Every December for the past 70 years, Stewart Manor School students have delighted audiences with music and a festive holiday Drama Club performance. This year, the band, chorus, orchestra and Sixth Grade Drama Club presented their winter concert and “Cackles in Oz: The Witch Who Hated Holiday Cheer” on December 19 and 20.

In preparation for the performance, all participating students committed significant time and effort to rehearsals, arriving at school early twice a week over the course of two months. This annual event provides students with the opportunity to showcase their dedication and talent, whether through mastering their instruments, memorizing lines for the play or expressing their creativity on stage.

The production began with the talented intermediate orchestra, led by music teacher William Duerr, who played “O, Come, Little Children,” “Ukrainian Bell Carol” and “Jingle Bells.”

Then the lights dimmed and attention turned to the stage for the Sixth Grade Drama Club’s “Cackles in Oz: The Witch Who Hated Holiday Cheer.” The story follows Dorothy Gale of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and her adventure in restoring holiday cheer despite the witch’s opposition. The play was written and directed by special education teacher Christina DeCastro and District Assigned Technology Assistant Nicole Termini.

Following the play, the intermediate band students performed, also under the direction of Mr. Duerr, “First Winter’s Sleigh Ride” and “Yuletide Spirit.” The entire room was invited to join in on the band’s energetic rendition of “IJingle,” jingling and dancing along to the song.

The holiday show concluded with songs by the chorus of students in grades 4-6. They sang “Snowtime Fantasy” and “Rock with You” under the direction of Aidan Timko.

Date Added: 1/10/2025