Local Elementary School Awarded Exclusive Grant from Macy?s to Perform Christmas Musical

Dec 18 @ 6pm, Kennedale High School PAC, 901 Wildcat Way, Kennedale TX, 76060

James Arthur Intermediate, 5th & 6th grade campus in Kennedale ISD, was one of only 100 schools across the country awarded a grant from Macy?s Corporation for the production of Macy’s live-action musical, Yes Virginia! this holiday season.{{more}}

“Yes, Virginia The Musical” was inspired by the true story of 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon, who wrote a letter to the New York Sun newspaper in 1897, to ask about the existence of Santa Claus. The Sun’s editor responded with a poignantly worded essay that became one of the most famous newspaper editorials of all time. The editorial provided the inspiration for Macy?s Believe campaign, which supports Make-A-Wish? by donating $1, up to $1 million, for every letter to Santa received. The proceeds help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

James Arthur was among just 100 schools nationwide to be awarded not just the script and score royalty-free, but also a $1000 grant to purchase costumes, set materials, sound, lighting and other theatrical equipment.

 

Arthur has produced a full-scale musical for the last 17 years…

Nearly 75 children and a hard-working staff of 4-5 teachers have been preparing for the musical since August, which will be the first holiday musical at the school. Despite the kids? young ages, Arthur has produced a full-scale musical each year for the last 17 years in a row, thanks to the direction of GT teacher Linda Graddy and now-retired music teacher Rose Watson, who continues to volunteer.

The December 18th performance of Yes, Virginia is sure to be a community-wide celebration of the spirit of the holidays.

 

..taking donations of food and toys ...

Because the grant covered all costs, the school is not charging any admission, but will instead be taking donations of food and toys for local families.

 

..performances by elementary choirs from James Delaney and R.F Patterson..

 

There will also be performances by elementary choirs from James Delaney and R.F. Patterson before the show.

As an exciting bonus, Arthur was selected to perform an excerpt of their show at the Macy?s Store in the Parks at Arlington Mall on December 12, to help the shoppers kick off their Christmas purchases! The exposure will be great for the show? and very exciting for the young performers, many of whom are on stage for the first time ever!

 

And Merry Christmas!