Chimney Sweeps take the stage (and our hearts!)
Though I spends me time
In the ashes and soot
In this ‘ole wide world
There’s no ‘appier bloke
Up where the smoke is
All billered and curled
‘Tween pavement and stars
Is the chimney sweep world
Mrs. Baranesky’s Chimney Sweeps certainly made a lasting impression on us at this year’s Golden Nuggets production. With their black attire and gold hats, and Mrs. Ecuimates’ brilliant dance moves, they took to the stage with “foot-working wonder”. Added to that footwork, was a collection of smiles that had many audience members remembering this original performance from GLC Goes Broadway, when Ms. McIver first brought it to our stage! To see pictures of the Grade 3/4s, see this website page and Mrs. Baranesky’s blog.
GLC Invasion – The Beatles are in town!
Former GLC teacher, Mrs. Briscoe was happy to see her 2006 Beatlemania number, “Revolution” added into this year’s Golden Nuggets award show! Noting that it made her a “little sad at first, because I so miss experiencing these things with my students”, she soon found herself singing along (to herself!). Added to that nostalgia, Mrs. Briscoe even had a grade nine male student come to her and say, “Do you remember when our class did that?” From the memories of the original performance to seeing this year’s new dancers, Mrs. Briscoe (and all of the GLC staff) have been reminded that, “this type of experience makes memories, and develops experiences that students will remember for a long time. Education, is not just teaching math, science, literacy etc. but foremost, it is developing well rounded people who appreciate what the arts have to offer and gives them experiences that enrich their lives”. Well said, Mrs. Briscoe! To see photos of the Grade 3s performing Revolution, see this website page.
GLC Sailors Take the Stage!
In their blue jeans and white shirts, Ms. From’s Grade 2s were a beautiful sight for audience members. Originally performed in the O Canada show, and led at that time by Mrs. Reid and Mrs. Elgie, this year’s sailors added a crisp look to the performance! And once they started their dance, the smiles (and elbows) delighted audience members young and old! Students sang “Jack Was Every Inch a Sailor” before showcasing their footwork and movement to the song “Sailor’s Hornpipe”. Completely cute and heart-warming! To see photos of the Grade 2s, please see this website page.
Welcome to Gepetto’s Toy Shop!
After a long hiatus from the GLC stage, Pinocchio and the other characters of Gepetto’s Toy Shop were brought back to the stage this year. First making an appearance in Pinocchio and the Fairy Modmother (1997), Pinocchio’s Doll Shop, at that time, consisted of all the grade 1s and 2s (about 45 dolls). Gepetto was played by community member, Ian Mochrie, who sang ‘Wooden Head’ with his guitar. The performance was magic! Unfortunately, due to travel, Mr. Mochrie was unable to make an encore performance in this year’s Golden Nuggets. He commented, though, that he was “misty-eyed” as he watched the Grade 1s last week. He’s joined by the many audience members and Mrs. Reid who noted, “I believe that this year’s grade 1′s also captured the innocence and the magic of it all once again with their slow, doll-like movements. Pinocchio and the Fairy interacted effectively and the little fairy was so believable as she flitted throughout the shop waking everyone to dance. A superb job by all!” To view a slideshow of the Grade 1s, please see the website page.
Twistin’ and Shoutin’ Senior Kindergartens
The Golden Nuggets pulled another hit out of the archives with the Senior Kindergarten number, Twist and Shout. Originally performed in 2006 with Mrs. Amell’s SK class, this was a favorite number that emerged out of the Beatlemania production. Who can resist those sweet smiles boogying to the Beatles 1963 release. And like the Beatles appearance on the Ed Sullivan show in February 1964 (where this song was performed), the audience loved the twistin’ and shoutin’ SKs! To see photos of the Senior Kindergarten class see our website page and Mrs. McFee’s blog.
