What do “Seussical,” “Peter Pan,” “Annie” and “Matilda” have in common? Fifty-eight Ridgecrest Elementary fourth- and fifth-graders can tell you — they performed songs from each in the school’s first-ever musical revue last spring.

The long-anticipated production marked Ridgecrest’s return to theater after a planned 2020 show was canceled due to the pandemic. It was met with excitement from students and strong community support.

“Our night performance had more than 250 people; it was a huge turnout of parents, neighbors — the community turned up for the kids, which was awesome,” said fifth-grade teacher Becky Adamson, who co-directed the show with paraeducator Gracie Gibbs.

The success of the revue has already sparked plans for another in 2025–26.

“The plan is to do another revue and maybe expand it this year so there will be more songs and eventually work it up to a play or musical,” Principal Sara Allen said. “It is a lot of work, but our directors loved every minute, and the kids love it so much; it was a positive addition for our community.”

The idea started when Gibbs, with years of community theater experience, approached Allen about directing a show.

“Gracie is passionate about drama and what it brings to kids,” Allen said. “I was shocked so many kids wanted to participate and not just ones who I anticipated. It was incredible to see the interest and growth in the students.”

Adamson agrees.

“I don't ever want this to stop because I see the impact on students. It has helped with students’ attendance; it's helped with their confidence. I've had students tell me they're going to audition for local shows and they’re so excited,” she said. “Theater is such a great way to encourage kids to be their largest form of themselves. This allows them to be everything they are. They get on stage and do their very best. it challenges kids in a way that's beneficial for them at this stage of development.”

Fifth-grader Safron Schneider performed “I Won’t Grow Up” from “Peter Pan.” 

“I love singing and dancing and the choreography in all songs is cool,” she said. “I was nervous, but this helped me come out of my shell and open up and learn how to project. Now, I’d like to try out for a play at Butler.”

Gibbs said the revue gave students a safe place to build confidence.

“The revue shows the progress the kids have made, their growth of confidence in themselves,” she said. “This fills a need where nothing else like it is offered and we find value in it.”

She and Adamson chose a revue format to expose students to a variety of songs and musical styles. They chose songs which would give them as many ensemble and solo moments as possible.

“They learn how to act, how to rehearse and how to memorize. They’re also learning how to be part of a team and the responsibility that goes along with it,” she said.

Rehearsals were held twice a week for six weeks, with all interested students welcome. Auditions gave them additional experience.

“We talked to them about auditioning — how you present yourself on an audition, how you learn two eight counts of dance and then audition, and how to audition for a solo. We had 27 kids with solos; every student who wanted that moment in the spotlight was able to get it and gain that experience,” Adamson said. 

The show was made possible with help from 20 parent volunteers and teachers Amanda Lundberg and Londyn Freeman.

“This was worth it to do and it was so fun working with the kids,” Adamson said. “Honestly, the biggest thing about theater is the community. Kids get an opportunity to work with people with absolute trust; their cast supports and encourages them and it's good for kids to have a community around them.”