The Pushkin Players at Todd Elementary School entertained audiences in mid-May with Disney’s “101 Dalmatians.” The production featured a 58-member cast and 25-member stage crew, all fifth-graders.
The performance was directed and produced by teachers Wilma Messenger and Nancy Beard. Costumes – including outrageous animal heads and puppets – were hand-created by Ms. Beard, while Ms. Messenger directed the choreography. Allison Klein served as set designer and technical director. “It takes 101 skills and plenty of hard work, talent and commitment to be a member of the Pushkin Players,” said Ms. Beard. “We are so proud of our acting troupe and technical crew comprised of talented, dedicated young people poised to become the mature middle school students they will be in just a few short months.”
Ms. Messenger began the evening by expressing gratitude for the many volunteers who helped bring the production to fruition. Included were the high school students who assisted with rehearsals; Todd parents, students, teachers and administrators; the Briarcliff Manor Education Foundation, which provided a generous grant; the BFA (spell out) for its continued support; Isabelle Dennis for the “vault routine”; and Cliff Bruno and Technical Directions LLC. The students began preparing for the performance in January with audition workshops, followed by auditions and many afternoon rehearsals.
The talents of the drama troupe included 11 musical numbers, beginning with “The Dalmatian Conga” and ending with the full cast singing “Bow Wow.” Cruella De Vil, portrayed by two actresses, was the perfect evil villainess who attempted, in vain, to prey upon the multitude of innocent puppies. The audience was dazzled by the music and dance, as well as by the excitement of the young performers.“This has been a labor of love for Ms. Messenger and for me,” said Ms. Beard. “Hopefully, this experience will last a lifetime in the memories of our young performers.”
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