Spencer middle school students will shine the spotlight on bullying.
Fifteen was written, directed and choreographed by Spencer teacher Cynthia Berenyi. This is the third play she has written for the students.
“I can build the characters for the students and add more lines and more songs so everyone can be a part of it,” said the teacher.
The musical is about a bullied boy named Jake, played by Grade 9 student Wesley St. Paul-Mansoroy and his best friend Gloria played by Grade 7 student Angelina Robertson.
Jake and his friend set off in a time machine to find his long lost father for help in dealing with bullies.
In the play Jake is bullied by three girls.
“In stories boys always bully boys and girls bully girls. It does happen this way too, I have seen it in the school,” said Berenyi. “I don’t think bullies mean to be bullies, it’s just how they are coping with things in their lives.”
The three protagonists get caught in time machine with Jake and Gloria and travel back through time.
Sara Kuchma, 14, plays one of the bullies in Fifteen and the script is something that hits close to home.
“I have experienced bullying. I was in Grade 4 and I wasn’t very confident in myself,” said the Grade 9 student. “It makes you feel tiny and alone. I want people to see this play and to be nice to people.”
The performance is two hours and includes 14 musical numbers. About 75 students are involved as actors, dancers and behind the scenes.
Public performances are March 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in Isabelle Reader Theatre, 1026 Goldstream Ave. Tickets are $12. For more information call 250-474-1291.