Rose Hill Players Prepare for Production in May

As the parents and volunteers rounded up the student performers known as the Rose Hill Players for rehearsal Monday afternoon, director Danny Adams pointed out that the production couldn't go on without the parents' contribution.

"They give us their kids, which is the ultimate contribution," Adams said jokingly. "They also chaperone, build sets, play piano and find props. I have always known that parents will always come through."

Jordan Reynolds, assistant producer and a senior at Hayfield Secondary School used to be a part of the Rose Hill Players and volunteers her time to help with production after school.

"It was so much fun and an easy way to make friends," she said. "I loved the experience, and wanted to make sure other students have that as well. Unfortunately, I didn't work with Mr. Adams as a student, but he's still one of the most influential person in my life. He's my Mr. Adams."

Helena Steinburg, the producer, said she became involved when Reynolds' mom practically trained her to take over when she left. Since then, Steinburg has helped organize and produce the performances, and her two children are also part of the Rose Hill Players.

Adams said the Rose Hill Players was started by Nancy Valentine who used to be a sixth grade teacher at Rose Hill Elementary School. Adams has been with the school for 25 years and started out helping Valentine with the productions which was made up of adult, middle and high school student performers at the time.

When Valentine retired, Adams took over and he's been the director of the Rose Hill Players since 1991. Adams and Reynolds said they don't have backgrounds in performing arts or theatre. Their experience is based solely on their connections and years of work with the Rose Hill Players.

This year, the Rose Hill Players — made up of students from kindergarten to sixth grade — will perform "The Enchantment of Beauty and the Beast" at 7 p.m. May 17-18 at Edison High School.

Adams said the story is an adapted take on the original Disney tale. The group gets their scripts and music from Pioneer Drama based in Denver.

"You won't see many Disney songs in this production. It's a different take on a popular story," Adams said.

Tickets for the show will be available at the door, $5 for adults and $3 for children, and concessions will be available.

Previously, the Rose Hill Players have performed 'Hansel and Gretel.'

For a sneak peek of the Rose Hill Players' production, click on the video of Monday's rehearsal provided above.

See also:

The Rose Hill Players to Perform 'Beauty and the Beast'

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