Fifth-graders to present ‘Princess Whatsername’

Published 12:00 am Sunday, May 11, 2014

Dawson-Bryant fifth-graders on Monday will perform “Princess Whatername” for their annual play.

“We like the funny plays,” Rhonda Hall, fifth grade reading teacher and play coordinator, said. “Funny plays are more fun to do. Plus, these kids are in fifth grade. Everything’s not going go perfectly and when a play is funny, mistakes sometimes seem like part of the show.”

“Princess Whatsername” is a popular play for elementary schools because of its fairy-tale setting, multitude of humorous roles, a variety of musical numbers and a mysterious and adventurous plot.

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It begins in the Misty Forest, where a girl is sleeping all alone. But when she wakes, nothing looks familiar. She can’t remember anything — not where she’s from or even her name. The journey to discover her identity causes her to meet several fairy-tale characters along the way — Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Cinderella and Rapunzel to name a few.

This year marks the 12th annual performance and Hall said all fifth-graders have the option to participate.

“The play is open to any fifth-grade student who is willing to practice,” Hall said. “Not all students excel at sports or in academics and they all should have the chance to feel like a star.”

There are 57 fifth-graders participating in Monday’s production. Hall said it’s not uncommon for lots of students to sign up for the play because ultimately it’s about having fun.

“I see firsthand how some kids need to be involved in this type of event,” Hall said. “It does wonders for their self-esteem and many discover a talent they didn’t even know they had.”

The play begins at 6 p.m. and will be performed on the stage in the elementary school’s cafeteria. Donations as admission will be accepted and will go toward buying supplies for the drama club.