What could be better than a story with a prince and princess in love, gold-spangled costumes, fierce dragon, and a heroic rescue? Now in its 33rd year, Mount Madonna School’s dazzling show is the longest running production of this timeless Indian epic in the western hemisphere, and an event for the whole family!
Enduring 2600 years as one of the world’s most widely-read classics, Ramayana [pronounced ra-MY-a-na] tells the story of Prince Ram, who, banished from his kingdom, leaves with his true love Sita and brother Lakshman to find a new home. The trio makes its way deep into the forest, encountering an array of magical characters, including: tribal folk and gentle forest animals, giants and wizards, heroic monkeys and bears, an enchanted golden deer and a wild, smoke-breathing dragon!
Premiering the show at San Jose’s Mexican Heritage Theater, one of the nation’s largest cultural centers, is a huge milestone, and allows the School to introduce new audiences to the wonder of this unique theatrical production.
Mount Madonna School‘s production, a local tradition since 1978, features a cast of more than 200 student performers, from preschool through high school, accompanied by a choir and adult musicians. It is a story of love, adventure, separation and an eventual joyous reunion, in an ancient allegory of the battle of good and evil. The show is filled with exciting action, spectacular costuming, family humor and original, live music.
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As the story unfolds, relevant, profound and subtle themes emerge—not only the power of goodness and the determination of love, but also the need for compassion to all beings.
A rich performing arts tradition and integrated arts curriculum make MMS performances outstanding. Put aside any stereotypes of what “school play” might bring to mind—think professional quality, phenomenal, authentic costumes, staging, musical talents and dramatic accomplishment. These kids work hard—and it shows!
Bringing Ramayana to life each year is a labor of love for the crew as well, with hundreds of faculty, staff, parents and volunteers contributing in myriad ways. This is testament to the strong volunteer spirit and community-building efforts espoused by the small Central Coast school known for strong academics, performing arts and producing volleyball champs.
Ramayana 2011:
Performances at the Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose, June 10 and 11, 7:00pm; June 12, 2:00pm. Tickets on sale now; All Seats Reserved: $35 adults/$25 children (18 and under). Special Dress Circle tickets available for Saturday and Sunday performances, $85 each ($35 of each Dress Circle ticket is tax-deductible). Dress Circle Tickets include a backstage tour, pre-show reception with hors d’oeuvres, intermission treats and the best seats in the house! These seats are limited! All tickets available at www.MountMadonnaSchool.org
Performances at the Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose, June 10 and 11, 7:00pm; June 12, 2:00pm. Tickets on sale now; All Seats Reserved: $35 adults/$25 children (18 and under). Special Dress Circle tickets available for Saturday and Sunday performances, $85 each ($35 of each Dress Circle ticket is tax-deductible). Dress Circle Tickets include a backstage tour, pre-show reception with hors d’oeuvres, intermission treats and the best seats in the house! These seats are limited! All tickets available at www.MountMadonnaSchool.org
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Nestled among the redwoods on 355 mountaintop acres, Mount Madonna is a safe and nurturing college-preparatory school that supports students in becoming caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinkers, who are prepared to meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville.