Pleasant Avenue students treated to production of “Jackie Robinson”

an actor portrays Jackie Robinson in a play and is shown swinging an imaginary bat, wearing a baseball uniform

Actor Kietraille Sutton portrays the legendary Jackie Robinson.

Bright Star Touring Theatre visited K-2 students at Pleasant Avenue Elementary School last week for a production of “Jackie Robinson,” a theatrical production celebrating the achievements of the first black baseball player to play on a Major League Baseball team.

As a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson’s number “42” has come to symbolize the triumph of the human spirit over incredible odds and the power of persistence and determination in the face of adversity. The production highlighted some of the best moments of his career, and explained his role in ending segregation in American baseball. 

“For most of our students, this was their first introduction to Jackie Robinson and the monumental role that he played in history,” Pleasant Avenue principal Cory Cotter said. “I think his story will spark a lot of great dialogue between students and teachers and result in some meaningful conversations in the classroom. Above all else, his story of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what you believe in, was an inspirational message for both staff and students to receive.”  

four elementary students pose with two actors on a theatrical stage three elementary students ask questions of two actors up on a theatrical stage

an actor wears a baseball jersey and portrays the character of Jackie Robinson on a stage a young girl wearing a purple shirt sits on the floor as she watches a theatrical production on the stage

students sit on the floor with their teacher as they watch a play on the stage

two actors on the stage wave goodbye to elementary students in the audience

Each year, Bright Star Touring Theatre serves nearly 1,800 audiences in schools, theaters, libraries, museums and more across the country. Information about all their interactive shows, including videos, photos, availability, study guides and more is available online at www.brightstartheatre.com.  

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