Briefly in education

A canceled trip to New York because of the terrorist attacks has

inspired a theatrical production by Ensign Intermediate School students.

“The Spirit of America” will be performed on Friday and Saturday at

Newport Harbor High School.

The production is special because it was written, choreographed and

produced by the students.

The idea for the show was generated after an advanced choir from

Ensign had to cancel its plans to visit New York City in the aftermath of

the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Some of the choir members were still committed to doing a show and

enlisted the help of producer Donna Sigalas, who suggested a patriotic

theme.

Sigalas opened the show to the entire student body at Ensignand 38

students signed on. The production reflects the real-life events of the

trip being canceled and the process of putting on a show.

The show traces major events in the United States’ history, such as

the Civil War, settling the Old West and the Vietnam War.

“We go through history and address the ups and downs and how the

country has always endured and gotten stronger and more united,” Sigalas

said.

“The Spirit of America” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday and

Saturday at Newport Harbor High School.