Gail Bowen

Tomorrow, after over a month performing at schools throughout the Niagara area, the company of “Saving Lonesome George” will present two final performances at their home theatre in St. Catherines. The Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse is a lovely setting for a farewell.  

I wish I could be there to say thank you to everyone associated with the production, but I would like especially to thank Pablo Felices-Luna, the Artistic Director of Carousel and the director of “Saving Lonesome George”, and Jane Gardner, the theatre’s General Manager.  Both have shown a shining belief in the play and incredible endurance in making certain that “Saving Lonesome George” found an audience.

I  am not blushing as I include the teacher comments the production received at the half-way mark. This is all about the joy the actors brought to their young audience.  I’m very grateful.

 

Saving Lonesome George – Teacher Feedback

“The production made children react and aware in a fun and entertaining way to the stories. The reactions of the students to the play – lots of excitement, laughter, positive reactions, particularly to the actions of the characters and involvement in the song was wonderful. Please keep it up – you have the right formula for whatever subject you select.“  Teacher, Central Public School, Burlington

“The students loved the “gold” and sound effects. The story line was great. The sets were fantastic – loved the “double” characters” Teacher, DeWitt Carter Public School, Port Colborne

“A wonderful play with an entertaining and clear message. Great props (animals on shoulders looked real) and silly costumes were fun. The children loved it. They understood the message and enjoyed interacting with the actors.” Teacher, DeWitt Carter Public School, Port Colborne

“The play fits in well with our character education program as well as our critical pathways for literacy, science and social studies. The children loved the production. Many realized that they can each do something to make a helpful difference. Great to have you back with another play.” Teacher, DeWitt Carter Public School, Port Colborne

“The kids enjoyed the interactive parts of the play – the coins, singing and actions. They were totally engaged and had a lot to talk about afterwards. The kids loved the swordfight, the beginning with the skateboard, the KOALA! name calling, and the hacky sack battle.” Teacher, Eastview Public School, Oakville

“Good message behind the story. Well done – the question and answer session was great for students.” Teacher, Father Hennepin, Niagara Falls

“Excellent voice projection, use of visuals and media sounds – very engaging with an appropriate message about building character traits of courage, honesty and integrity. The students thoroughly enjoyed the play and liked the interactive approach which involved them in making sounds. An excellent production – very engaging and relevant to students and environmental issues.” Teacher, Ferndale School, St. Catharines

“I liked the way the actors stopped the older grades from chanting “cheater”. This affirmed our character education, as did the questioning of the audience re “name a character” – did the sword fight solve the problem or free the tortoise? The questioning tied everything together especially re character education, which was the most important and appropriate part for our age group (JK/SK). I also liked the explanation of how you become actors – a great introduction to drama! I really liked the way the audience became more and more involved in the play as it unfolded. Super show!” Teacher, Forestview Public School, Niagara Falls 

“As we move towards “greening” our school and community, this play was very timely. The students went ballistic at the climax! One even stood up and thought about tackling the female lead. It was amazing to see how “into it” they all were. Vanier appreciates your offer of this performance. Besides being your usual first-class production, it was a great gesture.”  Principal, General Vanier School, Fort Erie 

“It was a rollicking good yarn. The students were able to make connections with the story, identify with the characters and enter into the action. Their rapt attention, interaction with the performers/characters, and their questions showed the students’ enjoyment of the performance. They all talked like pirates following the show. The content was pertinent to our next unit. We will be referring to the play in the coming weeks, I know. Although swordplay is necessary for any pirate tale, the gratuitous violence (the bop on the head) could be replaced. For example, the boys could be “tricked” into getting on the ship.” Teacher, Kate S Durdan School, Niagara Falls

“The play was very entertaining for both adults and children. The actors took great effort to involve the audience. The students loved the play. They were engaged, focused and actively participated. The teacher package was helpful to activate student thinking before the play.” Teacher, Lincoln Centennial School, St. Catharines

“An entertaining play that included important lessons and themes.” Teacher, Memorial Public School, St. Catharines

“Excellent play – great message. The students were engaged and entertained. Keep doing what you are doing. Well done.” Principal, Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre, St. Catharines

“The actors put forth a powerful message about friendship and helping the environment. The addition of humour kept the audience’s attention throughout. The students loved it! They were glued to the characters and action in the play.” Teacher, Quaker Road School, Welland

“My grade one class could not stop talking about the play. We discussed the setting, characters, the problem and main idea. It was very easy for the children to get the point. Very well done. Thank you for the question period.” Teacher, Richmond Street Public School, Thorold

“The children were completely involved and engaged. The acting was fabulous. Please take out “blue booby” as the name of a bird and find a swearing alternative to “son of a biscuit” – children know what you are substituting it for. We don’t want those messages presented. It encourages a lack of respect for God’s creations.” Teacher, St. Brigid School, Georgetown

“The kids loved the play and I’m able to tie it with the upcoming Earth Day activities. The students were still discussing the issue and the characters as they got ready for home. The play was engaging, purposeful and easy to extend. Don’t change a thing – loved the debriefing afterwards as well.” Teacher, Westdale Public School, St. Catharines