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Luther Elementary students stage first full musical, school committee praises cast
Summary
Luther Elementary students staged Elf Jr. this winter with about 70 participants; teachers and students described rapid preparation and strong community support at a school committee meeting spotlight.
Luther Elementary students performed Elf Jr. this winter in the school’s first full-scale theater production, and staff and students told the school committee Tuesday that the show was a rapid, unexpected success.
Principal Scott Holcomb invited teachers Riley Fallon and Kelly Roy Sale to describe the production and called up students who took lead roles. Fallon and Roy Sale said rehearsals began on a short schedule — roughly eight to 10 weeks — and that many students added weekend rehearsals. “The students really rose to the challenge,” Fallon said, and the staff produced a short video of highlights for the committee.
Students who spoke described both the nervousness and the pride of performing. Dean Kamara, who played Buddy the Elf, said, “At Elf, it was easy to make friends because everybody had each other's back. I made lots of friends.” Reece Silva, who played Santa, told the committee, “Being Santa was hard, and I wasn't the best at Santa, but I tried my best.” Olivia Marks and Olivia Dukloos also thanked teachers for support backstage and called the production an important experience.
Committee members responded with praise. Mr. Rodricks, who presided over the meeting, said the show “set the tone for the holiday season” and noted the house was sold out; other committee members thanked teachers for time spent outside regular hours and said the program helps prepare younger students for middle and high school theater opportunities.
The production involved about 70 students — teachers and administrators called that turnout “wonderful, chaotic, but wonderful” — and committee members urged continued support for the district’s theater pathway from elementary through high school.
Committee members closed the spotlight by thanking staff, families and students and inviting the cast to the front for a photo and brief reception.
The committee’s public comments and spotlight segment concluded without formal action. The committee moved on to other agenda items after the recognition.
