These kids skipped a grade!
Kids from Sheepshead Bay Elementary, sang, acted, and created a stunning set for their stage-musical rendition of the Disney classic “Mulan” on May 31. The school’s music director said the kids and teachers chose a longer, more complex musical meant for middle schoolers because they wanted to test themselves.
“We wanted a push and a challenge,” said Ryan Mack. “I think they pulled it off magnificently.”
The show capped the school’s participation in the three-year Disney Musicals in Schools program, which helps public schools develop the production, fund-raising, teamwork and other skills needed to put on successful musicals. The program defines “Mulan” as suitable for middle schoolers because it’s twice as long as elementary school musicals, and has four-to-five-part vocal harmonies. Mack said the highlight of the show was seeing the students not only successfully perform the advanced production, but do it well.
“The teachers took a step back and were like ‘wow,’ ” he said. “They sang in tune and the energy in the room was really contagious.”
About 50 kids participated, including actors, singers, stage crew, and design teams. The music director credits the students’ talent and hard work, as well as the good working relationship between the theater and music teachers with making the show turn out so well.
“The kids feed off of our chemistry,” said Mack. “We pushed them to push themselves. It was special to see.”
