Washington School Presents 'TOY HiSTORY'

Washington Elementary’s Annual School Show comes to the stage on Friday, January 25 and Saturday, January 26, 2013. Three scheduled performances will take place at Roosevelt Intermediate School, 301 Clark Street in Westfield, NJ.

With a creative spin on a Disney-Pixar favorite, this year’s production, TOY HiSTORY, brings to life the adventures of a group of spirited toys trying to find their way back home after being mistakenly donated to a school toy drive. But, step aside Woody and Buzz … the toy stars of this story are some of the most prominent figures in world history, including George Washington, Cleopatra, Elvis Presley, Amelia Earhart, General George Patton and Joan of Arc. These famous men and women may have lived in different eras but, together as toys, they’ll make history again this year in this fun-filled tale. Through their “historical” journey, the characters gain some exposure to modern-day history and get a taste of pop culture they’ll surely never forget. And, along the way, audiences will learn about the important contributions each figure made in past centuries.

It’s “all for one and one for all” as the colorful characters band together to escape from the Sunshine Daycare Center, where their unexpected journey takes place. During their adventure, they encounter shady toy characters like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano … and have to dodge the wrath of Terrible Timmy, the destructive toddler feared by toys across Union County. As our historical figures try to find their way home, the Hamilton children—Washington Elementary School students, of course—embark on their own mission to locate and retrieve the toys before their father, a Westfield High School history teacher, discovers they are missing. All are reunited, but the historical figures ultimately end up in a new home where they will be able to enrich many young minds for years to come. Once again, history repeats itself, as this year’s Washington School Show provides some valuable life lessons for children and adults alike.

This imaginative and educational script makes learning about history fun and exciting by combining it with lively dance numbers and lots of popular music. It was penned by Washington School parent and first-time Show writer, John Schwartz. And, continuing the decades-long tradition, this year’s Show also will be directed, produced, and performed by the School’s dedicated parents and teachers. “Our Show is more than just a Washington School tradition. It has become part of the culture of our tight-knit school community. And, the kids get a real thrill from seeing us all on stage.” said Michael Guarnuccio, one of this year’s four producers.

The Annual School Show was first performed in 1948. It has become the School’s biggest fundraiser, and all proceeds go to the PTO to provide classroom resources, teacher grants and additional programs for Washington’s 300+ students. “Seeing how our kids benefit from the money we raise makes the months of planning all worthwhile,” adds Michael Constantinou, co-producer. “Thanks to John’s winning script; the tireless efforts of our talented parent-performers, teachers and behind-the-scenes crews; and the generous support from local merchants, we’re looking forward to another successful Show this year.”   

Tickets for TOY HiSTORY are on sale now for all three performances—Friday, January 25 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 26 at 1:30 and 7:00 p.m. All seats for each performance are $12.00 and can be reserved online. From the Washington Elementary School home page—http://www.westfieldnjk12.org/Washington—click on the “2013 Washington School Show” link in the left, then “Ticket Order Form.” Or go directly to the Washington School Show web page via this link: http://www.westfieldnjk12.org/education/dept/dept.php?sectionid=1328. Tickets ordered online and prepaid can be picked up at the door one-half hour prior to each performance.

For questions about tickets, contact Monica Bergin at bergin5@comcast.net.