‘Dear Edwina Jr.’ comes to School 4

Imagine Dear Abby set to music, and with better hairstyles. That’s Dear Edwina Jr., performed by School 4 students this week. Thirteen year-old Edwina Spoonapple, played by Ashley Ladner, turns her penchant for leadership into an advice-giving song and dance routine performed from her garage. Through the show-within-a-show format, Edwina enlists her friends in problem solving for neighborhood kids seeking advice. Edwina learns an important lesson, too: Doing what you love is more important than winning prizes.

Sophie Stakhov played Edwina’s cheerleading friend Becky, and Katie Giordano played Kelli, Edwina’s neighbor who wants to be the star of the show. Kevin O’Rourke played Scott, another neighbor, who works up the courage to declare his love for Edwina.

More than 50 students made up the cast, supported by a dedicated group of stage crew members. The show was directed and choreographed by Sandhee Leonhard, with assistance from Jaclyn Andes. Margaret Gruber, School 4’s music teacher, served as musical director, and Rod Leonhard was in charge of scenery.