Students said they were excited about both the presentation and about the impact of the fund.
“Acting and drama and things like that are very important because kids in my class and kids in my school love that kind of stuff,” eighth grader Matthew Pasphal said.
Faculty also showed their support for the new program. “Drama has always been a big part of the community,” said Marjorie Berger, Tobin’s library media specialist.
The program closed with the still-costumed Meng and Blickstead calling 10 students up to the stage to learn the Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ signature kickline to a piano accompaniment. Although some of the kids were noticeably embarrassed, the others joined Meng and Blickstead in shimmying and dancing their way across the stage as the audience clapped loudly and cheered for the students.
Ma also took the opportunity to announce the script for this year’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals production, “As the Word Turns.”
The 156th production of the Theatricals will open on Feb. 19.