schools

‘Twisted’ at Shulamith

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Last Tuesday evening, in a sold out theater on Central Avenue, the curtain rose as more than 70 Shulamith middle graders performed their hearts out in “Twisted.”

It’s a play “about a group of middle school girls who are in the midst of their final dress rehearsal for a Purim play when chaos ensues,” says Maor Performing Arts director Sari Kahn.

Under the direction of Rebecca Gruenfeld, a professional pianist, singer and composer, the choir learned three Hebrew songs with accompanying harmonies. While Mina Black, an accomplished ballerina who worked with Miriam Handler in her latest production in Brooklyn, choreographed dances to make the words of each song come to life. 

One of the highlights of the evening was a fun-filled banquet dance where gymnasts “tossed” missing goblets through the air while dancers costumed as Persians and Jews floated on the stage as guests of one of Achashverosh’s famous feasts.

“I love bringing out the hidden talent in girls,” says Ms. Black, a Shulamith parent who runs a dance studio in conjunction with the Five Towns JCC. 

Rebecca Gruenfeld said of the choir, “I wanted them to understand that there is a wealth of beautiful Hebrew music and that they should be proud to sing it.”

This production bears fruit of the empowering evergreen of achdut and collaboration within the Five Towns community. None of this could have happened without the guidance of the Shulamith Middle School administration and its partnership with the HAFTR.

Mrs. Billet, Shulamith Middle School’s principal, said “the students grew from their exposure to the gifted directors and learned skills to last a lifetime. The singing, dancing, acting, creative costumes and charming set all contributed to a delightful and memorable performance. Thanks to all who made it possible.”