Osseo Area Schools ISD 279: Birch Grove School For The Arts Puts On The Musical Adventure Of Flat Stanley Jr.

Press release from the Osseo Area Schools ISD 279:

March 9, 2022

Since the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt on Birch Grove School for the Arts performance of Frozen, this year students and teachers are ecstatic for the opportunity to put on a show. Scholars are getting ready for a show that – despite its name – is far from flat. Performances of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr. will be from March 11-13.

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr. is based on a book written in 1964 by Jeff Brown. Stanley Lambchop, a 10-year-old boy, dreams of adventure, only to be woken up flattened by a bulletin board. Though this may seem tragic, Stanley goes on a mission to find a cure for his flatness, which finally brings him the adventure he longed for.

Fifth grader, Elliana Baker who has never performed in a musical before, was excited about the opportunity to play Stanley’s mother. She loves getting to sing, dance and meet new people.

“I’ve never done something like this before. I just heard over the years that it has been so much fun learning dances, and I thought it would be a ton of fun,” said Baker.

Though this is Baker’s first performance, other cast members have been performing as long as they can remember. Mason Wesley, who is also a fifth grade student, is excited to be playing Stanley’s father. Wesley has been performing since first grade and loves the opportunity to socialize with his peers.

“Before the musical, I wasn’t as close with my friends as I am now, and I have a couple of new friends from the musical,” Wesley shared.

Thirty-six performers and 11 tech members have been working since January to bring the production together. From costumes, set design, and lights, students lend a hand in all aspects of production, which helps them to learn new skills and abilities. Wesley shared how performing has given him more confidence and helped him to study in school.

“I’ve gotten used to memorizing so much stuff to the point that I just say something a couple times and it just clicks in my head,” continued Wesley.

Both Wesley and Baker will be attending middle school next year, so this will be their last performance at Birch Grove. They encourage people to come to The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr. to see if Stanley goes back to normal.

“If you want to have a good laugh or maybe if you have done a play before in your past, it would make you happy,” Baker concluded.

Ticketing and showtimes

Reserved Seating- $7
General Seating- $4 Adults,
$3 Children (3-13) & Seniors (65 & up)

Friday, March 11th- 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 12th- 2:00 & 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 13th- 2:00 PM

View more information

This press release was produced by the Osseo Area Schools ISD 279. The views expressed here are the author’s own.