Fairy Godmother and Royal Princes: Kentwood Families Gather for High Tea Before School Musical

KENTWOOD — Little princesses and princes joined their families recently for an elegant high tea event at East Kentwood High School, complete with miniature cupcakes, custom crowns, and royal dance lessons. The free community event served as a prelude to the high school musical, "Cinderella," which is performing this Saturday.

During the event, student actors mingled with young attendees while in character, creating an enchanting atmosphere that brought the fairy tale to life.

"It's been so wonderful. I've seen so many princes and princesses, and it's just been enchanting to see how everyone interacts with the royal family," said sophomore Leoncia Bukasa, who performed in character as the Fairy Godmother.

Opening Access to Arts Education for All Families

The high tea event was designed to open access to fine arts programming for all Kentwood families, including young children who might not typically attend school performances.

"All KPS students get free tickets to the plays and musicals," said fine arts coordinator Kimberly Meyers-Baas. "This is an early start to help grow the theater program and the arts in general. We want all our kids to have a quality arts experience."

Meyers-Baas emphasized the inclusive nature of the event. "We didn't want to have any barriers to open up the community. We want people to enjoy it and have an elegant experience."

New Theater Director Returns Home to Lead Program

Rob Karel, the high school's new theater director, brings deep local connections to the role. He is a 2004 graduate of East Kentwood and currently serves as a fourth-grade teacher at Discovery Elementary.

Karel said he wants to expose all students to the arts and create memorable experiences for young audiences.

"A core memory of mine is being in elementary in Kentwood and coming to the auditorium as a student," Karel said. "To be a lot of these children's first theater experience I think is really special. It really is a magical thing for the students as well, to know that they are providing that for them."

Community Response

Parents responded enthusiastically to the event, with many noting its kid-friendly nature and memorable quality.

Mom Katie Gauthier attended with her daughter, Frankie, 4, who was dressed as a princess.

"I think it's incredible that the community gets to experience the arts, and the little ones get to experience it as well," Gauthier said. "It's so kid-friendly. Kentwood really hit the mark with this one. It's something they will remember for a long time."

Another attendee, Lyndsay Berlin, danced with her daughter Ada, while Bella Dolehanty, the Cinderella choreographer, danced with her 4-year-old daughter Cecilia.

Full Musical Performance Scheduled

The high tea served as an introduction to "Cinderella," which is performing at East Kentwood High School this Saturday. All Kentwood Public Schools students have received free tickets to the full production.

The event represents a broader effort by Kentwood Public Schools to strengthen arts programming and make quality educational experiences accessible to all families in the community.