'All You Need is Love' Hits the Stage in Ferndale

FERNDALE, MI – Ask any kid to name a famous pop star and you’ll hear names like Justin, Bruno, Demi or Taylor.

At Ferndale Schools’ Kennedy Elementary, you might also hear John, Paul, George or Ringo.

The Beatles are becoming household names as Kennedy students rehearse for their annual variety show on April 30 and May 1. This year’s show, “All You Need is Love,” will be performed at Ferndale High School, 881 Pinecrest, Ferndale, and features music from the Beatles as well as their solo careers.

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A highlight of the show will be a video appearance by Denny Seiwell, original drummer of Paul McCartney’s band Wings.

Another special guest onstage will be Stewart Francke, who also has worked with the kids during rehearsals. The iconic Michigan recording artist has performed and recorded with such superstars as Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle and Sheryl Crow.

“All You Need is Love” features song, dance and comedy of the Fab Four from “Twist and Shout” in the Cavern Club all the way to McCartney's 2015 hit "Four Five Seconds" with Rhianna and Kanye West.

“One of our principal goals is to show to our students the unparalleled diversity and continued relevance of these artists, spanning over six decades,” said the show’s director, parent Tommy Onyx.

A familiar name on the Michigan entertainment scene, Onyx was in the rock group Charm Farm in the 1980s and ‘90s and runs loudbaby.com, which has many clients in the industry.

Even with these celebrities, the students -- 180 kids (grades K-6) on and off stage -- are the stars. Teachers and staff will join in, and the production team is made up of parent volunteers, many of whom have backgrounds in the music, set design, costume and video production fields.

Proceeds from the show will go toward fine arts education projects. Tickets will be available at the door and at ferndaletalent.org.