My middle school was fortunate enough to see the performance of Number the Stars, produced by Stage One in Louisville, Kentucky. 

This production featured one of our students, Elizabeth (Libby) Winkler playing the role of Kirstie. This play is based on the book by Lois Lowry. Last year, Stage One performed another classic novel by Lowry, The Giver. Number the Stars tells a story based on the true events of a young girl growing up during the Nazi invasion. Annemarie Johansen and her family illustrate themes of bravery, kindness, and resiliency as they navigate Copenhagen, Denmark during the holocaust.

The play is about Annemarie, who is 10, and her friend, Ellen Rosen, who is Jewish, as they navigate the World War II Nazi occupation. The play encounters serious themes such as war and death but does so in an excellent portrayal that left me feeling the emotions of the characters. I was in awe of what they had to endure and overcome. Which is much different from me and my classmates today!

The play was double cast and I wish I had gotten the opportunity to see both casts! The costumes were simple but an accurate depiction of the period and styles. I felt as if I was right there in that time and place.

I am a fan of Louis Lowry's novels but Stage One truly brought this story to life for me. The characters demonstrated so much bravery and inspiration. Thank you Stage One for such a moving performance.

 

Have you ever been skiing?  Have you felt the chilly winds while you are rushing down a mountain? Have you heard your mom yelling, “I can’t stop!” right before she faceplants down the hill? If you haven't, maybe you should come with me! I can’t wait to go to West Virginia to ski in 3 weeks! This will be my first time in West Virginia, but my second time skiing, and I’m very eager to go on such a thrilling adventure. I’m definitely not an expert but I’m nowhere near as nervous as the first time I skied.

I have been practicing “pizza and French fries,” the slang words for how to stop and go while skiing, but pretending to ski in your living room is not super effective. That’s why I can’t wait to drive up the enormous snowy mountain and get to the slopes. When we get there, I want to get a nice warm hot chocolate to warm me up before we get our ski gear on. Everything's better when you start with hot chocolate.

Once I get on the ski lift and we slowly creep up the mountain, I will see the wonderful sights of the newly fallen snow and the snow-covered mountains and trees. I hope that when we get to the top I can maybe do a harder run than usual, like a blue square instead of the beginner greens. Having patience is the hardest part of going on the ski lift. I am always filled with tons of nervous energy, anticipating the fun, brisk ski run that is waiting for me. The grins and laughter I share with my family are my favorite parts. I can’t wait to go to West Virginia during winter break.