Ridgewood presents dinner and a show
Ridgewood High School Performing Arts presented two plays “Last Stop ‘Til Christmas” and “The Ghost of Christmas Presents” on Dec. 15 during the school day for those attending the senior citizens’ luncheon and again at 7 p.m. in the evening for the general public.
Kathy Reid played Ma in the production. “This is the first time I was asked to come and be in the play. For the last several years I was asked to come and help with the play. When Miss Collins asked for help with tryouts, I was happy to come over and do that. Then Miss Evans called and said, ‘We have this part for someone older, would you be interested in doing it?’ It’s a busy time of year but I was happy to come and do this. They have all been wonderful. They are great kids, they’re enjoying what they are doing and they make us all feel younger when we are around them.”
Madi Wilkin played Connie the employee that borrowed the table. Wilkin said she has been in drama since fifth grade at the middle school.
Freshman Charlotte Seibert said she has been in drama since kindergarten when she was in “Music Man.” “I love it. I wouldn’t change it for anything. I played Freda the mean lady who wanted her money back in the second play and a loud mouth for the first play.”
Corey Burt played Mr. Loudmouth in the first production and Mr. Belamy the magician in the second play. “This is my second year in drama. I had interest in it but was mainly backstage. Now I have had a taste of the limelight and I want more.”
Rebecca Wells, student counsel co-adviser said, “Today we are bringing back a tradition that we had to step away from for several years due to COVID. We are grateful to be able to invite our community members and our senior citizens in for this meal and for the wonderful show from the drama department. We appreciate all the support they give to our students with athletics and the arts and we want to give a little bit back to them to show our appreciation. It really is a community effort. The student council serves the food and we made door prizes and center pieces. Local businesses donate the funds to provide the meal and staff from across the district helped to organize, set up and send out invitations. We are grateful to have everyone come back and celebrate this year. Money from the community purchased food for the dinner and the cafeteria staff prepared the food.”
Jim Bouscher, retired fifth grade middle school teacher said, “I enjoy coming to these dinners because I get to see some of the kids I had in school and friends and parents.” His wife Bev Bouscher said, “We are excited to be here today. Both performances were wonderful. We’re seeing a lot of friends and what a nice gift this is for Ridgewood schools to treat the senior citizens.”
Senior Jessalyn Ihli was seating people and bringing their drinks and food. She said she had never been a server before but she was enjoying it. “We have a lot of nice people.”
Junior class officer Kyna Warne said this is her first time being on student council and helping with the luncheon. “Everyone working today is a student council member or a staff member. I’m having a good time. We were welcoming people at the door and now we are waiting tables. It’s very fun. We love our community.”
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