Grade 4-8 Christmas Concert

 

On Thursday, December 18, 2014, the grade 4-8 students of IHMS entertained an appreciative audience with their performance of a musical play entitled “The Legend of the Christmas King”.

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Josh T. portrayed one of the townspeople at the beginning of the concert

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This concert, like the K-3 concert from the previous day, was performed twice that day:

 

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

 

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.

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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.

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Cast members watching the concert from backstage

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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.

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Cast of Characters Sabu – Thomas S. Servants – Arianna B., Mary M. Artaban – James B. The Mortimers – Nina H., Gabriel K. Innkeeper – Edcel A., Innkeeper’s wife – Jenny K. Wisemen – Yelena R., Janelle K., Anna V. Shema – Mylana S. Leah – Gillian M. Angel – Nadia M. Sheep – Nicole M., Rachel Ann P., Adriana S., Rachel S. Shepherds – James L., Jenna T. Townspeople  – JoshuaT., Tiana W., Janine D., Raj D., Ashely S., Marjorie D. Mary & Joseph– Julianna C., Ethan W.n

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The Nativity scene near the end of the concert

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The concert begins with a wise man named Artiban (played by James B.) discovering that a Messiah is about to be born. Artiban realizes that he has to follow a certain star to reach the Messiah, and sets off on his journey. Along the way, he soon meets up with 2 angel, both named Mortimer (played by 2 students – Gabriel K. and Nina H.) who were sent by God to help him on his quest. So Artiban and and the two Mortimers set out together on a journey to find the Messiah.

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Artiban, the story’s main character was played by James B. (top photo) and the Mortimers, two angels that assist Artiban on his quest, were played by Nina H. and Gabriel K. (bottom photo)

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The new friends continue on their way until they meet up with the Three Wise Men (played by Yelena R., Janelle K., and Anna V.). The Three Wise Men, it turns out, are also searching for the Messiah, but decide to continue the journey on their own.

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The Three Wise Man were played by (l-r): Janelle K., Yelena R., and Anna V.

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Along the way, Artiban and the Mortimers are lucky enough to find a salesman called Sabu (played by Thomas S.), who just happens to have the jewels and gifts that Artiban needs to give the new born king.

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An interesting looking character named  Sabu (played by Thomas S. in the top 2 photos) and his two servants (played by Mary M. and Arianna B. in the bottom photo)

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Continuing along in their journey, Artiban and the Mortimers come across a poor peasant named Shema (played by Mylana S.). Shema’s crops had failed, and she is in grave need of money. Although Artie wanted to save his gifts for the Messiah, he nevertheless gives the poor peasant one of his jewels to help her family out of poverty.

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Artaban meets a poor peasant woman named Shema (played by Mylana S.)

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Finally, after arriving in Bethlehem, Artiban and the Mortimers run to the nearest inn and ask the innkeeper (played by Edcel A.) about the Messiah. The innkeeper tells them that the Messiah had already been born and left for Egypt.

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The innkeeper (played by Edcel A.) and his wife (played by Jenny K.)

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After leaving Bethlehem, Artie and the Mortimers notice an old women trembling in the cold. The old woman (played by Gillian M.) tells them that she was also travelling to see the Messiah, but was forced to beg for food and shelter. Artiban realizes that he has to give up his last jewel to save her.

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The old woman (played by Gillian M.) in one of her better moods

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At the end, although Artie was left with nothing to give the new born king, the Mortimers tells him that his good deeds were even better gifts than gold and jewels.

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One of the Mortimers (Gabriel K.) blesses Artaban for his good deeds

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“The Legend of the Christmas King” was a musical that involved every student from grade 4 to 8. Each class sang a different song in the play:

• Grade 4: “Night of a Million Angels”
• Grade 5: “The Village of the Sun”
• Grade 6: “He’s Some Kind of Wise Guy”
• Grade 7 & 8: “Plans, Sands and Caravans”
• Grade 4-6 Choir: “The Village of the Sun” (reprise)

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Various students singing during the concert

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In addition, Bailey D., Nadia M., Nina H., Janine D., and Mylana S. sang beautiful solos throughout the play.

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Solos were performed by Nina H., Bailey D., (top photos),  Nadia M., Janine D., (middle photos) and Mylana S. (bottom photo)

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“The Legend of the Christmas King” 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!

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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.

 

Production Crew Concert Director – Mrs. O. Stanowych Grade 4 – Mrs. Halayda Grade 5 – Mrs. Wittevrongel Grade 6 – Mrs. Wdowiak Grade 7 – Mrs. Naurocki Grade 8 – Mrs. DePiero Lighting and Sound – Mr. Dedio and Mr. Picklyk

 

 

Finally, a special note of thanks to Mrs. Stanowych (who coordinated and directed the entire concert) and Mrs. Walkow who sacrificed many hours practising with the students and perfecting the script. It was because of their commitment that the concert was such a great success!

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The props crew (clockwise): Antonette C., Viktoriya S., Diana F., Ashley H., Eldrec A., and Gabriel M.

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Professionally filmed DVD’s of “The Legend of the Christmas King” will be available for purchase through the school office.