Avon Middle School Presents Original Musical "The Calabash Kids"

Inspired by a Tanzanian folktale, The Calabash Kids, an original musical written and directed by Avon theatre teacher Jill Paterson, will be performed Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16, at 7 p.m. at Avon Middle School. This story of a lonely widow named Shindo who plants calabash gourd seeds, which magically turn into children, has lessons for all ages. Avon Middle School choir teacher Jane Sitarz is assisting and providing vocal direction for this song-filled production featuring a talented cast of students. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens, and should be reserved in advance, as seating is limited.

First-time mom Shindo's parenting mistakes are relatable, and they threaten her new family's very existence. Will she realize her missteps in time to keep her children from returning to gourd form? Audience members will discover the answer as the plot unfolds.

Paterson's original adaptation of this tale, which was performed previously in 2000 and 2002 by elementary-school casts in Harwinton and Hartford, has been expanded with new songs and an enhanced plot to engage and challenge middle schoolers. Students set to debut this exciting new version of the show include Alexa Dailey as Shindo; Tyler Colman as her son, Kitete; Mia Ausiello as her daughter, Nomsa; and Toby Schwartz as her other son, Hamisi. The story is narrated by Liam Alexe, Tanvi Raman, Vincenzo Lupis and Katie Pavlakis. Shindo's other gourd-children are portrayed by Patrick Hydeck, Alec Corrado and Mikala Bourgeoise, who also play noble messengers and people of the village.

Avon Middle School students helping behind the scenes include Sophie Badenhorst, Brie Beard, Rowan Hernsdorf-Smith, Talin Jindal, Lauren Lee, Gilroy McCalla and Brooklynn Smith. Avon High School theatre students Lara Beckius, Cat Hyers, Spencer Lazarus, Annika Mathias, Cameron McCarty and Marcel Paige are also lending their talents to the production.

Avon Middle School is located at 375 West Avon Road in Avon, Connecticut. Tickets for the show may be reserved by emailing jsitarz@avon.k12.ct.us, then paid for with cash or a check at the door. For information about the show, call 860-404-4770.