I have said before that watching our Middle Schoolers in their performing arts productions is like watching children grow up before your eyes. The 8th Grade Musical is a rite of passage for the graduating eighth-graders and also a rite of spring for the entire school community. There is something about a musical that can really touch spirits. We know that music can bring together different generations -- we see examples throughout the year of students, parents, teachers, and even grandparents bonding over music.  But when I hear 8th Grade boys singing show tunes at lacrosse practice, I experience a rare example of the kind of fun and confidence that music and theater can inspire in all ages.

Musicals also tie the past and present. The last time the Burgundy 8th Grade performed Damn Yankees was 2005 -- the same year that the Nationals moved back to Washington, DC. This year, we are hopeful, like last season, that the Nats are chasing a pennant! In 2005, the musical was directed by Deborah Ives and Cathy Manley and choreographed by Mary Beth Jonas '98. Middle School teacher Emily Jonas '03, Mary Beth's sister, is choreographing this year's production.

Carrie Ustun, who is helping with much of the production as a parent, has bonded with daughter Anna, who is performing in this year's Damn Yankees, over their shared experience. Carrie performed in the same musical as a baseball player when she was in 8th Grade at Weston Middle School.

Echoing the feeling of watching children mature in an instant, Carrie, who along with husband Jon, a former Burgundy student ('75) and teacher who helped build the set, also offered:

 "I saw her on the stage during the preview, and I heard her, and I thought, 'Is that really my daughter?' I had heard her singing all of these weeks leading up to the show, but when they're on stage, all of these elements come together...I'm so proud of her. I'm so proud of the whole class. It's inspiring and contagious to watch a group of kids with so many varied interests bond together and work collaboratively on something like this production. It truly is a field of dreams...coming together to begin a new journey together!"

Revisiting this musical does not mean we are repeating old ideas, though. This class has taken a completely different approach to a timeless script and story, bringing different energy, different choreography, and, perhaps best of all, professional sound (from Audio Services of Virginia), which means this year's audience will be better able to appreciate some lovely voices!

Cathy and Deborah knew that this sporty musical would be a good fit for this athletic class, and they were right: since the start, the kids have been engaged and attentive, and the students have bonded over this experience, especially in the past week. Thus, it's a great way to end the year. Congratulations and thank you to the students and the parents, and to Cathy, Deborah and Emily.

I hope everyone is able to come out and enjoy the performances (tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.).