Local Parents 'Believe' They Can Make a Difference

Many parents at Washington Elementary School in Westfield have been working overtime this week–not at the office, however, but at play practice.

About 150 parents are gearing up for the annual play which raises money for the school. The play is written, produced and performed entirely by the parents.

"It really sets our school apart," said play producer Carl Pansini, whose children are in second and fifth grades at the school.

Pansini said the play is the biggest fundraiser for the Washington School. It's been going on for 62 years and last year generated about $30,000. The money goes to the school's Parent-Teacher Organization, which then decides how to allocate the money, whether it be for technology, activities or any other program that would benefit the children.

"Our view on it [the play] is parents doing it for the kids," Pansini said.

 The play this year is a spinoff of the popular movie, "Slumdog Millionaire." The play, which was written by a parent, is based on a high school girl who's trying to save Mindowaskin Park from being destroyed in order to build a condo complex. To save the park, the girl has to raise $1 million. She enters a contest similar to "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and uses the knowledge that she learned at the Washington School to try to win.

The play, called "Believe," is a 90-minute show complete with singing and dancing. In fact, Pansini's wife is in the dance ensemble.

"The kids absolutely love it," Pansini said.

Lani Lipkind, a parent of a second and fourth grader at the school, plays one of the lead roles.

Lipkind said her daughter encouraged her to try out for the lead.

"It's something I always wanted to try doing but never had the guts to do it," Lipkind said.

Lipkind said besides raising money for the school, the play builds a sense of morale and camaraderie between the parents.

Pansini agrees.

"There's no better way to meet parents than through the show," Pansini said.

Pansini said parents present scripts for the play at the beginning of the year.  He said they sponsor writing workshops for interested parents. They typically get three to five submissions. This year they had to choose among three scripts. Pansini said it was difficult because they all were good.

"The one we chose had a little something special," Pansini said.

The parents auditioned for the play and began rehearsing in November. January is push time. They practice about three days a week–sometimes until 9:30 p.m.—and spent two weekends at rehearsal.

But in the end, they say it's worth it, particularly because they only have to do one fundraiser a year to generate enough money for the school.

"Believe," opens tonight at 8 p.m. at the Roosevelt Intermediate School on Clark Street. Shows are also Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.. Tickets are $11 for the evening performances and $7 for the Saturday matinee show.