It’s a Tuscan Sort of Tuesday About Town

Okay, full disclosure: I’ve got two Tuscan tots and was one of the volunteer directors for the school’s PTA Enrichment event extravaganza, ‘GLEEful Tuscan 2011’ this past weekend.

That said, it was a spectacular show, whether or not you’re raising one of the many rising stars that showcased their considerable talents during the terrific nearly two-hour show.

Seventeen music and movement fueled skits, bound together by narration and a very current theme of budgetary cuts effecting funding for the audio arts kept the audience enraptured and enthralled for three weekend showings. Moments of adorability, flexibility, ingenuity and hilarity abounded during the technologically intensive performance (that was teched by an almost entirely student crew under the supervision of co-Producers and Kathy Hoovler).

“I think we nailed pop culture more than any other time with this show," says Thieroff, who penned the script. "Coupling what we’ve been living (sort of) with the local school budget cuts and then add it the show’s element of overcoming the odds and it struck a nerve with our audience more so than any of our other more 'kid focused' shows have in the past."  

The entirely volunteer PTA production was the creative fruit of many varied trees with one unifying goal — to celebrate school spirit — and it showed throughout the show.

“The individual skits this year were truly what made it stand out,” Thieroff adds. “We have extremely talented directors who brought their gifts and vision to the forefront in the musical/dance numbers the kids did. It made for a winning combination.”

, mother of a 1^st grader who participated in the Tuscan tradition for the first time this year, agrees.

“For me, Gleeful Tuscan exemplified what it means to live in Maplewood. It was a complete community event, and that was very evident in each performance,” said Zlotnick. “I felt so honored and proud to be a member of this community, and so grateful to be raising my children here and having them attend the Tuscan School. My first-timer loved every moment of it!”

Tuscan PTA President also gave a rave review: “The kids did a great job. They ran the entire show from the art work, sound, backstage and lighting.” Lo Stuto also commended the decision to change the venue from Tuscan Elementary to the more spacious auditorium:

“Having it at MMS was a big win for everyone, “ said Lo Stuto. “All the parent volunteers are to be congratulated, too, for the tireless hours spent. But the real shout goes to all the students who made the show a huge success!”

All the more reason to celebrate with Tuscan PTA fundraising opportunities About Town: Don’t miss an evening of or the Tuscan Sundae special at the !

GOOOOOOOOO, Tuscan Tigers!!!!!!!!!