A theatrical history lesson that appeals to young students—and adults, too–was performed at the Hamilton Primary School on Tuesday, March 4.
The show that gained the attention of the students and staff was presented by Kit’s Interactive Theatre.
The one-person cast was Kit herself—Kitty Jones.
She performs more than 200 shows such as the one presented at Hamilton each year.
Ms. Jones created her theatre show in 1995, and her passion for history and her devotion to the theatre has received applause from schools, museums, libraries, and performing arts organizations throughout the Northeast.
The award-winning actress, who resides in Monroe, N.Y., performs 16 various plays during her tours, including The American Revolution, The Colonial Faire and The Journey of an Irish Immigration, which were the three acts staged at Hamilton’s gymnasium on March 4.
Some of her other historical and entertaining shows in her family theatre are Our Civil War, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, The Mysteries of Ancient Egypt, Mother Nature, Pioneer Travel on the Oregon Trail, Mrs. Claus’s Holiday Show and Women’s Rights.
During each of her 50-minute productions at Hamilton, Ms. Jones interacted with students and teachers, providing each a good dosage of American history. She would invite students and teachers to join her show.
“I have been blessed for 30 years and I actually enjoy doing this more now than when I started,” said Ms. Jones as she stood in her Colonial outfit of Abigail Datchery once her American Revolution performance ended.
Tracy Blaze, a 3rd Grade Teacher at Hamiton who was an attentive member of the audience during The American Revolution presentation explained the brilliant performances by Ms.Jones have led to her encores at the school.
“Hamilton Primary has welcomed Kitty Jones and her wonderful historical storytelling assembly in our school for many years,” Ms. Blaze reported. “What began as a 3rd Grade assembly, has blossomed into the opportunity for many grade levels to expand their knowledge in various social studies content. Her assemblies are participatory by both students and teachers alike.”
Another fan in the audience was Christine Houser, a 4th Grade Teacher at Hamilton.
Ms. Houser provided her theatre review of each presentation and the grades who enjoyed the lesson.
“Students and staff at Hamilton School enjoyed and participated in productions brought to us by Kit’s Interactive Theatre. The 2nd Grade students traveled back to the 1700s where they met Servant Katie Cottswold as she skips off to the colonial faire to enjoy games, frolics and merriment abound. The 3rd Grade students learned about the causes of the American Revolution through the eyes of Abigail Datchery and Sam Adams. And, 4th Graders experienced the trials of ocean passage, Ellis Island exams and settling in a strange world with Maggie Mclaughin. These programs brought history to life and were enjoyed by all!”
“We have such a supportive environment more and more at schools,” Ms. Jones added.
Before the curtain closed, Ms.Blaze delivered her final review of Kit’s Interactive Theatre.
“As a 3rd-Grade team member, I think I can speak for all of us when I say how much we look forward to getting into character with her encouragement and witty sense of humor,’ Ms. Blaze stated. “Students eagerly participate in the role-playing act, and we are grateful to have her come to our school.”