Nora Giannini may only be 11 years old, but she’s a fifth grader with motivation and spunk. Giannini said that she always had the
feeling that she wanted to be a dancer and performer.
“I’ve always dreamed of being a dancer since I was little,” Giannini said. “I always wanted the chance to perform in front of an audience.”
Giannini got the opportunity to hear the applause of a live audience last week, but it wasn’t a typical crowd attending your average school play.
The Weehawken High School auditorium was packed to the rafters, a standing room only throng of more than 600 people who turned out to see
the Roosevelt School fifth and sixth graders perform in their annual production, entitled “Body Language” this year.
This performance, incorporated as part of the Roosevelt School’s Cultural Awareness Program, was one of the most anticipated events of the
school year.
Under the guidance of director/choreographer Jimmy Festa, who performed on Broadway in such classics as “Kiss Me, Kate” and “My Fair
Lady,” the students put on a show filled with Broadway showstoppers that make everyone in attendance rise to their feet in triumphant joy.
“I used to be surprised how good the shows were, but now, I guess I’ve been spoiled,” said Anthony LaBruno, the school’s principal. “I take it
for granted that they’re going to do well, because every year, with the leadership of Mr. Festa, they work wonders. It makes me think when I
was young and there was no way that I could have been able to do what they do.”
And this production was not your average talent show in which only the most talented kids perform. Every single one of the fifth and sixth
graders got up on the stage and sang and danced to their hearts’ content.
“That’s the good thing about the program,” LaBruno said. “Every kid participated. Since they all participate, it helps those who wouldn’t
necessarily volunteer for a project like this. It shows that even the boys can dance if they’re pushed a little.”
For example, Eric Eckhardt seems to be the average sixth grader, but put a Bible in his hand and watch him transform into a Bible-selling
preacher, dancing and singing to the song “We Beseech Thee,” from the Broadway hit Godspell. That energetic, uplifting number had
everyone clapping and tapping their feet.
The students began rehearsing with Festa for the show last October. Art teacher Mary Ellen Spinosa and gym teacher Jose Perez acted as the
faculty coordinators, to aid Festa with organizing the students.
“Mr. Festa worked with the kids once a week,” LaBruno said. “It’s a lot of work to handle 200 kids, in groups of 20. It’s amazing the time, the
effort and the energy that he has.”
Festa has been directing the youngsters for more than 10 years and the shows become more elaborate and more polished with each passing
year.
Ashka Gami is a sixth grader who participated in three numbers, including the aforementioned number from Godspell.
“It was a lot of hard work to get ready for the show, but it was a lot of fun as well,” Gami said. “It was well worth it. I got to learn a bunch of new
dances that I never would have known before. I was really nervous, learning all the steps, because if you take one bad step, you can throw the
whole dance off. But it was a great feeling, hearing the applause. I really loved it.”
Gami also participated in doing the waltz on stage, as well as the number, “Pick a Little,” from “The Music Man.”
Another number from “The Music Man” that was featured was the peppy, spirited “Wells Fargo Wagon,” which Giannini was featured
in.
“I loved it,” Giannini said. “It was a great way for me to express myself. I love performing in front of an audience. When I got to see how big the
crowd was, I got a little nervous. But once we got going and we were in the middle of a song, I felt so comfortable and relaxed. It was a lot of fun
and it was great that everyone got a chance to perform. We all enjoyed it.”
“It really brings out the best in the students,” LaBruno said. “Their talents really shine. I’m very proud of each and every one of them. Once
again, they rose to the occasion.”
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