Isbell Middle School and McKevett Elementary School rehearsing “The Jungle Book”

Students from Isbell Middle School and McKevett Elementary School are busy rehearsing their yearly musical, to be presented at 7 p.m. on January 26 and 27 and February 2 and 3 at Isbell. General admission is $5, $3 for students and seniors, and children under 5 are admitted free. For the past nine years, Terry Brenner-Farrell and Donna Nelson have been directing students in shows such as “Annie” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “School House Rock, Jr.” This year, over 30 students from both schools are singing and dancing through the Disney adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, “The Jungle Book.”The part of Mowgli is played by second grader Antonio Almaraz. Isbell students include Robert Nunez as Baloo, and Rebecca Suggs and DeAndra Perez sharing the part of Bagheera.In the nine musicals that Ms. Brenner-Farrell and Ms. Nelson collaborated on, they have worked with over 400 students. “Some of our performers began with us when they were in kindergarten,” noted Brenner-Farrell. “Others saw their older sisters and brothers perform, and then became involved when they started school. Many of those who have moved on to high school and college are still involved in the performing arts.”Brenner-Farrell added, “Our students learn, at an early age, how to focus and work very hard. Their effort, as well as the strong support they get from their parents, is why they are so successful.”