By Susie Lofton

As a grandparent, one is often called upon to do certain things that they would not otherwise do. For instance, go to a school play on a damp and chilly Friday evening instead of enjoying the comforts of home. The idea of having to sit on hard folding chairs for three hours is enough in itself to make one cling even more to the comforts of home. However, those parents, grandparents and friends who experienced Michigan Avenue School's rendition of "Bah Humbug" was in for a delightful shock and treat.

These performances took place Friday and Saturday evening, November 19 and 20 in the school's gymnasium. According to Shane Brown, this was the first Christmas play for the school. An estimated four hundred showed up Friday and about as many Saturday night. To execute any kind of performance involving sixty children in Kindergarten through grade five is an accomplishment in itself, but the direction of Michigan Avenue's "Bah Humbug" was nothing short of amazing. "Bah Humbug" is, as the name suggests a musical adaptation of, "The Christmas Carol," written by Charles Dickens. The school's performance was produced by

who participated in costuming and setting the stage and securing the props; did a tremendous job.

The children's performance was exceptional. Not only did the children have lines to learn, but songs as well with many singing solo parts. It was the singing that pushed this performance from a grade "A" to an "A+." When it comes to singing in public, most children are prone to suddenly become mute, but not those on stage Friday night. The energy produced was contagious. At the end of the first scene, I looked up at my husband and said, "Wow! They're good!" This opinion was shared by the

audience as evidenced by the applause as the performers took their bows at the conclusion of the play.

The part of Scrooge was played by Ovy Thompson; Beth Cratchit, Kaitlyn Tharp,

the Spirit of Christmas Past, Hannah Fields; the Spirit of Christmas Present, Caleb Godfrey; the Spirit of Christmas Future, Taylor Morris; and Tiny Tim, Drake Haney. Other cast members were: Briyana Dyer, Makenzie Dale, Brandon Weathers, Paige Vest, Jacob Burton, Maria Berry, Tayla Watson, Kayla Calfee, Alyx Davis, McCall Beckler, Kayla Withrow, Brennon Dupuy, Emily Posey, Logan Blackwell, Mady Stallings, Rae Ann Keller, Katie Shackelford, Emily McCracken, Caterra Bryson, Jenay Lapeyrolerie, Maranda Bynum, Chad Baker, Paige Preston and Chase Ann

Haney. Supporting cast members were: Sarah Beavers, Alex Lawson, Haley Sompolinsky, Joby Poteet, Lauren Witt, Rachel Fields, Emma Beavers, Andrew Lawson, Stephen O'Boyle, Makayla LaFerry, Amber Green, Andy Towne, Sydney Morgan, Lauren Beavers, Brandon Dupuy, Paige Anthony, Sydney Choate,

Stefany Ogle, Landon Seaborn, Riley Tarver, Elizabeth Trew, Autumn Malone, Kayley Schneck, Kegan Cox, Blaire Terrell, Alie Cox, Ciara Roberts, Andrew Phillips,  Kelsey Mull, Cassidy Arthur and Cheyenne Bramlett.

This was no small job for any of those involved and their team work paid off in a successful and entertaining evening. The final success of this effort is a futuristic one. Who knows what impact this will have on these children. In a world where one is constantly bombarded by negative or critical opinions, to see these youngsters on

stage was inspiring. It is important for the children to have a positive direction in their lives, and this was one. Hats off to the children, directors, faculty, principal and anyone else involved for a job well done! You were wonderful!