KIDS TAKE SPOTLIGHT IN MUSICAL; PUPILS END SCHOOL YEAR IN HIGH NOTE.

Byline: John Huddy Daily News Staff Writer

The pupils and teachers at Conejo Elementary School have been planning the musical ``That's Entertainment'' since the start of the school year in September.

They've worked on the production during and after school, using their own personal time to produce and rehearse. On Thursday, they took to the stage, showing what they could do.

``I'm a little nervous,'' said sixth-grade singer Perla Montano. ``But I feel really happy to get a chance to participate in the play - I can't wait for my parents to see me.''

Written and directed by first-grade teacher Janice Hague, the production features pupils from the third to sixth grades.

``Children need experience in getting up in front of an audience,'' explained Hague. ``The play allows them to do this - that's what school is all about . . . the experience.''

Hague, who has taught at Conejo Elementary for five years, said the performances not only gave her a chance to write, but also gives the pupils a chance to try out their acting skills.

``I love acting,'' said fifth-grade lead dancer Catherine Stevens. ``It's really exciting being in a play like this one. When I grow up I'd like to be an actress so I can do this all the time.''

Catherine's supporting cast agreed.

``This is great, it's really fun performing in front of everyone like this,'' said sixth-grader Bernard Bukowski, who plays the role of Mark. ``I love acting and singing - I'll probably keep acting when I'm older, too.''

Thursday's performance marks the final production of the school year. Other shows have included the annual Christmas production and the ``Spring Fling,'' in which a skit is performed by every class in the school.

``This give the kids a chance to have their place in the spotlight - their fifteen minutes of fame I guess you could say,'' said Tina Hunt, co-director and third-grade teacher at Conejo Elementary.

The show provides real school spirit, bringing parents, faculty and the kids all together, said Chris Hague, the writer's husband.

Angel Luna brought her 11-month-old child, Caleb, to see her daughter, Jessica, sing in the play.

``A lot more effort was put into this one. It gives kids a lot of confidence - prepares them for junior high school,'' Luna said.

The show includes musical selections such as ``Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries'' and ``Put on a Happy Face,'' plus tap-dancing, actors and a chorus.

``That's Entertainment'' will continue today with a performance at 9 a.m. and another at 7 p.m. The public is invited to the performances at Conejo Elementary, 280 Conejo School Road.

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Pupils at Conejo Elementary School perform a number from the musical ``That's Entertainment'' at the Thousand Oaks campus Thursday. The production, which will be performed again this morning and tonight, features pupils from third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades doing a variety of songs.

(2--Color) Youngsters present a clown-themed number to the audience during Thursday's school production.

Bob Halvorsen/Daily News