Aladdin, Jr. benefit performances by the students of The Learning Community School to be held March 27-29
Based on the hit 1992 animated film, The Learning Community School is pleased to present “Aladdin, Jr.” in the Owen High School auditorium on March 27-29. The entire K-8 student body of 75 students participates in the show, which features impressive choreography, singing, and live accompaniment.
It’s not just the students who are represented in the show. Every parent and staff member in the school contributes to the production. From costumes and make-up to lighting and props, and the dedicated team who gathers, organizes, and displays the incredible silent auction, this school-wide effort goes far beyond what’s seen on stage. Every single participant – kids, parents, staff, and faculty alike – shines in their own way and contributes to the overwhelming success of the show each year.
The event is unique in that it serves as the primary source of community outreach, community building, and fundraising for The Learning Community School; it is the school’s flagship event. This event is also an opportunity for this small school to give back to the WNC Community in a big way. On March 26th, we offer a free preview show to share a live-theater experience with members of our greater community with visitors from Black Mountain Neuromedical Treatment Center, Swannanoa Valley Montessori School, Fox Flower Montessori, local homeschool groups, and more.
Community building is a key component of the event. From the team of Saturday morning set builders to the Tuesday night costume sewing circle to the students creating magic on stage, the sense of working together for a common purpose permeates the atmosphere. Robin Jacobs, TLC parent, PE teacher, and silent auction coordinator says, “This common purpose creates an environment where collaboration is essential and familiar. It builds group stability and individual equanimity, while contributing to a culture of group success.” Executive Director Katherine Murphy says, “At the close of Sunday’s performance at our community gathering, we all celebrate the success of working together for the good of our community.”
While there are so many community benefits, the bottom line is that it is also an incredibly successful fundraiser for a small school. Ticket sales, concessions, sponsorships, and the silent auction all complement each other; “We’re incredibly fortunate to have this annual opportunity to give our students and community a meaningful and enriching experience while raising necessary funds for the school” says Holly Baumgartner, Administrative Director.
Musical highlights including “Prince Ali” and the show-stopping “Never Had a Friend Like Me” are an opportunity for our talented students to show off their hard work and dedication. “Arabian Nights” is a stand-out performance that includes every member of the K-8 school’s student body. These songs and more will be performed as part of the school’s full-length, professional-level theater presentation.
This year’s show represents a few important milestones as well. First, it will be the 20th year for our incredible Costume Director, Theresa Cote, who oversees the design of the event’s custom-tailored costumes. Many of these outfits are hand sewn from scratch by staff members and teams of hard-working community volunteers.
The show’s director, Black Mountain resident, Dead Poets member, and TLC School alumni parent and teacher, Tom Tracy, is celebrating his 15th year at the helm. “I never grow tired of watching these young people get up on that stage and pour themselves into the show. They work so hard and I love to watch that moment when they drop into the full experience and “find” their place on that stage and in the story” says Tracy.
Aladdin, Jr.
Friday, March 27 at 6pm
Saturday, March 28 at 4pm
Sunday, March 29 at 2pm
Owen High School auditorium, Black Mountain NC
Tickets: $10 general admission
Purchase tickets online at www.thelearningcommunity.org.
Leadership Asheville, a program of UNC Asheville, will host its 2020 Winter Buzz Breakfast series with the theme, “How Resilient Are We as a Community?” The breakfasts at the Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville are open to the public and provide a chance to network with a broad array of community leaders, including Leadership Asheville alumni, and hear thoughtful panel discussions. The moderator will be Jim Fox, director of UNC Asheville’s National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC).
Tickets online only.