The magic of Disney has come to Omaha. A handful of area schools staged productions of Disney musicals.
From The Jungle Book, Aladdin, to The Lion King, schools have gotten help from Disney to bring the productions to the community.
We were lucky to be part of their big debut. Lindsey Theis has the story.
Applause
We had the honor of helping kick off the first ever Student Share Showcase for Disney's in the Classroom in Omaha. For the past 17 weeks kids and teachers have been rehearsing their tails off in productions like The Lion King and The Jungle Book.
This was the first year for the new program that pairs five Omaha elementary schools with professional musicals thanks to the Disney Theatrical Group. Any student 3rd to 5th grade could participate.
"We had top practice every Monday and Wednesday. Practice. Huh! Exhausting. But fun!" At Kennedy Elementary School, fourth grader Iris Simmons was one of several playing Raffiki in the production. From the first rehearsal she lit up. "My mom was like, I would love to see you on stage, you're famous! You're going to be a star" One star among a galaxy of 300 talented students.
Monday night, the students rehearsed for their big showcase. each school performed a song from their chosen Disney musical on the big Holland Center stage. For Iris it was, "scary, but fun! (laughs)"
A one hundred thousand dollar grant from Disney to Omaha Performing Arts is what made this whole thing possible. Teaching artists from the community worked with teachers in the school to turn educators into directors and choreographers. "Disney is happy to be here and institute the program, but really the magic is happening from omaha performing arts. And their team. And the school teachers"
"sound from performance"
"And then of course the students that stepped up and our actors and singers and dancers." Making that circle of life come full circle on the big stage.
"And this program is going to continue to grow, next year they plant to add 5 new schools. We're at the Holland Center today. I am Lindsey Theis for Upfront at 4"
