Students rehearsing for their annual musical, Disney’s “101 Dalmatians”

January 16, 2009
Santa Paula News

Students from Isbell Middle School and McKevett Elementary School are rehearsing for their annual musical, Disney’s “101 Dalmatians,” scheduled to run at 7 p.m. on January 30 and 31, and February 6 and 7 at Isbell.

Students from Isbell Middle School and McKevett Elementary School are rehearsing for their annual musical, Disney’s “101 Dalmatians,” scheduled to run at 7 p.m. on January 30 and 31, and February 6 and 7 at Isbell. The cast, which includes 60 students in grades 1 through 8, has been working since October with Donna Nelson and Terry Brenner-Farrell.“We have some of the cutest and most talented ‘puppies’ around,” says Brenner-Farrell, who is directing the production. The part of Cruella De Vil is being performed by Isbell 8th grader Kayla Easterling. Her evil dognappers are McKevett 5th graders Taylor Duchai and Nicole Mayes.The parents have been busy building sets, making costumes, and organizing the performances, Brenner-Farrell noted. “These productions are always a community effort. I just love seeing how the families make these shows happen.”
Because McKevett School has maintained its commitment to teaching the visual and performing arts, its staff feels the arts are a large part of the academic success the school has seen. According to Brenner-Farrell, who is a member of The California Arts Project, students who are involved in the arts consistently achieve the highest scores on college entrance exams.“Giving our students an opportunity to participate in a musical at this young age provides them with tools that will help them become successful,” she stated. “They learn the importance of reading, practice, and imagination. They also see what happens when people work together to achieve a goal. It’s an amazing experience for everyone.”



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