by Davy James, Staff Writer
The gymnasium at Brunswick Acres Elementary School was a blur of activity on Monday afternoon as students participated in a dress rehearsal for their upcoming performance of the play “Mulan, Jr.”
As groups of excited students tried on their costumes, music teacher Jennifer Barr said coordinating all the elements involved in the production always presents a challenge for the staff.
”It can be difficult coordinating all of the visual pieces together with the acting, dancing, sets and costumes,” she said. “That’s always the most time consuming part of the process.”
Students acting in the play said the work they put in was hard, but would be worth it once the play opens tonight (Thursday).
”It takes a lot of practice memorizing lines, but it can be fun,” said fifth-grader Elizabeth Kenny. “It’s cool getting to know people in the play because we’re working hard but also having fun.”
Another student in the play, fifth-grader Austin Caldano, said he was inspired to give acting a try by his family.
”My grandpa was an actor so I’ve always wanted to be one too,” he said. “I’ve liked acting since I was little because it’s fun and enjoyable. This play was a lot of practice, but it’s going to be awesome, fun and funny.”
Other students in the play said the hard work of the staff and students will ensure the audience enjoys the production.
”It’s amazing what our teachers have put into this to make this play amazing,” said fourth-grader Alec Hayes. “All of the years I’ve watched the school plays I was always amazed by them and now I get to be in one and get to express myself and meet people.”
Ms. Barr said the students will be taking away a lifelong memory and urges members of the community to come out and support the students.
”This is an experience the kids are going to remember forever,” she said. “We’re combining every art form. Visual art, singing and dancing that transforms people into this make believe place.”
Elizabeth had a more direct explanation as to why her neighbors and friends should come out to see the play.
”A lot of people worked very hard on this and deserve to be watched because of the effort and talent,” she said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.”
”Mulan, Jr.” will be presented on Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. at the school. Tickets are $5 for teens and adults and free for children age 12 and under.

