The Sun Sunnyvale's Newspaper Photograph by Skye Dunlap Show Stopper Matt Cottingham entertains the crowd during the troupe's opening number. The group's current review teaches audiences about the ways different cultures celebrate the holidays. Show Stoppers spread good cheer through show Troupe shows the many ways to celebrate holidays By Justin Berton Ellis Elementary students learned how to be ambassadors this holiday season. Last week, the school's own singing-acting-dancing troupe of 50 students called "Show Stoppers," performed its season finale, "Once on a Housetop," a run-through of various ways the holiday season is celebrated by different cultures. The Show Stoppers have performed throughout Sunnyvale for various groups as "our very own ambassadors of goodwill," Ellis Principal Christine Muzik said. In the spring, parents and residents can look forward to the troupe regrouping and taking on a new project that will feature "a patriotic theme," co-director Polly Howard said. This semester marked the third year in existence for the troupe, which happens to be unique in the Sunnyvale School District. "These kids are full of enthusiasm," said co-director Judy Liegmann. "That can be a great advantage, and on the other hand, it can be challenging," she added with a laugh. "Channeling their energy and enthusiasm can be very challenging." The program came about when Muzik hired Howard from an elementary school in Fremont where she was known for her work with children in performing arts. "I hired her with the intent she would bring something like that here," Muzik said. "And they have been just great. Absolutely the best." Creating a full-scale production of song and dance is not easy, but has been fun, the directors noted. Howard and Liegmann dedicate hours teaching the children their steps and songs. Students who want to be part of the troupe need simply ask. Getting elementary youngsters to give up a few recesses and after-school hours might be difficult at some schools, but apparently not at Ellis. "Ah, we don't really do anything at lunch anyway," joked fifth-grader Ryan Storment. Storment and his younger brother Rodger were part of The Sweeps, the gang of chimney cleaners responsible for clearing the way for Santa Claus in the "Once on a Housetop" performance. With a little traveling around, the Sweeps found households that didn't need a cleaning for Santa Claus. Instead, they found other cultures celebrating in other ways, such as Chanukah and Kwanzaa. Travis Dietz, who played an angel in the show, said he learned something new from participating in the play. "I had never heard of Kwanzaa before," the fifth-grader said. Dietz also listed the other reasons why being a part of the troupe is often fun. "You get to dance, and also you get to fool around. But only when the teachers aren't there," he said in a hush. Rodger Storment added that being in a play isn't easy work. "It's hard," he said, exasperated after the performance. "Learning where you have to be, getting there ..." And fourth-grader Maxine Welcome said she enjoys the sacrifice of a little free time in exchange for stage time as a Show Stopper. "When I joined, I just wanted to do as much as I could do," she said. [ Back to Contents Page | Sunnyvale Sun Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, December 23, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.