wolcott street school

The sixth-grade students of Wolcott Street School in Le Roy will be performing "The Jungle Book" at 7:30 p.m., Thursday.

Unique to the Le Roy elementary school, the annual sixth-grade musical is an opportunity for its students to showcase their musical, acting and artistic talent.

This year, 63 students auditioned for various roles in the production, with opportunities made for all.

The stage will be colored by the various characters of the storyline, both human and animal alike.

In addition to acting, students are responsible for creating the set, props and costumes.

With only six weeks of rehearsals, “This is the shortest amount of time I have prepared a musical and the students are doing a fantastic job!” musical director Jessa Dechant said.

She is joined by Andrea Feola, who has been the assistant director for the fourth year in a row.

Several other teachers are also providing support to the production by filling in various roles such as lighting and sound.

The Le Roy PTSO and Le Roy Music Boosters will be doing the hair and makeup for the performance.

Also, several Le Roy JR/SR High School students are volunteering their time as backstage crew.

In addition to the 45 minute show, the school is hosting a food drive the night of the production to benefit local food pantries.

The food drive and the musical became a team two years ago when Disney’s "Cinderella KIDS" was on stage at the school. Its goal was to provide a way to give back to the community.

The idea stuck and has become a yearly tradition as a way to do something nice for those in need within Le Roy.

Donations of nonperishable food items can be brought Thursday evening and will be collected at the door.

This event is open to the community. No tickets are necessary.