Written in 1812 by brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, the story adapted to a musical is based on a German fairy tale in which the two children of a poor woodcutter and his wife are sent out by their mother to seek berries for their supper in the deep forest. The forest is inhabited by mythical creatures such as trolls, ogres, fairies and princesses and, of course, the evil Gingerbread Witch who, with the aid of her loyal “hobgoblins” Frick and Frack, carry out a scheme to capture the village children with the intent of baking them into gingerbread cookies.
However, much to the chagrin of the witch and her cohorts, the children—with the help of the forest creatures—turn the tables on the evildoers and save the day.
Audience members gave the cast standing ovations, and many stated that they were “amazed and greatly impressed with the professionalism and talented humor, singing and dancing of the young actors,” comparing the performance to the caliber of professional and university productions.
The talented cast members included: Gage Richardson as Hansel; Ruby Holliday as Gretel; Bella Blazon as Frannie; Kate Lockwood as Susie; Haley Weston as Johanna; Grace Roberts as Lydia (the Gypsy); Carter Strate as Frick (the hobgoblin); Mason Holliday as Frack (the hobgoblin); Savanna May as the Gingerbread Witch; Annelise Amack as the Mother; Brady Potetz as the Father; Ashdon Seibert as the Troll; Troy Mataia as the Owl; Annelise Amack as the Dew Princess; Allie Sanders as Echo; Savannah Mendenhall as Sandy (the sandman); Jayda May, Shylo Ruder and Reese Miller as the Ginberbread Cookies. Townspeople and chorus members included: Vivian Brown and Wagner Brown as the Puppeteers; Elijah Deming as the Strong Man; Liam Deming as the Sword Swallower; Macy Ridgeway as the Cookie Seller; Madison Ridgeway as the Rabbit; Adrianna Price as the Squirrel; and Eva Scritchfield as the Deer.
Veteran drama director Laurie Zellers created the youth performing arts group in cooperation with the ERBM Recreation and Park District in 2010, launching their first outstanding fall production of Annie, Jr., which played to large enthusiastic audiences.
Subsequent productions have included Walt Disney’s Cinderella Kids, Seussical, Jr., and Alice in Wonderland. The drama company includes youth ranging from third through eighth grade, with technical support and mentoring by MHS drama club members.
Many young thespians have performed in previous productions, and some are now veteran performers in the MHS Drama Club. For many younger performers, the production was their debut in a leading or supporting role.
Zellers is a founding member of the board of directors for the Meeker Arts and Cultural Council (MACC) and, along with her husband and MACC president Gary, are also co-directors of the Meeker High School Drama Club, which will produce a December one-act play and the spring musical production.
When asked why youth performing arts programs are vital to life skills development for youth, Zellers said “performing arts experiences and training for children and young adults open whole new vistas and life-long appreciation of creativity and culture not found in any other pursuits.”
Asked why the performing arts training and experience is critical to education, Zellers said, “Numerous studies document that such experiences for students directly and dramatically improve the development of creative educational skills and abilities in core curriculum tracks such as math, science, technology, composition, literature and history as well as appreciation and knowledge of fine arts, music, and communications skills. The collateral benefits include: self-confidence through public speaking, poise, social skills, and much more.”
She went on to suggest that “Students with performing arts experiences and training have improved probabilities of being accepted into prestigious academic institutions compared to those who do not.”
