March 20, 2008

A 'hearty' opening

Graystone’s Superdome opens with the wonder of ‘Alice in Wonderland’

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Staff Writer

Before the performance of “Alice in Wonderland,” thespians Emma Wheelock, Sarah Johnson, Alli Foreman, Allison Jeong, Heather Farrington and Nicole Streete get ready to act their hearts out. Photo by Jeanne C. Carbone

The wait is over. Graystone Elementary School opened its new “Superdome” with a rousing “Alice in Wonderland” performed by 63 eager thespians.

“A few years ago the district polled the teachers and staff at Graystone to determine what construction projects would benefit the school the most,” said Dave Beymer, Graystone principal. “A number of projects/improvements were suggested and prioritized, with extending the cafeteria [covering the courtyard] as one.

“The structure turned out better than any of us could imagine. We now have space and facility to run two activities at the same time and room to have productions like ‘Alice in Wonderland,’” Beymer said.

The wooden beamed 3,100-square-foot “Superdome” is located in the center of the school between the cafeteria, media and staff offices. The multi-purpose building was started in the spring of 2007 with most of it completed last summer. Under Measure F funds, the cost came in under the $1,173,000 budget.

A big finish and a great opening night for the actors and audience of Graystone’s presentation on “Alice in Wonderland.”

“The name ‘Superdome’ came from one of our parents attending a preconstruction meeting,” said Beymer. “It was spur of the moment and the name stuck. It is quickly becoming part of the Graystone culture.”

Last fall, Graystone’s “Superdome” was completed. It’s used for assemblies, authors’ visits, rainy day lunches and physical education. The presentation of the original musical production of “Alice in Wonderland” marks the first play performed by students.

“Thanks to Dave Beymer for his support in bringing Children’s Play House to our students and acting into their hearts,” said Allison Johnson, Graystone School Site Council president. “We hope to continue to bring theater to Graystone on a regular basis and provide the children with more opportunities to shine on our stage, and be the stars each one of them is!”

Johnson was familiar with Kathy Olsen’s Children’s Play House of San Jose in which three of her four children participated. Sarah, her 11-year-old, performed Alice in the recent Graystone production.

A caterpillar that blows bubbles? Anything is possible in the Children’s Play House of San Jose with Graystone students Sarah Johnson as Alice, along with Nimisha Narayanan, Raha Pirzadeh, Alexis Grubman, Sanam Ghazvini, Ujjainni Mukhopad-hyay, Lauren Yamagami and Adrienne Zhang.

The Children’s Play House is “one-stop shopping” bringing sets, costumes, staging and custom written plays where all children have a part. Olsen directs. The Graystone School Site Council uses state funds to enrich the students’ lives. However, for the production of “Alice in Wonderland” the group decided to have a fee-based program for all who wanted to participate leaving money in place for technology. Sixty-three of Graystone’s 800 students decided to try show business.

And if you ask any of the students participating in “Alice in Wonderland” they’re full of excitement about performing.

“It’s just awesome,” said Queen of Hearts Alli Foreman.

“I like it,” said Allison Joeng. “She [Olsen] is really nice. And the costumes are really great.”

“You get to dress up and dance and sing in front of people,” said Seven of Hearts Nikki Streete.

“I’ve never been in a play before,” said 11-year-old Mitch Brown, who played Tweedle Dum. “I’m nervous but excited!”

Graystone’s new “Superdome” is a multi-purpose area that allows the school to facilitate large assemblies and school productions like the recent “Alice in Wonderland.” Photo courtesy of Allison Johnson

“I was really impressed with how the kids are going to pull this off,” said Paige Brown, one of the moms. “The language is hard, like ‘contrary wise.’ It’s a really good experience for the kids.”

“This is the first play we’ve had here,” said Art Gonzales, Graystone vice principal. “The kids worked very hard. The kids are very excited [and so are the parents] and it gives them an opportunity to show their creative sides.”

Graystone presented two shows on March 13 and 14. The Friday performance sold out with 300 in the audience. The parents and guests were appreciative and enthusiastic and showered the performers with applause.

But perhaps the best review was expressed by Tweedle Dee Justin Tadros, who at the end of the show ran to Olsen, gave her a giant bear hug and said, “thank you for the best day of my entire life.”