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Watson Christmas show teaches that words can hurt
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .During "The Reindeer Whisperer" production, the first-grade actors learned that words can hurt. In the tale, elves overhear Santa discussing a trip to California, which they tell the reindeer must mean that Santa is no longer needing their services during Christmas. Reindeer Allie Gries (left) and Jocelyn Jourdan were in character during the Dec. 14 play, looking grumpy about Santa's decision.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .To clear up the misunderstanding at the center of their Dec. 14 Christmas production, the first-graders had to call on "The Reindeer Whisperer" to get the reindeer to fly for the Christmas holiday. Sporting an expert Spanish accent, Ryan Lamb brought the whisperer to life.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .First-graders Violeta Widele (left), Alexa Becker, Sophia Butchko, and Samantha LaFleur added the sound of jingle bells to the song "Christmas Eve Eve" during their Dec. 14 holiday production of "The Reindeer Whisperer."
By SARAH FOOR
What would Santa had done without his trusty reindeer?
The first-graders at Watson Elementary recently brought a tale to life that imagined Santa was stuck without his reindeer two nights before Christmas.
The Dec. 14 production of “The Reindeer Whisperer” taught that gossip and words can hurt, even if they are not meant with malice.
The play began with Santa, played by Adam Bedock, making a call to California. Elves overhear the call and assume that Santa is sending his reindeer to California to retire and word begins to spread. Soon, the reindeer are so insulted by the news of the elves that they refuse to fly.
The chorus of first-graders pleaded for help in the song “Can You Please Save Christmas?” and their call was answered by “The Reindeer Whisperer,” who was played by actor Ryan Lamb.
After convening with the reindeer, the whisperer proclaimed, “The reindeer are sad that they’re going to be sent away.”
Santa’s elves apologized and Santa shared the moral of the tale.
“Words can hurt, so be careful what you say.”
Music teacher Debby Fabian said she chose the play because of its clear message.
“I definitely want the kids to leave the experience with a lesson, and this play has a great one. Also, I appreciated that the music was accessible and fun, which helped really draw them in to the experience,” Fabian said.