"We're so excited to see the play," says the school's PTA president, Katherine Tseng. "These kids have worked so hard on this. And they're really into it."

Practicing two hours a day, two days a week since January, the performers, Tseng says, are "truly dedicated" to the show. But that dedication may be better depicted financially—each cast member had to pay $90 to participate. The fee was to cover the cost of hiring professionals from the California Theater Company to help with direction, the purchase of shirts for all the cast and crew members and cost for materials for set design. To help limit production costs, several of the parents are making costumes and building props. Demonstrating his architectural talents, one father even built one of the hobbit's homes.

"We're fortunate to have so many parents helping out," Tseng says.

Despite the cost, 50 students in the third through fifth grades signed up. Tseng admits she's surprised about the level of interest among the students and the parents, considering that this is the first musical for elementary schools within the Saratoga Union School District.

"Drama and theater is really booming in this area," Tseng says.

Curtains will rise at 7 p.m. in the school's multipurpose room. To reserve a ticket, drop off a check for $5 payable to Argonaut PTA to the school at 13200 Shadow Mountain Road. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $7. For more information, contact Liz Guy at 408.867.7588.