Can You 'Dig It?'

Wohlwend Elementary School's Drama Club Wednesday presented "Dig it! A Musical tale of Ancient Civilizations."

"Dig It!" invited viewers to travel back in time with two inquisitive archeologists, Taki and Tut, and their fossil friend, Lucy, as they explored the wonders of ancient civilization. From the farm laborers of early Mesopotamia and Egyptian mummies who rap, to a chorus of ancient Greeks, and Romulus and Remus who dream of building a great city.

The elementary school gymnasium was standing room only for the evening's production followed by a student musical program presented by the third and fourth graders.

Art teacher Amy George and music teacher Renato Durante collaborated on producing and directing the musical. "Dig It!" was selected as this year's Drama Club production due to its historical content and its relation to what the students are currently studying in their art classes. Also, the musical had a great beat that highlighted the student's dancing, singing and acting abilities.

Drama club members consisting of third through fifth graders led by George and Durante, have been working intently since last semester on designing the set, costumes and practicing their performance. 

"The students have been working for two hours before or after school twice a week," said Durante. 

Parents, teachers, friends and neighbors braved a sleet filled night proud to see the students' hard work come to fruition. 

Promptly at 7 p.m. the lights were turned down and the production began. 

The musical had a humorous plot and the students' music and dance sequences were fantastic. On stage the children were a presence and preformed beautifully without a hitch. During the musical, I mistook them for older students, as they seemed very tall atop the stage. However, after the performance, as they filed past our seats, I realized how young they were. I was amazed and sat in awe of their ability and the promising talent they possessed at their ages.

"Dig It" was immediately followed by the holiday inspired program: "WNL: Wohlwend Night Live"  presented by Wohlwend third and fourth graders, directed by Durante. 

The program incorporated fun segments of joke telling, singing, skits and a kazoo number.

The evening put a smile on my face from start to finish. I thoroughly recommend the show to all that have the opportunity to see it. 

Durante also said that they hope to perform for the students at Bierbaum Elementary sometime in the spring.