Spring musicals are now a tradition at Garfield School and are among the main highlights of the year for so many of the students and families. This year’s production was the kids version of 101 Dalmations and it was another huge hit. (Photo Credit: AUSD Communications Intern Patience Doan)
By Madison Kang (AUSD Communications Intern & MKHS Class of 2025)
During both nights of their spring musical performances, Garfield School’s auditorium was packed with proud family, friends, educators, and community members, as the students lit up the stage in a spirited production of 101 Dalmatians KIDS. The production was filled with bright sets, colorful costumes, and plenty of laughs, and was a resounding success in bringing the beloved Disney classic to life.
Directed and produced by Jennifer Lankford and Danika Klebe, the show was a labor of love, and was months in the making. Lankford, Garfield’s drama teacher, has a strong background in live performance, writing, and directing, and is passionate about bringing performing arts opportunities to elementary students in Alhambra. Klebe, Garfield’s music teacher and co-director of school musicals for the past four years, shared that musical theater has always held a special place in her heart.
The cast, made of students ranging from second to eighth grade, performed with confidence and joy. Every student-made set piece, hand-painted background, and carefully designed lighting added a unique touch to the vibrant stage. Shariz Duclan commanded the spotlight as the infamous Cruella de Vil. With past roles in school productions of Annie and Alice in Wonderland, Duclan delivered a show-stealing performance and hopes to pursue a future in entertainment or medicine.
Gabriel Rosales-Cruz portrayed the loyal Pongo. With experience acting in a short film, Rosales-Cruz brought warmth and charm to his role, earning loud applause from the audience. Playing Perdita was Alexis Reyes, who has been in Annie, Matilda, and Finding Nemo. Reyes aspires to become a pediatrician but continues to shine on stage with natural poise and heart.Highlights included dalmatians running through the aisles as they escaped Cruella, a lively kickline during the “Dalmatian Vacation” number, and adorable and imaginative costumes, where scotties wore plaid skirts and corgis had on bearskins.
Garfield School’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS was not just a school musical; it was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the joy of performance. As the final curtain fell and the cast took their bows to a standing ovation, it was clear that the magic of musical theater is alive and well at Garfield School.
