When I was in lower school, everyone looked forward to Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ day. The event gave students a chance to show off those people other than parents who are so important in your life. Well, this year on April 25th, the same enthusiasm as I recall from years ago echoed through the halls of Hewitt.
The theme this year was A Trip to 42nd Street. A backdrop of said street and spotlight on the performers made for a fun experience. The event was opened by Head of School Joan Lonergan, who was obviously excited (this being her first Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ day). She spoke of her own grandchildren and gave presents to those special grandparents who had the most grandchildren, 14, and had traveled the furthest, from London. I was impressed with the lengths these spectators had taken to see their Hewitt girl perform.
Head of Lower School, Ms. Shereen Beydoun spoke as well, thanking an extensive list of people who helped put the beautiful show together.
Then the real show began!
A troupe of eager kindergarteners jumped on stage. They were a swarm of waving hands looking fiercely around for their grandparents and special friends. A mélange of colorful hand gestures carried on
throughout their first number, “Give my Regards to Broadway,” which was followed by a dramatic rendition of “I Enjoy Being a Girl.” The girls put their hands on their heads, and warm laughter came from their enthusiastic audience. Their performance was priceless.
During the transition from kindergarten to first grade, a lovely short film by the lower school art department called “Flowers are Red” played. This video sent a great message about the value of creativity in school to everyone in the audience.
As the first graders stepped up, the waves of eager little ones feverishly continued. Extravagant hand gestures brought alive the song “Broadway Baby.” Then they sang “Beauty and the Beast” as their own way of showing support for the recent middle school musical. The sweetness of their singing was heartwarming.
Then, the kindergarten and 1st grade morphed into one group to show off their foreign language skills. They sang “Ode to Joy” in Spanish and “Dites-Moi” in French, the sweet song from South Pacific. To end on a high note, they closed with the timeless ballad, “New York, New York.”
The second graders got on stage and waved to their hearts’ content (which was a lot!). They performed fun and familiar songs, including, “ Oh, The Thinks You can Think” from Seussical, and a song most girls get stuck in their head every now and then, Cinderella’s “In My own Little Corner.” Their facial expressions and heartfelt singing made for a great performance.
The show culminated with the third grade performance. Being pros at this day, Grade 3 took the stage with a load of confidence. They delighted the audience by singing “Castle on a Cloud” from the immensely popular show Les Miserables, and “Food, Glorious Food” from the show Oliver!
The second and third grade also merged to show off their foreign language talents. As a tribute to the recent Sound of Music production by students in the 7th grade,8th grade, and upper school, the classes sang “Do Re Mi” in French. Then they sang a song that I remember singing and I think many other former lower schoolers will, “Cielito Lindo,” a traditional Mexican song. The fantastic concert was ended with the uplifting song “Everybody Rejoice” from the musical The Wiz. The audience joined in, dancing in their seats along with the girls. The girls rightfully received a standing ovation. Congratulations to all the lower school girls on their wonderful singing and kudos to all the lower school homeroom teachers, Ms. Lindberg, and Mr.Liepold for putting the whole thing together.