4-8 Christmas Concert – Immaculate Heart of Mary School

Two of the main characters in the play “The Night Before Christmas Caper” – Narrator Clueless, portrayed by Alex P. (top photo) and Inspector Clueless, portrayed by Julian B.(bottom photo). In the story, Narrator Clueless retells his most memorable investigative case where he (as Inspector Clueless, a younger version of himself) is a witness to one of the most momentous events in human history – the birth of Jesus.

…

On Thursday, December 21, 2017, the grade 4-8 students of IHMS entertained an appreciative audience with their performance of a musical play entitled:

…….

The concert had other private investigators besides Narrator Clueless and Inspector Clueless. In fact, all of the grade 5 boys portrayed private investigators and were able to dress for the part!

This concert, like the K-3 concert from the previous day, was performed in front of an audience twice that day:

A matinee performance at 1:30 p.m.
An evening performance at 7:00 p.m

As Narrator Clueless describes his account of the birth of Jesus, he mentions his encounter with a group of “cowboy shepherds”. Most of the cowboys in the concert were played by grade 4 students, but a few of the cowboys with speaking roles were chosen from grade 7 and 8.

The 1:30 p.m. matinee performance was the first time that the students performed in full costume, and the first time that they performed in front of a live audience. The entire process was repeated at 7:00 that evening.

Student council president Donovan M. addressing the audience before Thursday’s matinee performance of “The Night Before Christmas Caper”

It’s the night before Christmas in Bethlehem and Inspector Clueless from the Ace Private Eyes Agency is on to a mysterious case! Angel announcements… shepherds… wise men… a speechless priest… all of this could only add up to the greatest miracle of all.

Since most parents work during the day, the evening performance is always busier and more crowded than the afternoon performance. But the afternoon performance can also get quite busy with parents who work evenings or have prior commitments. In addition, the afternoon performance is a great opportunity for friends and relatives to attend a concert that is less crowded but otherwise identical to the evening show.

In “The Night Before Christmas Caper”, Narrator Clueless’s investigation into the birth of Jesus included a Nativity scene near the end of the concert

Both concerts took place in the school gymnasium, which had been set up with a large stage, bleachers, and professional lighting and sound equipment. In addition, the evening concert was professionally recorded and will be available for purchase on DVD through the school office at a later date.

“The Night Before Christmas Caper” was a tremendous success and seemed to be enjoyed by everyone in attendance. The story was very entertaining, and had a great message about the true meaning of Christmas. The beautiful props and costumes added to the appeal of the play, and the lively songs put everyone in the Christmas spirit!

The grade 8 students played various roles in the concert

The concert would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the teachers and staff of IHMS. Every staff member contributed to the success of either this concert, or the K-3 concert from the previous evening. In addition, props, sound, and stage lighting were managed by junior-high students under the supervision of an IHMS teacher.

All of the cast members were involved in the concert’s grand finale!

Finally, a special note of thanks to Mrs. Stanowych who coordinated and directed the entire concert. She sacrificed many hours practising with the students and perfecting the songs and the script for the concert. Her commitment helped to make the concert such a great success!

Mrs. Stanowych instructing the students near the end of the concert

Professionally filmed DVD”s of “The Night Before Christmas Caper”. will be available for purchase through the school office in the new year.