Timeless Tale Bridges Generations

Reliving a film likely first seen when they were only children, more than 100 senior citizens from the South Brunswick Senior Center bounced in their seats and sung along to classic tunes, as nearly 150 sixth-to-eighth grade students performed “The Wizard of Oz” at Crossroads South Middle School on Wednesday.

The student performers, still in costume, later joined the seniors at the Senior Center for the sixth annual “Day with the Characters” luncheon and sing-along.

Young and old alike enjoyed the first performance of the school’s spring musical.  More than 400 fifth graders from township elementary schools who will be attending Crossroads South next year joined the seniors in filling the auditorium at the school. Visiting schools included Greenbrook, Cambridge, Indian Fields and Brunswick Acres elementary schools.

Crossroads South Principal Ray Tucholski considers the event a bridge between generations.

“The seniors gain a connection with the school,” Tucholski said. “I had seniors coming up to me afterward and thanking me for such a great show. It’s downright enjoyment.”

Following the play, 35 student-stars piled on to a school bus and were shuttled around the corner to the South Brunswick Senior Center, where they were not only met with pizza for lunch, but with warm words of encouragement from veteran members of the community.

Mike Ketofsky, of South Brunswick, approached one of the student lunch tables that featured the Tin Man and a few other cast members. Smiling, he congratulated the group on their performances and gave a big “thumbs up.”

“The show was absolutely excellent,” Ketofsky said. “I’ve seen about six shows and they get better every year.”

John Kanopka, of South Brunswick, was adamant about showing his gratitude for the cast’s performance.

“They were very enthusiastic, the music was great and the teachers did a great job,” Kanopka said. “They really added enthusiasm to the show.”

After the students munched on pizza, they surrounded the senior center’s piano and sung a few of the show’s tunes with the group. Songbooks, signed by the cast, were passed around to encourage seniors to sing along.

The two groups fused together in melody, singing “Over the Rainbow,” “If I Only Had a Brain,” and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.”

The characters then were free to mingle with their elders and receive some feedback from the show.

A raffle with numerous door prizes including candles, ceramics, handbags and neckties was held for the seniors after the music stopped. 

“I think (the luncheon) is a great idea,” Kanopka said. “Youth should see old age, if you know what I mean,” he added with a laugh. 

Crossroads South Middle School will be performing "The Wizard of Oz" for the general public tonight and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at the school.  Tickets are $5 at the door.

Click the photos to view the sights captured by Patch photographer Sherry Rubel from the Day with the Characters event.