Central Ridge Elementary school musical

Central Ridge fifth-graders take to the stage for ‘Viva la Ridgebacks’

From left: Hunter Goff, Cody Wayman, Jacob Eno and Brad Melanson prepare for their performance in “Viva La Ridgebacks,” the fifth-grade musical that starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Central Ridge Elementary School. (photo by Leslie Richardson)

The third annual Central Ridge Elementary School fifth-grade musical titled “Viva La Ridgebacks” will open at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the school’s cafetorium.

This year’s show pays tribute to Elvis Presley. The beginning of the school year marked the 50th anniversary of Presley’s film “Follow That Dream,” portions of which were filmed Citrus County.

“Viva La Ridgebacks” is the third original play written and directed by fifth-grade teacher Natalie Columbus. As is the tradition, the lyrics to several popular songs have been rewritten to accommodate the storyline.

The audience will recognize 21 Elvis hits, including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Hound Dog,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and of course, “Viva Las Vegas”! Students have been co-directed by Christina Touchton, a fourth-grade teacher at CRE. Touchton also choreographed the production along with Alicia Carson, an instructor at Reflections, a dance studio in Lecanto.

The story follows Eddie Preston, played by Bradley Melanson, as his family relocates and he reluctantly becomes the “new kid” at Central Ridge. Audiences will hear the voice of Tara Velez, who co-stars as Ann, a girl who has lost the will to sing since the loss of her mother.

Back by popular demand are the three custodians, played by Jacob Eno, Cody Wayman and Hunter Goff. Their “bluesy” break-time jam sessions are sure to provide an added homage to “The King.” The likenesses of Central Ridge principal Nancy Simon, assistant principal Vicki Lofton and former assistant principal Christopher Bosse will also return as portrayed by Mikaela Haskins, Brenna Towne and Shawn Host, respectively.

Additional cast members include: Hailie Aretz, Alejandro Arevalo, Malou Baas, Alexandrie Bavcevic, John Bavcevic, Paloma Bavcevic, Grace Blyth, Natalie Bologna, Makenna Campbell, Chandler Carney, Sean Carreras, Alyssa Chapman, Allison Cornelius, Vonny Correia, Ashley Ely, Colton Flynn, Rylen Garlitz, Sabrina Gatlin, Ashlee Graham, Laura Haynes, Sarah Heymann, Madison Juse, Abigail Linton, Samantha Marchant, Amber Moore, Kiersten Palmer, Alyssa Perez, Zachary Richardson, Alexis Sanchez, Haylee Snodgrass, Laurel Summa, Destiny Taylor, Lillian Torres, Megan Vann, Liam Wolfe, and Emily Wright.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Suggested donation is $3 per person. Refreshments will be available during intermission.

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