Students in Grades 5 to 8 at Venture Heights Elementary School have been working hard preparing for the musical adaptation of ‘Madagascar’. The storyline is based around four main characters; a giraffe, a hippopotamus, a lion and a zebra. The zebra decides that he wants to pursue a life outside of the New York Central Park Zoo and based on the result of his actions, the foursome ends up going on a crazy adventure which leads them to Madagascar. “Basically, it is about wanting more in life and pursing the idea that the grass is always greener on the other side,” Grade 2 teacher and Director Craig Chase, explained.
A total of 57 students are involved in the production of the musical, and Chase is looking forward to another successful year. “I believe this is our 7th musical, and it has been just amazing working with the kids. We have a number of students that have been doing these performances since Grade 5 and are now in Grade 8 preparing to move on to high school. To see them grow and develop, not only as a performer, but as an individual as well has been incredible,” Chase said.
For some students, this is their first opportunity to take part in performing and many decide to continue to pursue their love of theatre upon reaching high school. “They really make some great connections with people that they might not have otherwise connected with and to experience something like this. It can help them learn so many lessons to take with them.”
VHS will have performances available to the public on Wednesday, December 11th and Thursday, December 12th. Doors open at 6:30pm, with the show beginning at 7pm and lasting approximately one hour. Admission for the musical is $5 for adults and $2 for students.
“The kids have done a really great job and I think it is more than just an elementary school musical. They are so talented and capable and dedicated and we can’t wait to show the public!”
CAST
Zookeeper Zelda……………………………….. Kaite Kurmey
Zookeeper Zeke…………………………………. Blake Husnik
Zookeeper Zoe……………………………. Natalee Ironstand
Lioness #1……………………………………… Brielle Thomas
Mason……………………………………………… Chase Camse
Alex……………………………………………….. Kalyn Jungman
Marty…………………………………….. Liam McKay-Argyriou
Gloria………………………………………………. Ainsley Murfin
Melman……………………………………………… Seth Rietdijk
Skipper………………………………………… Caelen Bridgette
Kowalski…………………………………………….. Kaden Scott
Private………………………….. Braun Windjack Zubrowski
Rico……………………………………………… Daysen Gabruck
Mort…………………………………………… Adrianna Schmidt
Lynn……………………………………………… Mischa McCann
Lew……………………………………. …………..Delaney Almen
Lee………………………………………………… Kamryn Hooper
Lars…………………………………………… Addyson McMillan
King Julien…………………………………. Madison McIntyre
Maurice…………………………………………. Kadence Petrie
Camerawoman………………………….. Avery Cunningham
Candy Hammernose………………………….. Emery Murfin
Passerby……………………………………….. Michelle Walker
Newspaper Woman………………… Mackenzie Cromwell
New Yorker……………………………………………Lily Mork
Old Lady……………………………….. Elizabeth Code-Jones
Police Officer #1………………………………… Keegan Scott
Police Officer #2………………………………… Regan Peters
Penguins………………… Carter Umperville, Eerik Kojola
Animal Control Officers Lainey Erockson, Aliviah Doell
Ship’s Captain……………………….. Mackenzie Cromwell
Subway Announcer…………………………………… Zoe Elias
Foosa Leader…………………………………….. Danica Dean
Zoo Guests: Braelyn Busby Peyton Shirley Danice Haeusler Emily Neufeld Jade Chabot Hannah Teskey Lindsay Miller Anaya Theissen Zoe Winchester
Lionesses: Adrianna Schmidt, Mischa McCann, Delaney Almen, Kamryn Hooper, Addyson McMillan, Emery Sametts
Lemurs: Emery Sametts, Kate Bouliane, Hannah Boyko, Emma Campbell,Hunter Martindale, Kaira Hoseasson, Gracie Martens, Aurora Mitchener, Olivia Engemoen,Elizabeth Juravinski, Elyssa Funk, Lexi Rhine, Emily Dagenais,
Foosa: Braelyn Busby Peyton Shirley Danica Haeusler Emily Neufeld Jade Chabot Hannah Teskey Lindsay Miller Anaya Thiessen Zoe Winchester
Servers: Alexa Thomas, Emersyn Thomas, Kenzie Schachtel, Kirsten Schria, Kelsie Andrews, Brielle Thomas.
Director………………………………………………. Craig Chase
Music Director…………….. Tanya Antoniuk & Yadi Chen
Choreographers -Tanya Antoniuk, Kayla VonGrad, & Ashley Boehm
Set Design…………………………………………….. Karen Heit
Costume Design……………………………………. Karen Heit
Lighting Design……….. Tanya Antoniuk & Jen Harland
Stage Hands………. Alexa Thomas & Emersyn Thomas
Sound…………………………. Evan Robson & Jonah Chivillo
With special thanks to Mariah Scott and the McIntyre family.
