Herbie and the Good News Garden grew a crowd

 Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The St. Michael's Elementary Choir performing musical
T. Lucas photo

The Dale Wentz Gym at St. Michael's School was the site of the last performance of the school year for the St. Michael's Elementary Choir. On the evening of Thursday May 31 they gave a enthusiastic performance of the musical 'Herbie and the Good News Garden' under the direction of music teacher Mrs. Shelly Alexander.  The sixty children who participated in the choir as their extracurricular activity practiced for months on the songs, and the results were impressive.

In the musical, Ben Cooley played Herbie and explained to Anna (Madison Arnold) the importance and the personal rewards of working for the betterment of your community.  Anna is willing to help, but only in the ways that will not harm her new, sparkly manicure.  Felix (Thomas Alexander) and Maggie (Jaydyn Tanner) helped Herbie by expressing their own views about gardening and why they are involved in the project.  The three of them convinced Anna that there is a sense of satisfaction in sometimes getting your hands dirty and pitching in when a job should be done. As an extra treat, Sarah Kirby and Ashton Kootenhayoo performed a rap duet in the middle of one of the bouncy musical numbers.

In keeping with the garden theme, volunteers prepared a picnic for the guests that came to the show.  It was a fun evening that demonstrated the range of the students abilities and efforts, and a great sendoff for the kids that worked so hard all year towards their various performances.