Dear patrons of the Visual and Performing Arts at Longleaf Middle School,
We are so excited that you are joining us this evening for our first ever musical production at Longleaf Middle School! This endeavor has been years in the making and is truly a labor of love.
A great deal of our student body (even those outside of the Visual and Performing Arts) have been involved in some way with this production: working out the math to make Pride Rock stand tall and the elephant rib cage look realistic, painting wildebeests, getting their hands dirty with papier mache, learning to make cardbaord, PVC pipe, and wood into spectacular props, costumes, and sets, and putting in hours of work in vocal, dance, and acting rehearsals. We have been astounded at the quality of work that the students have brought to our show and have been so thrilled to see them begin working as performing professionals. As parents, friends, and supporters of these students, we hope you are as proud as we are.
The adults involved in this production have been called to stretch and grow, as well. I have been honored, in this show, to work with those who have given themselves over to big thinking and creative requests that were sometimes not easily accomplished. Our team has truly been one ensemble. Even when a project or problem did not fall in their area, each adult has made sure what we are offering students is a premier example of a real-world performance experience. Our adults have been comitted to seeing this production through, in a way that is true to its Broadway roots and enables students to truly put their signature on the show, which is a tall order indeed. They have tirelessly persevered and I am humbled at their dedication and professionalism. Your students have learned valuable lessons from each of them.
We can't wait for you to share this show with us. We hope you will be surprised, delighted, humbled, and touched, as we have been. Our connection will continue long after this performance, and for that, we are grateful.
Hakuna Matata!
Jennifer Bull
