As part of a longstanding tradition, D-E Performing Arts presented the Fifth Grade Opera for the broader D-E community on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Hajjar Auditorium. The opera is traditionally divided into three operettas, for which the Lower School (LS) students are assigned to various roles, from performers to production managers.
Working with my classmates was amazing!
This year’s fifth graders collaborated to write the script and compose the music with the help of LS Music Teachers Ms. Lisa Dove and Ms. Fiona Crawford. They also worked on set designs and created logos for mock production companies with LS Art & Design Teacher Ms. Christine Hanaway Maloney.
The opening show was “Lost in the Woods,” a tale about belonging in which the characters discover where they truly fit in, announced production manager Logan G ’32. There were laugh-out-loud moments and a beautiful conclusion.
The subsequent operetta, “School of Secrets,” took place in a boarding school that the audience discovers is mysteriously cursed. In the story, a newcomer is able to help break the spell with friendship and a song about finding your place.
The final show, “Heart of Gold,” was introduced by Alina E. ’32, who shared that this opera was a months-long endeavor. According to classmate Arin K. ’32, who is credited as a cast member, writer, composer, and musician, the story has a theme of betrayal and is about a rich person who hands out gold coins to the poor—but isn’t as he seems.
The Fifth Grade Opera gives students a taste of what it’s like to be involved in all aspects of a theatrical performance.
Livingston M. ’32, who had a vocal solo and duet for “Lost in the Woods,” said he wanted an acting and singing role to get over his stage fright. Following a dress rehearsal in front of 150 of his peers, Livingston declared, “I feel a lot more confident… I actually had a lot of fun.”
As a production manager, Alina said she helped with logo creation, painted pieces of scenery known as flats, and ran lines with the cast. “There are a lot of moving parts in the production,” said Alina, adding that she helped in many different ways but did not feel overwhelmed.
“Our teachers were reassuring and explained that we have to get used to making mistakes”
Although she admitted to feeling a little stressed during rehearsals, Arin said she was mostly excited to perform. “Our teachers were reassuring and explained that we have to get used to making mistakes,” she noted. “Overall, I loved the process,” remarked Arin. “Working with my classmates was amazing!”
