Despite Lack of School, Thompson's Tradition in Theater Lives On

For a a few years now, the community has come together to produce semi-original plays that celebrate students and delight parents. The shows are written, produced, directed and designed by parents and caregivers while students provide onstage talent.

Despite being scattered to several elementary schools while , parents and students have decided: The show must go on.

“This year we are very excited because we have gained permission from Gregory McGuire, author of 'Wicked' to adapted one of his children's stories, 'Leaping Beauty', into a stage play,” said Kelli Murphy, who is involved in the project, in an email.

Murphy said three Thompson parents wrote the first draft of the play, for which students auditioned early January. On Friday afternoon, they are scheduled to meet at to begin rehearsing for the show that opens in April.

“This is actually one of the most fun rehearsals, because the kids have been waiting since auditions to get their parts and see the script,” said Julie Lucey, another event organizer, in an email.

This year, Murphy said, challenges have been many—mostly, because of the students' scattered locations during rebuilding. But to help with that, the Arlington community has “really stepped up to help.”

Murphy said support has come from , the for rehearsal space and Arlington High School, where the play will be performed. Donations to the newly established Thompson Drama Club have also started to come in, she said.

“This year has been particularly challenging … but the play will go on,” she added.