Oak Heights students presented their 23rd annual operetta, “Sleeping Beauty” six times last week.
Each year, the fifth and sixth grades perform a different musical for parents, students and seniors.
The school’s entire fifth grade is the choir for the play while the sixth grade performs parts.
The play went well, sixth-grade teacher Kathy Ives said. They took advantage of different effects as the evil Maleficent played by Michelle Morneault worked her plot against the family of Aurora.
The play culminated in a duel between Prince Philip, portrayed by Joe McCaslin, and Maleficent.
The story unfolded as the three good fairies shared the tale with Sleeping Beauty’s daughter, played by Breanna Hinkel. Melanie Hilburn played sleeping Beauty.
The play was performed for students across the School District, parents and at Twin Oaks and Wiley Creek, both homes for seniors.
A total of 52 sixth-grade students and 57 fifth-grade students were involved. They received their scripts before Christmas and began rehearsal in January. An artist-in-residence was at the school in February and March to help with rehearsal.
Jan Barthel provided music again this year, Ives said. That highlights a continuing need in the district. Barthel was the district music teacher, but there has been little or no music in the elementary schools for about seven years.
Ives would like to see the music program come back, and her students will “do even better.”
Teachers involved included Barry Eveleigh, Becky Flory and Jim Hawkins. David Kochan of Sweet Home High School set up the sound system. Jean Bonifas was artist-in-residence. Jim Hawkins and Phil McBeth handled lighting. Dennis Hooper set up the gym. Sound technicians were Paige Niemi and Elicia Jackson.
Ives would not say what the play will be next year. Next year’s operetta will remain a secret until scripts are passed out just before Christmas.