Gardiner’s Opera Ahead

Did you ever wonder what life was like here 100 years ago? Springs School fourth graders did, and they let their imaginations and a good deal of research on the history of the hamlet and Gardiner’s Island guide them as they developed “Bound for Gardiner’s Island,” an original opera set in Springs a century ago.

The school’s 18th fourth-grade opera will premiere at Guild Hall’s John Drew Theater on Wednesday at 7 p.m., with additional performances for students next Thursday and Friday, Jan. 16.

Only a fraction of the fourth-grade class will take the stage next week, but more than 100 fourth graders had a hand in bringing the production to fruition. The students conceived, developed, wrote, composed, designed, and marketed the opera under the guidance of Sue Ellen O’Connor, Colleen McGowan, and a host of other teachers and community members.

 “Bound for Gardiner’s Island” is an original story by the 76 Pick Up Sticks Opera Company, a k a Springs fourth graders, with original music composed with help from Angelina Modica, the musical director, and Kyril Bromley, who has been the arranger and accompanist through the fourth-grade opera program’s 18-year history. Terie Greene was the acting coach this year, Lisa Weston oversaw set design, Andrea McCafferty was in charge of costumes and makeup, and Paton Miller headed up the artistic design team.

Wednesday’s performance is open to the public, and if past experience is any indication, it will be standing-room-only. DVDs of the opening night production and behind-the-scenes work will be sold for $15 apiece to raise money for the opera program. C.K.