In November, students from Washington Irving School delighted in the opportunity to perform “The Wizard of Oz” on stage at the famed and beautiful Tarrytown Music Hall. Thanks in part to a grant from Kids’ Club, The Music Hall Academy Theater Residency at WI was able to offer the program to any interested student free of charge, with daily rehearsals after school for almost three weeks. Nearly 60 fourth and fifth graders participated in the show, with an additional five Sleepy Hollow High School students aiding with lights, sound, props, costumes and more.
Because the majority of the cast had never seen the show or movie before, The Music Hall offered the students another delight by holding a private movie viewing at the theater one afternoon just for them. Also, given the number of Spanish speaking children in the program, the Music Hall Academy re-wrote the musical finale to translate the song “Over the Rainbow” into Spanish. It was a “magical” moment for audience members and students alike. Congratulations to all involved in this wonderful and inclusive program.