MDUSD students from 3 elementary schools see "A Christmas Carol" at the Lesher Center

By Theresa Harrington Brandt
MDUSD Public Information Officer

On Dec. 11, students from El Monte, Meadow Homes and Shore Acres elementary schools had the opportunity to see "A Christmas Carol" at the Lesher Theater in Walnut Creek, sponsored by the Diablo Regional Arts Association's Women's Artistic Alliance. Students and teachers said they appreciated the chance to see a dramatic production, which prompted claps, cheers, laughter, and oohs and aahs throughout the show.

"I'm happy because I've never been here and it's something new for me," said Meadow Homes 5th-grader Madelin Marroquin as she lined up with her classmates outside the theater before the show. Teacher Elora Hinckley pointed out the "Content Advisory," which warned that the performance included ghosts and spirits, loud noise, fog effects, strobe lighting effects, and "bursts of holiday cheer."'

"This is my favorite thing that we do, because a lot of the students have never seen live theater before, so it's very special," said Women's Arts Alliance member Carole Wynstra, who sat in the balcony near the Meadow Homes and El Monte elementary students. 

During intermission, after the Ghost of Christmas Past had visited Ebenezer Scrooge, three Meadow Homes students gave the show a positive review. "I think it's pretty cool," said Alex Jacobo. Emiliano Moreno added: "Some parts are scary." But Daniel Ortiz was undaunted. "It's a good show," he said. "I like the ghost. It's not too scary." By the end of the show, Emilio said he liked it and Alex raved, "I loved it. It was amazing!"  

As Shore Acres students and teachers gathered in the lobby after the show, teacher Elvira Martinez said her students acted out the play the previous day in class, so it was fun for them to see it on the stage. Student Melanie Castañeda said enthusiastically, "I loved it! My favorite characters were Scrooge and Tiny Tim."

The Center Rep cast and Lesher Center staff and volunteers enjoy introducing students to first-time theater experiences, said Lesher Center General Manager Carolyn Jackson. "The buzz, the excitement - it brings us joy," she said.

Since 2008, the Diablo Regional Arts Association's "Arts Access" school time performances have provided more than 60,000 East Bay students, teachers, and chaperones with the opportunity to experience high-quality live performances and visual arts exhibitions at the Lesher Center for the Arts, with a focus on students from Title 1 schools, primarily from the Mt. Diablo School District, said Diablo Regional Arts Association Executive Director Peggy White. "We also provide study guides for teachers that meet the MDUSD Curriculum standards."  

MDUSD thanks the Association, Lesher Center and Center Rep for providing these opportunities for our students and we look forward to more exciting and educational field trips in the future!