Third grade theater is fabulous at Forest Road

The Beatles made a comeback at Forest Road School earlier this month, as this year’s third-grade play paid tribute to the popular 1960s British rock band.

“The Fab Four..ty Four” was directed by teacher Taya Kelly and featured students from her class and Ellyn Fitzgerald’s. Kelly, who has a theater background and does some acting outside of school, said she has always done an end-of-the-year play with her students.

The plot for this year’s play was about the end of the school year and the theme was the importance of getting along with friends. It featured dances to Beatles songs “Hard Day’s Night,” “We Can Work it Out,” “When I’m 64,” “Twist and Shout” and “In My Life.” The finale was a tribute to retiring teacher aide Elaine Angelo.

Kelly said that rehearsals were held during music class with teacher Emilia Kister. Additionally, some students were selected for a special dance group and spent much time practicing after school.

Jessica Femenias said it took about two months to learn the dances for the play. She got to learn some popular ’60s dances such as the Grape Vine, the Monkey, the Pony, the Twist and the Shoop.

The Shoop was Jonathan Cruz’s favorite dance to learn. “It really shows our talent for being dancers,” he said, “and it’s just really fun.”

For many of the students, it was their first time on stage and they learned a lot from the experience. Jessica said it is important to have fun while performing and Jonathan said don’t forget to smile.

Justin Ahye said that practice makes perfect. He was nervous when rehearsals first started, but by the time the curtain opened, he was confident. “We don’t have to be afraid of the audience when they look at us,” he said.

Qaeed Mir loved being on stage in front of an packed house. “I felt like really famous,” he said.

Be energetic was what Sydney Pean learned from this acting experience. “If you look tired and scared,” she said, “the play will be kind of boring.”

Kelly, who wrote the play, said she was pleased that so many parents came for the June 8 performance. The gym was full that day, she noted, and the students made her proud. “It went smoothly, no big mistakes,” she said. “I thought it was really great.”