Cobb School Montessori's elementary students recently dazzled audiences with their 21st annual opera, The Miracle Tree. This long-standing annual tradition at the school returned this year after a pause following the pandemic. Head of School Subha Sankaran expressed her excitement about reviving this cherished tradition, saying, "I am thrilled to bring back this magical experience for our students and the community. Theater has a particularly unique way of benefiting children’s creativity, confidence, teamwork, and self-expression while also bringing everyone together as a community and creating shared memories. It's wonderful to see the children and our community enjoy this experience once again."
An Old Tradition Revitalized
Based on the beloved story of The Kapok Tree, the performance brought the beauty and diversity of the Amazon Rainforest to life on stage. The Miracle Tree follows the journey of Gaia, the god/goddess of Earth, who witnesses the destruction of the forest by woodcutters. Through the eyes of the rainforest's creatures and a transformative encounter with a woodcutter, the opera explores themes of environmental preservation and the power of individual action in protecting nature.
Sixth-year student Enzo Virello, who portrayed Gaia, shared his excitement for the performance, saying, "I’m so excited to have the opera back, especially since it’s my final year at Cobb. Playing Gaia has been an incredible experience, and it’s so rewarding to see all of our hard work come to life on stage."
Artistic Collaboration
Artist-in-Residence Chris Lyles, who worked closely with the children and parent volunteers to create the props and sets, also shared his enthusiasm for the project: "It’s been a joy to collaborate with the students and their families on this opera. The creativity and dedication they’ve brought to the stage, from the props to the costumes, have been truly inspiring."
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Director Maureen Hilsdon expressed her admiration for the students’ growth, saying, “I’ve been so impressed with the children’s dedication and how they’ve raised the bar for all future performances. Their hard work and commitment to this production have truly elevated the entire experience.”
The production’s costumes are a spectacle in themselves. Parent volunteers, staff and children worked together to create intricate three-dimensional headpieces and colorful, articulating costumes that capture the essence of the rainforest’s diverse creatures. The attention to detail has made The Miracle Tree a visually stunning performance that perfectly complements the students’ captivating performances.
Research + Theater = Magic
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This year’s opera not only showcased the talents of Cobb School Montessori’s students but also underscored the importance of environmental awareness and the beauty of our natural world. Leading up to the opera, the children studied the different biomes of the earth, researched animal adaptations, and analyzed the human impact on the balance in nature. Through the magic of theater, the children brought to life an important message about the balance of nature and the power of individual action in protecting our planet.
Cobb School Montessori looks forward to continuing this tradition and inspiring future generations through the arts.
About Cobb School Montessori
Cobb School Montessori provides a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for children. Through hands-on experiences, students develop a love of learning and grow as independent thinkers. The school's commitment to artistic expression, such as through the annual opera, allows students to explore their creativity while learning important life lessons.
