ELF JR .
OSOTA ’ s performing arts department wanted us to believe in the spirit of Christmas this past year .
The Elf Jr . production was a theatrically stunning and humor-filled display of talent and skill :
Under the direction of Mr . Ashley Richards , this performance featured the trifecta of theater as scholars danced , sang , and acted their way from the North Pole to the Big Apple , and right into our giddy hearts .
The buzz for this production began long before the scholars hit the stage . There was excitement and anticipation , and our whole school wanted to play a part .
In fact , we ’ re sure Ms . Jenna , our Early Childhood Director , would have played Buddy herself should something have happened to Haziel Olivera . She ’ s our human countdown to Christmas clock and she probably gave the whole cast tips on Christmas spirit . We love our dear Ms . Jenna , and the creative work she and her team did with our youngest scholars , including their festive costumes . It was simply adorable .
From scholars to parent volunteers , Buddy ’ s enthusiasm seemed to cover the halls like powdered sugar falling from the sky . ( Powdered sugar and not snow because , you know , Buddy loves sugar and we ’ re in Florida …).
Anyway , there you have it . Elf Jr . the Musical was a tremendous hit . Some might say rightly so , because it ’ s an endearing Christmas classic , but we believe it ’ s also because Mr . Richards is a scholarwhisperer .
He ’ s about to do it again with the pop culture classic High School Musical for the upcoming Spring production , but he carefully chose a production that was about the scholars-- what they wanted to be a part of that , and this is what made the choice successful .
Mr . Richards encouraged them to dig deep , work hard , and to give their greatest performance because at the end of the day … we ’ re all in this together .
9