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Kids evolve in 'Evolution Of Rock' production

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Contributed by: Kathleen Melton on 5/30/2008

I have recently been through one of the most exhausting, exhilarating and emotional experiences my child and I have ever shared.

Kamden, who is 9and in the third grade, finally wrapped his fifth and final show in one very long and very worthwhile weekend of the Wilbur Avenue Elementary School, Picadilly Productions produced musical, "The Evolution of Rock."

Featuring more than 116 kids from this elementary school in second through fifth grades, this near 90-minute production walked, danced and thrilled the audience through the "ages" of rock music.

Beginning in the 1950s and ending in present day, it was a non-stop rockin', jivin', get-up-and-sing along production that touched on more than 68 songs from the past six decades.

The costumes, choreography and lyrics took everyone back to their own childhood and teenage years - whether that was in the 50s or the 80s.

The best part? The memories I hold of those times, reinterpreted by a group of children wearing the fashions we used to wear, dancing as we used to dance, and becoming what we once were.

The power of it was obvious as every show at the CSUN Theater, which seats 500, was completely sold out.

"I've never seen anything like this. It's amazing. Like a Broadway musical filled with children!" Ellen Theobald commented after the opening Friday night show. "I came in from Laguna to see my grandson perform. I had no idea the caliber would be so great. I thought this was just another elementary school show, but I tell you again, I have never experienced anything like this. I am going to stay the night and try to get in to Saturday's performance. I just must see it again!"

Produced by Picadilly and the Friends of Wilbur Enrichment Program, this production, well, rocked! The talents of the people behind the production - most of whom are parents at the school, volunteer moms and dads, and the talent of the kids in the production, blew me away!

These kids sign up for this "enrichment" class in October and meet every Tuesday and Thursday for two hours after school.

In that time, producer Nina Rawlinson, director and choreographer Paula Keane and musical director Kim Saunders (and all the volunteer parents) transform our kids into true stars - singers, dancers, actors.

This is truly a life-changing experience for these kids. The unconditional support and attention they receive from this group of talented and loving women transcends any "enrichment" experience you or I could ever imagine experiencing.

That they are able to get on stage, sing a rock song, dance innumerable dances, stay in line with 116 other kids in large group numbers, memorize the whole show, know their cues, their costuming and take full responsibility for their part, is nothing short of an enormous gift.

It changes them as people. It changes how they see themselves, how they think of themselves and their belief in what they are able to accomplish.

" It made me feel so good to be on stage in front of everyone! I learned I love to perform," Kamden told me and anyone that would listen about his experience.

I could literally see his self-confidence and self-worth grow during this weekend. And I know he will take that and translate it into other areas of his life.

Thank you, Nina, Paula, Kim and the countless parent volunteers and others who worked with this group of kids, kids I have known since they were 5 in kindergarten, some of whom are now 11, verging on the teenage years.

Thank you for giving them this opportunity in the comfort and safety of our local school, our public school, to spread their wings and fly.

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