Floris Elementary School sixth grade student Brian Berkeley was cast as Rooster Hannigan, Lindsey Bush had the role of Lily St. Regis, and Erica Varner had the role of Ms. Hannigan. Photo by Ryan Dunn.
Annie, Jr. is the fourth in a series of musicals presented by the sixth grade classes at Floris Elementary. In a tradition started four years ago, the sixth grade students produce a “junior” length Broadway musical facilitated by their classroom teachers, music teachers, and other teachers and specialists. Students designed and created props and set pieces, ran the spotlights, and managed the backstage areas. “I have always been interested in technology,” said sixth grade student Sanjana Meduri, who assisted with the production’s sound tech.
Lindsey Bush played the role of Lily St. Regis. “It was really fun to perform with my friends,” said Bush. Bush intends to enroll in drama classes in middle school. Performances of the musical were held on Thursday, April 3 and Friday, April 4. Helping with the production were music teachers Nancy Fox and Rebecca DeNeef. Also assisting was Katie Jones, a third grade teacher with a drama background and librarian Tiffany Dowling.
In the program thanks also went out to Floris PE teachers Heather O’Neil and Madeleine Humphrey and teachers Suzanne Bourscheid, Megan Gumabay, Kenneth Larson, Jacqueline Cheung, and Teena Carone. “It is a great children’s show which has a variety of parts for boys and girls and several of them clearly know the songs,” said sixth grade teacher Suzanne Bourscheid.
Some students got to use power tools for the first time when constructing the sets for musical. Throughout the experience, students were encouraged to appreciate the contribution of all individuals. They learned it is not just the “star” on stage who is important. That “star” must be supported by the people running the microphones and lights, as well as the backstage crew, who are responsible for having props and costumes ready for changes.
The cast overcame a feat in making up rehearsal despite snow days. For some students this was their premiere show on stage. The production lasted about an hour with no intermission, and was enthusiastically received by other students, friends and family members. Teachers hope the students can take this musical production as a learning experience, that when the gifts and talents of many come together, people can create something that just might be larger than the sum of all the individuals.
To learn more about Floris Elementary, visit www.fcps.edu/FlorisES/.