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Zombies spread kindness message at CES

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Coast Episcopal School’s (CES) sixth grade class recently presented Roger Emerson and John Jacobson’s Zombies The Musical to parents and the school’s student body.

The story, which includes a script filled with funny zombie references and six pop and Broadway-style songs, was created to inspire an anti-bullying theme for school communities.  The production’s overall message - that bullying is not okay and that all people, no matter how different, should be treated with kindness - reiterates the Long Beach independent school’s commitment to the same sentiments.

“Our students surprise me on a daily basis with their enthusiasm for learning,” said CES Head of School Jake Winter. “Taking part in a production that spreads a message of kindness and acceptance for all was not just fun, it was touching to watch.” 

CES’ fifteen sixth graders danced and joked their way throughout the production, which was directed by sixth-grade teacher Angela Colegrove.  Music was coordinated by music teacher Jody Smith, and Makerspace and art teacher Tarah Herbert designed the set. According to Colegrove, the students enthusiastically added their own variations to the musical’s script and choreography.

“The students love to perform and requested a musical early in the school year,” said Colegrove. “The theme of acceptance is something we practice every day in our classrooms, and the cheeky humor written throughout the show suited our student personalities too well; we just had to do it. “

“What I loved most about performing the musical was getting to spend time with my friends,” said Dax Hansell, who played the lead role.

“It was really fun learning [the musical] along with my friends and sharing our weaknesses and strengths,” said singing and dancing cheerleader Hadley Mayfield.