DAVIS COUNTY -- Winter doldrums hit heavy for school-age children who must stay indoors and seem to be limited in ways to stimulate their imaginations. Insightful elementary teachers and creative community volunteers have lifted those burdens for local children, giving rise to phoenix-like talents.
Both Tolman and Centerville elementary schools celebrated the coming of spring with school plays showcasing a variety of skills and performance abilities.
Students in each school helped with sets, acting, props and more, creating wonderful entertainment for parents and neighbors.
Tolman Elementary is re-inventing the classic favorite "The Wizard of Oz" revising it to "The Lizard of Oz," adding some delightful twists of its own.
"Lizard" will run Tuesday, March 30, 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, March 31, 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Rodgers Memorial Theatre, 292 East Pages Lane.
The show is an abbreviated production featuring Christine Anderson as Dorothy, Melynn Coleman as the Scarecrow, Douglas Wardley as the Tin Man, Chelsea Moss as the Lion, and Kevin Martin as the Lizard.
Script writing, directing, set and costume design provided by Tolman PTA volunteers.
General seating is free, but guaranteed, reserved seating can be had for donations of $1.50 per person or $7 per family. Tickets are available at the school's business office each day before or after school. For more information on tickets contact Elizabeth at 296-2393.
Centerville Elementary School's production, "The Pirates of Penzance," gave 66 students, an opportunity to experience the beauty of musical theater first-hand. The show had a very successful run, March 18-20.
The classic pageant, written by Gilbert and Sullivan, possess all the elements kids love: swash-buckling pirates, political pundits, young maidens, and police chases.
Leads for the show included David Burrahm as Frederic, Abbie Hammad as Mable, Chase Peterson as Pirate King, Emily madison as Ruth, Parker Strong as Major-General and Clarissa Stahle as Police Sergeant.
Action was directed by Addie Holman who was assisted by four high school students giving "volumes" of times to the project. Heather Pack, Megan Brown, and Dana Madison of Bountiful High School were assistant directors; Brittany Ostler, from Bountiful High, was stage manager; with choreography by Quinci Gibson, Viewmont High School. Brian Holman managed the set and props. Laurie Oswald was costumer with Judy Pack as costume assistant. Carry Carlson and the Cluff family also assisted with the production.
Musical production is a huge under taking, no matter who the producer is. Other individuals not mentioned, sacrificed time and financial donations to make the productions possible.
Each school offers their thanks to all business and individual sponsors who made their productions possible and the community at large for its help.