Children play roles to help students in Africa

BY VANESSA COMTOIS

Students at Christmas Park Elementary School are currently gearing up for their big night.

For the second year in a row, Christmas Park’s afterschool program is producing a play to raise funds for schools in Africa. The children are hoping to raise enough money for student books and other needed school supplies.

This year’s production of Peter Pan has been in the works since October. Close to 90 children from kindergarten to Grade 6 have been rehearsing the play three times a day, three days a week. Approximately half the students are cast members and the others are members of the choir.

“It’s like a real Broadway production,” said Ruth Allardyce, co-ordinator of the after school program.

University student Nadia Pearson is directing the play. Currently enrolled in a teacher-training program at Concordia, she became involved through her mother who teaches at the school.

“She has lots of energy and enthusiasm,” Allardyce said of Pearson.

Since last year’s successful production of The Wizard of Oz, Allardyce said the children have been very excited to put on another play.

There are no ticket sales for the production. Instead, seating will be arranged on a first come, first served basis. Donations will be accepted throughout the evening.

Peter Pan will be shown at 7 p.m. this Friday at Christmas Park School, 422 Beaconsfield Blvd.

For more information, call 514-695-5664.