Providence Hall middle school students and juniors attended a professional production of the musical 1776 in Thousand Oaks yesterday. A vibrant and exciting musical history lesson, 1776 is about the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia 236 years ago, giving birth to the United States of America. This production by the Cabrillo Music Theatre is timely, given that it is just two weeks before our national election.
Seventh grade student Gabby LaBarge was very enthusiastic about seeing the show. “I loved that it was historical and comical,” she said. “The information was correct but there were some really funny parts.”
One of the exciting aspects of seeing this show is that our very own Providence Hall theater teacher, Mr. Miller James, stars in the cast of 1776 in the role of John Hancock. “There is nothing that can replace a live theater experience to learn about the performing arts,” said Ms. Rebecca Hodson, Providence Hall Director of Performing Arts, “and what a treat that the students get to witness their own teacher displaying his craft.”
“Another great connection is that the historical elements of this musical are exactly what the eighth grade and eleventh grade humanities students are studying,” said Ms. Hodson. “The curricular benefit is invaluable.”
