this 18-year-old appearing in the musical Hairspray worth a six-part series?

I, for one, quit reading after the second part.

[Last modified December 17, 2005, 01:01:18]