Donald D. Sherrill Educational Center makes musical debut

Donald D. Sherrill Educational Center fifth-grade students hit the main stage in April.

They made history by performing the school’s first-ever musical. 

“It was fun. It was a dream come true. I like the performance, the costumes and the props,” fifth-grade student performer Aidan said. 

The Stars did the children’s musical “We Are Monsters.”  The production follows kids into a monster cabaret filled with quirky monster characters where they learn about friendship and celebrating differences. It showcases various creatures including vampires, ghosts and werewolves. 

“I chose this musical specifically because it deals with characters who feel like they are outsiders and not normal, and they come to find they can embrace who they are and work together for a better future,” music teacher Andrew Seuferer said. “Our students often deal with this negative self-perception entering our program and then come to find they can be proud of who they are.” 

The production was four years in the making. Seuferer and his colleagues wanted to provide a new way for students to engage with the music curriculum and develop new talents. The students got to dive deep into their characters for two performances – one for their peers and the other for their families. 

“The greatest joy was seeing students embrace and learn more about themselves and each other through their creation of their character’s personalities and mannerisms,” Seuferer said. 

“This was a meaningful opportunity for students as they were able to see their effort and hard work pay off.  They did not give up when it got hard,”  principal Cindy Vodicka said.  

It’s an experience the fifth-grade Stars were thankful to have. 
 
“It gave me another reminder that people care about me here,” student performer Stanford said.

Check out highlights from Donald D. Sherill’s first-ever musical below. 

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