Caltech Made Its Own Music

I read with much interest Mary Barber’s article about Shirley Maneus and the recent Caltech stage productions (Times, Aug. 27). Looking back to another Golden Age of Caltech dramatic offerings, one recalls former Caltech professor Kent Clark’s truly remarkable musicals, with totally original words and music.

In collaboration with Elliott Davis, Clark’s words and melodies are definitely on a par with the very best of Cole Porter, Noel Coward and assorted teams of composers. To name just a few: “Let’s Advance on Science,” “The Richter Scale,” “Blue Genes,” “I Never See Stars,” “That’s Not Gneiss (pronounced nice), “Beautiful Beckman.”

Perhaps Maneus might consider an evening with these truly great songs.

G. E. Arnold

Millbrae