ELY – The halls of Washington Elementary School are usually quiet when the school day ends at 3 p.m., but in the Washington Auditorium, nearly 40 energetic fourth and fifth graders are just beginning a 90-minute rehearsal session.
The elementary students are putting the finishing touches on a spring musical, “Summer Camp,” that will be performed one time only next Friday in the school auditorium.
Ely students and families have waited two years for the school musical to return to the stage.
“We were just weeks away from our performance in 2020 when the school went to distance learning because of COVID and our show was canceled,” said Ely music teacher Michael Rouse, who is co-directing the show with Crystal Poppler.
“In 2021, we didn’t even try to have a show. And this year, with the winter (coronavirus) surge, we were uncertain whether or not a show could take place,” he said.
However, as the COVID situation started to let up, the decision was made that “the show must go on.” The student performers got a later start than normal this spring, “but the cast has enthusiastically embraced the challenge and has been working extremely hard,” Rouse added.
“Summer Camp” takes place at the fictional Camp Runamuck and is filled with the feelings and memories of those who have ever been to a summer camp might have experienced.
“This musical has everything you loved and feared about summer camp, from the morning routine to the bugs,” he said. “And we even a talent show.”
Summer Camp performers include: Counselor Willing, Grady Anderson; Camper Self Conscious, Brian Angelo; Camper Cubby, Avery Bee; Camper Wary, Anika Boerst; Camper Teary, Raegan Boerst; Camper Knot, Amiah Brandau; Camper Confused, Alex Brandriet; Camper Scattered, Katy Brophy; Camper Sleepy, Sally Dunn; Camper Bewildered, Lena Flom; Camper Willing, Violet Franciskovich; Camper Wide-Eyed, Jesse Gowell; Camper Itchalot, Madalyn Henry; Camper Horrified, Emory Hohenstein; Camper Timid, Addison Kannas; Bob, Tommy Kerntz; Camper Jo, Ora Koehler; Bonnie Blogger, Payson Kundinger; Bear #2, Juliana LaMontagne; Emcee, Lucille Luthens; Bear #1, Clara Luthens; Camper, Nels Majerus; Counselor Ready, Sailor Marzella; Camper Stampemout, Miriam Messerschmidt; Camper Tiny, Jorja Moravitz; Counselor Steady, Kylie Mosher; Camper Weary, Colette Moskowitz; Camper Sam, Siiri Nelson; Camper Nervous, Eleanor Nyquist; Counselor Able, Lucy Oelke; Camper Andi, Aubrielle Poppler; Camper Petrified, Jackson Ridings; Bear #3, Kaija Shultz; Camper Cantsitstill, Liam Spate-Kurnava; Camp Director, Beck Sponholz; Carol, Amelia Strom; Camper Steady, Axel Weisinger; Camper Hadenough, Jessi Zobitz.
The cast will be presenting this musical for a public performance on Friday, May 13 at 6 p.m. in the Washington Auditorium.
“It is worth noting that this is the first public performance in the auditorium since March of 2020,” Rouse said. “Come join us for a fun-filled nostalgic romp at ‘Summer Camp.’”