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by Maris Laughton
During the dress rehearsal for the preschool’s first ever musical on February 13, teachers and student helpers are constantly running across the stage putting preschoolers in their proper positions, stopping their fidgeting, whispering and giggling, and making sure they know their lines.
“Goldilocks and the Three Bears” is most commonly known as a short children’s story, but for these preschoolers it is a musical as well. Since this is the first year the preschool has a regular music class, it is also the first year they have performed a musical. Aside from the main characters in the story, there are also some characters from another famous children’s story, “The Three Little Pigs,” who are neighbors to the three bears and Goldilocks.
When they perform, the kids will either shout their lines so they echo or whisper so quietly the person next to them will not be able to hear them. Though most of the kids enjoyed their first acting experience, they were mainly concerned with the rewards that came afterwards.
Though the high school auditorium can be an intimidating place for preschoolers, with just under 700 seats, a large stage, and many bright lights, many were not bothered by it. A small table with three bowls, three different sized chairs, and three different sized beds set up in a line downstage, and three cardboard houses upstage are the extent of props needed for this 15-minute musical.
“It was lots of fun!” says Brianna, who plays Goldilocks’ mother, as she excitedly jumps up and down at the end of the school day. “My mommy tell me ‘you did fabulous’ and she gave me fruit snacks as a surprise because I’ve never had them, but when I had them, I liked them!”
Though Brianna’s experience with the play, and rewards that came along with it, are obviously enjoyable, Nate has mixed feelings.
“I didn’t like it because I got tired when I singed all the songs,” says Nate with a frown, that soon turns to a smile. “But Mommy and Daddy gave me a doughnut with chocolate frosting and sprinkles for doing good.”
“I was a tree in the forest,” says Bella, referring to the chorus of preschoolers, who sit on both sides of the cardboard houses.
Throughout the play the kids sing three songs, “I’m Bored,” “No Fair,” and “I Really Shouldn’t Stay.” “I’m Bored” has the most hand motions, including rocking a baby, reading a book, stacking blocks, and pretending to be bored, and it is also the favorite song among the preschoolers.
“I liked ‘I’m Bored I’m Bored’ and so did Mommy and Daddy,” says Brynn with a smile. “Daddy gave me a real rose after cause I did a good job and we went out to dinner and got yummy chocolate.”
The kids receive all positive reviews from their parents and teachers, and the teachers agree that the musical is a success.
“It took the kids months of practice to learn all the songs and hand motions,” says teacher Kathy Murphy. “It was much better than the plays we have done in the past, and I believe the kids took a lot out of it.”