Countywide : Loma Vista Students ‘Let George Do It’--Again

Fifth-grade students at Loma Vista Elementary School in Tustin put a modern spin Tuesday on the life of George Washington as they presented a delightful musical honoring the nation’s first President.

Cheerleaders with red pompoms performed along with soldiers in three-cornered hats and women in Colonial-era long dresses, in a humorous blend of tradition and hip-hop.

The 45-minute musical “Let George Do It” celebrated Presidents Day and was part of the social studies curriculum on the American Revolution for fifth-grade students.

The theater piece covered the life and times of George Washington--as boy, as general and as the first President of the United States. It was told in song, often hilarious dialogue lines and off-beat music.

“We’d probably be speaking French, or some foreign language, if not for him,” observed Michael Kazanjy, 10, a few minutes after he finished his performance as King George III of England. “Or (Americans) could be under Queen Elizabeth II or some king.”

Although George Washington was President more than 200 years ago, his legacy lives on. Sadly, the students said, the nation’s current leadership doesn’t measure up to the standard Washington set.

“Our leaders today are not as honest as he was,” said Traci Thoms, 10, “He was our best President.”

More than 130 students spent about a month rehearsing the musical, which has been staged in the district during each of the past five years. It will be performed again today at 7 p.m. at Hewes Middle School.

Rina Horton, the parent volunteer who directed the musical, said the show also teaches an appreciation for music and drama.

Not surprisingly, the scene that drew the biggest laugh from the audience of third- and fourth-graders had Washington’s father holding him by the ear after chopping down the cherry tree.

“They made it funny,” said Valerie Clements, 8, a third-grader. “It was a great way to learn history.”