Julie McCombs
The 50-student cast of grades 3-5 from Crestview Elementary School.
Julie McCombs
There was superb acting during the performance.
Wild & Wooly Big Fat Bully was one of the most entertaining children's plays ever performed at the J. Harley Bonds Center on Thursday night.
A 50-student cast of grades 3-5 from Crestview Elementary delighted an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd.
All the more significant was the play was the first production of the newly formed drama program.
Colorful, hand-made costumes, beautifully identified the peacocks, the makeup added to the characters’ persona, and the combined dance sequences with the monkeys were stunning considering the limited time students had together to choreograph the numbers.
Teachers Jill Fowler, who wrote the play, and Meghan Ladue, the musical director, combined to produce a unique play with a message.
The scene was set deep in a jungle where a menagerie of animals was rehearsing for the annual Chorus Competition, the "Jungle Jam." The choir, a competitive clan, takes great pride in their musical ability.
The peacocks, Fiona, Petula, and Penelope, and the monkeys, Charlie,
Chester, and Chandler, showcased their talents with the extra time practicing after school.
Willy the Woolly Mammoth, a loveable but misunderstood new student attempts to make friends, but he ends up making a bad first impression, and earns himself a nasty reputation.
Fiona, the peacocks’ mother, Mrs. Plume, befriended Willy and helped him overcome his bullying tendencies.
The celebratory finale had the children bowing to a standing ovation.
Students and parents showed their appreciation for one of the joyous moments of the evening – the presentation of a $1,000 check from the McCreative Kids Art Grants program.
The saddest part of the evening – that Wild & Wooly Big Fat Bully was a one-night performance.