Waco ISD students perform ‘101 Dalmatians’ for last play of the school year
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Waco ISD’s Lake Air Montessori students are featuring their skills and talents by performing the classic, ‘101 Dalmatians,’ for the community as their final play of the school year.
“When we chose this play, I saw Cruella de Vil, and I was like, ‘I was meant for this role...I need to play this role,” one of the characters and students, Lila said.
Students from third through eighth grade have been working together and rehearsing since January. Choir teacher, Bethany Markwardt, said she has noticed a lot of growth and progress among the students.
“Someone was just talking about one of our students---how well she sang,” she said. “They were like, ‘I’ve never heard her sing like that’ and that’s from practicing with us and all this time after school.”
Theater teacher, Valerie Davis, said she has noticed students’ improvements with problem-solving and critical thinking.
“It’s amazing, too, to see just their confidence level increase as well as seeing the personal responsibility that they take through the process,” Davis said. “The show must go on, right? And so that’s a huge learning process for so many kids, and it’s exciting to see.”
The musical features several students, playing different roles. She said, this play, will even feature additional dog breeds like corgis, poodles and boxers.
Charles, who plays Roger, in the music said he is excited to perform for the public and bring joy to those who attend.
“I feel like it’s really fun just walking out on and making everyone happy and spreading this story with other people in a way that’s meaningful,” he said.
Romina and Lila both share the role as Cruella de Vil. They said they are total opposites of the character but they enjoy acting as the antagonist.
“Playing Cruella is just so fun because you get to pretend to be evil and do all these elaborate schemes and stuff like that,” Lila said. “That’s why it’s just so fun.”
“I’ve always loved playing evil parts, and it’s so fun to scream with no right at all,” Romina said.
Students made their debut of the performance Tuesday night.
Middle school students will be playing the named roles for the performance on May 1. Elementary students will be playing the named roles on May 2.
Both performances begin at 6:30 p.m. There will be an ASL interpreter for the performance May 2.
Tickets are $5 per person and must be purchased online only. For ticket information, click here.
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