Take a Trip Back to Childhood

Take a journey back to when life was carefree with Hisamatsu Tamura Elementary School as the drama program presents “How to Eat Like a Child,” based on the children’s book by Delia Ephron.

This weekend, audiences of all ages will find themselves relating to at least one of 23 lessons as student performers narrate and demonstrate various life events many people experience during childhood through songs, jokes and narration.

The play focuses on the comedic acts of kids, but adults will find that they can also relate when realizing that children are not the only ones who open and close the refrigerator doors several times on a Saturday afternoon when there is nothing to do. Or that growing older does not completely mean that complaining about long car rides has stopped.

This year's play company consists of 42 cast members, students grade three to five, and more than 20 parent and teacher volunteers. Preparation for the play began in October, and the program’s hard work is evident from the perfectly timed stage lights, to the background music and sounds, to the set’s backdrop and props. All efforts are appreciated, said parent volunteer and play Producer Christine Allcorn. 

For the students, the play has allowed them to work as a team, gave them an opportunity to seek their interests and showcase their talents, and in return has helped them in keeping positive self-esteem.

“The experience really builds confidence in these kids,” Allcorn said. “After they’ve gone through [the play], they’ll know that it’s not a big deal to stand in front of 200 people.”

Yet, for beginners and experienced performers alike, no matter how well they have rehearsed their lines, one thing seems to always linger – stage fright. 

For fifth grader Abby Taylor, who has been involved in theater since the age of four, she still finds it “nerve-racking” as she takes those first few steps toward the stage. But her fears quickly dissipate when the sounds of cheers fill the room and she sees the audience having a good time. 

Third grader and first-time performer Kelly Nguyen also fuels off of the support received from the audience. “I don’t really get scared because I get to make people laugh,” she said. “When they laugh, I have more confidence and fun.” 

"How to Eat Like a Child" will be performed on March 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. Admission will be $5, and tickets can be purchased ahead of time at Tamura’s administration office or at the door. All proceeds will help fund the continuing drama program.

Tamura Elementary is located at 17340 Santa Suzanne St.