Central School Celebrates 10 Years On Its Broadway Stage

a tribute to the Theatre Arts Program by Jenny Moskowitz

(November 20, 2006) Peter Pan and Wendy magically landed in Central School on November 18 and 19. There were two casts and four performances altogether. The children received rave reviews from a full house of proud parents, grandparents, teachers, and friends.

It was the first year for this group of young Neverlanders, but the tenth year for the school’s Theatre Arts program.

Ten years ago Central School received a grant for its first production from the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation. The play was Pinnochio and, with its profitable ticket sales and foundation seed money, the program developed lasting power to become self-funded. Since the second year, the PTA has taken on the responsibility to organize and facilitate the many productions, such as Annie, Charlotte’s Web, Bye Bye Birdie and The Wizard of Oz. If it were not for the initial “dream grant,” this program would not have been able to have the positive impact on all the kids that have participated.

Roughly 200 children have had the opportunity to grace the stage each year. Children from 6 to11 with a variety of skills come to audition. The last three years, Kevin Kearins and KJK Productions have produced and directed several Broadway shows and offered theatre workshop programs for Central kids. It is very apparent that director Kevin Kearins has a wonderful skill that enables him to recognize talent and abilities in children and help them shine on stage.

The Theatre Arts program has given wonderful possibilities to kids of all backgrounds. There are children who may not have certain privileges or who come from complicated family lives, and yet they have had a chance to succeed in performing. Central’s stage has always welcomed kids with special needs, which has led to great triumphs and left lasting impressions on its audience. Performing on stage has allowed many to try something new, enabling children to take the chance to reveal themselves in a new light. As a result, the Theatre Arts Program has boosted confidence levels and self-esteem, a very worthy ingredient for our youth today.

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