By MAGNOLIA LAFLEUR | Reporter
The third grade class of Calvary Christian School performed an original musical on Tuesday, February 15, at the school’s on-campus, open-air theater. Head of the Performing Arts Department Omid Heidari wrote and directed the musical, “The Founding of Pacific Palisades,” which celebrated the town’s 100-year history.
The performance came on the heels of a “show week” at Calvary, where kindergarten through third grade students were paired with the performing arts team to “bring a piece of the curriculum to life.”
In line with the third grade curriculum, the students highlighted the history of the Chautauqua movement, Founding Day, the Uplifters, the long wharf, Inceville and noble residents throughout the history of the Palisades.
Parent Amy Adams watched gleefully from the crowd as her eight-year-old daughter Charlotte Adams donned a pink squid hat while performing as one of the Uplifters. She was astonished to have learned so much about the history of the Palisades from watching the musical.
“I thought the show was inspired, fun and a wonderful way for our kids (and parents) to learn about local history,” Adam shared with the Palisadian-Post. “After living in this area for over 20 years I was surprised by how much I personally learned from the show. I really appreciate the direct learning our kids got to do while they learned all the lines and songs for the show.
“Kids at Calvary participate in this kind of program in each grade which helps them grow in their confidence, public speaking, stage presence, creative performance and ability to work with a team. It’s been a joy to watch our daughter blossom.”
The musical was divided into two parts: Mrs. Hayden’s third grade class opened the show with the songs “Welcome to the Palisades,” “Land Rap,” “We’ll Build a Wharf” and “Grand Free Movie Fiesta and Barbecue Day.” Mrs. Knight’s third grade class sang “The Methodist and Uplifters,” “Founders Day,” “People of the Palisades” and ended with a reprise of “Welcome to the Palisades.”
While teaching the third grade students all the songs, monologues and dance choreography was not a walk in the park, Heidari said he was up to the enjoyable challenge.
“Kids are fascinating because they’re simultaneously hyper-perceptive and also fearless,” he said to the Post. “They can sense everything that is happening in their surroundings, even if they can’t name or express everything they’re feeling. Then they’re constantly fighting to be heard and understood. By helping kids feel both seen and heard, we unlock their ability to express.
“As teachers, we are constantly judging success based on meeting potential. You set the bar high, kids will rise to the occasion. Kids love knowing that they are trusted with a challenge and that, simultaneously, failure is both part of the journey and celebrated. Somewhere in the messy process of trying, failing, rehearsing, forgetting lines, singing the wrong notes, tripping across the stage, feeling nervous and overcoming, we have a show.”
Calvary’s students had every song and dance move committed to memory. Only meeting once or twice per week as part of the class schedule, the group ran lines and practiced tirelessly, managing to perform what was for some, their first original musical.
Amy said her daughter Charlotte had learned so many of the lines without them knowing, and that it was the most choreography she has ever had to do.
“Omid Heidari, Alex Palmer and Mrs. Cash are a dynamic performing arts team,” Adams boasted. “This original musical dreamed up by Heidari … was the absolute highlight of my week. The joy and high level of performance from our kids is unmatched and an incredible benefit of the Calvary Christian School experience.”
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