BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2017 27 St. Ephrem students enjoy a "Magic Carpet Ride" BY URWAH AHMAD [email protected] It was a whole new world for students in the St. Ephrem School Drama Club as they presented their first musical production, "Disney’s Aladdin, Jr." The show was presented on three days, January 13, 14, and 15 at the school's auditorium, at 74th Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway. The mastermind behind the production was Susan Huizinga, of Theater on the Go!, who has directed over 30 shows at various schools. Her specialty includes going into schools which have never before done a production and helping to put one together from scratch. “We're always on a shoe-string budget and we always cover all expenses and have always generated income for the school,” Huizinga noted. In the case of St. Ephrem, the choice of play was left up to the school, whose one concern was that there would be enough parts for everyone. According to Huizinga, the school chose the play because, “The songs are upbeat and fun, and it has a good story.” "This was the first time they did a musical," she added. "And judging by the success, it will not be the last.” Altogether, the play had 31 cast members. In addition, five other students provided tech support. There was no faculty involved. According to Huizinga, “It was set up for parental participation. Which they did with flying colors! Wonderful parents/ guardians/friends and family.” There were auditions held early September. Rehearsals started right after auditions and were held twice weekly with a music director and a choreographer, "so they get the experience of working with an accompanist and learn to pick up dances,” Huizinga said. The play featured all of the wellknown characters from the movie including Aladdin, Jasmine, Jafar, the Genie and more, as well as the film's Academy Award-winning score, with songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. “As I expected, the children, parents and Principal Mercado were blown away," Huizinga concluded. "They were all sorry when the show was over and kept asking what we were doing next year.” Photo courtesy of Susan Huizinga 62nd Precinct feels students' love BY DANIELLE KOGAN [email protected] With Valentine's Day on their mind, P.S. 186 students decorated the 62nd Precinct at 1925 Bath Avenue on Thursday, February 2, aiming to fill up the "Open Your Heart Month" initiative with community service. Paper hearts of all sizes adorned with glitter and covered in loving messages were hung to thank the men and women of the precinct for their efforts in protecting the community. Other activities involved wrapping chocolate bars in customized wrappers which said, "Thank you to all the men and women in blue at the 62. We appreciate all that you do. Happy Valentine's Day! Love, P.S. 186/NIA ExpandED School Family." The children looked forward to visiting the precinct, but P.S. 186 Parent Coordinator Elaine Delaney said the goal was "to teach young children to give back. I wanted the kids to learn how important our men and women in blue are." The group attending was part of the fifth-grade Student Leadership Team, elected by their classmates to represent the class. With 10 years of experience in student leadership and 14 years spent as parent coordinator, Delaney said she prides herself on the kids being so eager to help. Both of Delaney's sons attended P.S. 186, and Delaney said, "I'm lucky enough to get to work with community service and with children." The next day, the school raised awareness for the American Heart Association by hosting a sale and wearing red. On February 10, the school kicked off a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and on February 16, doubled efforts to Kick off Relay for Life for the 100th day of school by asking each grade to donate 100 of one item, one item per student, to charity. The cast of St. Ephrem’s production of “Aladdin Jr.” Photo courtesy of Elaine Delaney Parent Coordinator Elaine Delaney with P.S. 186 students outside the 62nd Precinct.
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