  |
|
|
 |
… | On Thursday, December 20, 2018, the grade 4-8 students of IHMS entertained an appreciative audience with their performance of a musical play entitled: |
| ……. |  |
|
 |
|
|
This concert, like the K-3 concert from the previous day, was performed in front of an audience twice that day:
|
 |
 |
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.
 |
 |
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.
 |
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 story begins around Christmas at the “Happy Valley Living Nativity”. Three children (Maggie, Beverly, and Jason) are building a Nativity scene (or creche) for their church when they are confronted by the meanest woman in town – O’Hare Epstein-Barr.
 |
 |
 |
O’Hare hates Christmas, and objects to the Nativity scene. She has never had a happy Christmas, and doesn’t think anyone else should either. As she grabs a hammer to destroy the display, the children run away frightened. O’Hare, exhausted from being mean, decides to take a little “nappy poo” in the display with the intention of tearing it down after she wakes up.
 |
 |
Magic happens! Or maybe it’s a very vivid dream! O’Hare wakes up from her nap to find herself in ancient Bethlehem. While still in a daze, she is kicked out of the manger by a feisty little angel called Norma, who is getting things ready for Mary and Joseph.
 |
 |
The innkeeper enters and offers O’Hare a room for the night. He mentions that rooms are going fast, and that a group of shepherds just grabbed the “Caesar’s Palace” suite.
 |
When the herders enter the inn, O’Hare, who is allergic to sheep, begins sneezing uncontrollably. The herders mention that King Herod is all bent out of shape because of the brilliant star in the sky. When one of the herders points to the sky and says “Check out that star”, O’Hare comments “What a shiner!”.
 |
Meanwhile, the Three Kings have entered the stable, carrying gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They are greeted by the innkeeper, who seems honoured to the point of being ecstatic by their presence. O’Hare mentions that all of this seems very familiar, perhaps as a story her mother told her when she was younger.
 |
A second angel called Jordan (billed as “Heaven’s nicest angel”) enters and reports to Norma for duty. After overhearing that Jordan had travelled a great distance following the wise men, O’Hare begins to realize that something special is happening: “If all of this is true, that means that God is giving us the greatest gift of all!”
 |
 |
The Three Kings spend some time talking about the purpose of their visit – they must find the baby Jesus without letting Herod know. When they agreed that they all agree, they bump into each other and exit just as Herod himself appears on the scene.
 |
Herod is cranky and whiney. He just completed a rough camel ride, and is wearing a pillow and a water bottle tied to his rear. Norma introduces Herod to O’Hare, and they shake hands insincerely. Herod tells O’Hare that he is afraid of losing his throne to a new King (Jesus). He pulls out a scimitar and threatens to use it if he finds Jesus before the wise men. O’Hare, who seems to be having a change of heart, says: “It’s time to think less about ‘rights’ and more about ‘doing what’s right’!”
 |
As Herod and O’Hare exit, Joseph and Mary enter the inn looking for a room. Of course, none are available, so the innkeeper suggests the stable at the back. As Joseph and Mary accept the innkeeper’s offer, Jordan and the 3 Kings notice that the star in the sky is moving again.
 |
 |
As Jordan and the 3 Kings follow the moving star, Herod is still with O’Hare. When Herod is suspicious about seeing the wise men and hearing the Christ child, O’Hare tells him that he is seeing things, that he is insecure, paranoid, and negative! This is enough to trick Herod to leave.
 |
 |
Meanwhile, Jordan takes Norma to the manger to see the Holy Family. O’Hare enters and Jordan hands her a Bible. Although reluctant at first, O’Hare is convinced to hold the Bible, and begins to read aloud the events that just happened: “And it came about that while they were in Bethlehem, the days were completed for Mary to give birth. And she gave birth to the little baby Jesus, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.” The lights dim as the scene ends.
 |
 |
 |
 |
The final scene takes place back at the present time. Jason, Beverly, and Maggie return to the Nativity scene after being chased away by O’Hare at the beginning of the story. O’Hare, who had fallen asleep in the straw, was just waking up as the children returned. Amazingly, she is a changed woman! She now understands the real reason for the display – that God’s gift to us is the forgiveness of sin in the form of the Christmas Child, Jesus.
 |
 |
| “Check Out That Star” seemed to be enjoyed by everyone in attendance. Much like Ebenezer Scrooge in the classic story of “A Christmas Carol”, it centred around a cold and selfish character who despises Christmas. The character has a revelation that causes her to have a change of heart, and she become a model of love and kindness. |  |
 |
 |
Also, the story of the birth of Jesus and some of the events surrounding it was very entertaining, and it 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 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.
Also, a special note of thanks goes to Mrs. Stanowych (the school’s Music teacher), who coordinated and directed the entire concert. Mrs. Stanowych spent many hours practising and perfecting the songs and script for the concert. Special thanks also goes to the school’s grade 8 teacher Mrs. Walton, who assisted Mrs. Stanowych with morning practises.
| . |
 |
 |
| . |
| . |
| . |
|
