Crystal Theatre Camp celebrates America's 250th anniversary in a unique way

One local summer camp is celebrating America's 250th anniversary in a unique way by bringing history to life on stage with an original musical. The production tells the story of the burning of Norwalk in 1779 from a unique perspective. News 12 photojournalist Lori Goliath takes us behind the scenes at Crystal Theatre. This play is called Puddin' Heads, Norwalk, 1779 and this particular show is from the kids in the schoolhouse from their perspective. I think that it's very interesting to have a historical show centering around children specifically. There was a lot of action. They have all this determination, they have all this courage, they have all this bravery. And our whole show takes place on one day, the day they find out that New Haven and Fairfield were burnt and now are coming for us next. This really puts them out of their comfort zone. Most of the time theater you think like fairy tales, but this is really unique because it is historic so they're learning something. This particular group I have from age 9 to 17. Crystal Theatre I got into two summers ago. My name is Ellie Celestri and I play the role of Leona Hoyt. My name is Isaiah Fields and I'm playing Zachariah Raymond. This is my second time doing the Crystal Theatre summer camp. If you want to better your skills as an actor along with people that will challenge you, this is the space to do it. We have a whole methodology so we're really prepared. We've been doing this a long time. But the best thing about it is that it really helps me stay on track because of how many lines I have to memorize as a character. I'm very adamant about vocalizing, teaching everybody line by line so they learn the music correctly. Knowing that I only have five days to get it together, it really helps me with memorization. I enjoy the people, I enjoy being on stage, I enjoy singing. I just really like the community here. I've made long-lasting friends and I just love all the musicals, either original or non-original, that they put on here. We hope you'll all join us for Put-In-Heads Norwalk 1779. It means the 250th anniversary of America. It's really an inspiring experience to see sort of like our history in America, one part of it as a whole, as a show. And step back in time with Put-In-Heads 1779 at Crystal Theatre Norwalk showing tonight and Saturday. We have more information on News12.com.