by Rachel Hunter
The Edwards-Knox CSD Musical Club’s summer production of Go Fish surfaced on the Edwards-Knox CSD Auditorium stage Friday, July 17, with the kind of bright, good‑natured energy that only a room full of K–6 performers can deliver.
Over two weeks, 26 young students built a full musical world under the guidance of Director and Choreographer Angie Frisbee and Music Director Rafael Bish, an effort that resulted in a charming, colorful show that delighted families and showcased the district’s commitment to arts opportunities for its youngest learners.
During his welcome, Music Director Rafael Bish highlighted the mix of newcomers and seasoned performers onstage, noting that some students were appearing in their first show while others were taking part in their seventh. He said the two‑week process centered on teamwork, active listening, and social‑emotional growth, teaching students to recognize what’s happening around them and respond with intention. Building confidence, he added, is a core goal of the program—and one the cast embraced fully. Bish urged the audience to expect a high‑energy performance and emphasized that theater arts deserve the same value and visibility as any other school program. Every child, he said, brings a distinct personality to their role, giving the musical its vibrancy. He described the stage as a place for bravery and creativity, encouraging families to savor the moment, show their pride, and join the cast on their “trip under the sea.”
Go Fish, written by John Jacobson and John Higgins, is designed for young singers, and the Edwards-Knox cast leaned into its playful spirit. The shark crew burst into the story as the ocean’s boldest and most misunderstood characters. Through upbeat scenes and humorous interactions, the musical showed that friendship grows when creatures look past appearances and embrace differences. Their confidence and surprising kindness help unite the reef, reinforcing the musical’s message of friendship.
The underwater setting came alive through a parade of characters, each student embracing their role with enthusiasm. The shark ensemble set the tone early: Gunner Grimshaw’s Tiger Shark, Luca McCormick’s Mako Shark, Dominic Bish and Lillian Brothers as Hammerhead Sharks, Nathan Caswell’s Blue Shark, and Aria Thomas as the Great White Shark. Together, they created a lively, humorous group dynamic—confident, a little mischievous, and clearly having fun.
From there, the show rippled outward into a full ocean community. Allyson Brothers brought a bright spark to her role as the Zebra Fish, while Alice Brecheisen’s Octopus added a gentle, curious presence. Samuel Frisbee doubled his contributions, first as the Blow Fish and later as Zo, showing versatility and a knack for timing. Conner Eells’ Tuna Fish and Scotlyn Bradford’s Angel Fish each added their own personality to the underwater mix, while Warren Norquest’s Needle Fish and Marcie Norquest’s Star Fish rounded out the ensemble with steady, expressive performances.
One of the most delightful moments came from the Clown Fish group (Rorie Baxter, Melanie Fuller, Olivia White, and Jully Tresidder) who leaned into the comedic beats of the show with wide smiles and confident stage movement. Their scenes drew warm laughter from the audience and demonstrated how well the students understood the playful tone of the musical.
The Seahorse contingent also stood out. Keaton Fischer commanded the stage as the Seahorse Boss, delivering lines with a clarity and confidence beyond his years. Makenna Gollinger and Zander Saxton, performing as Seahorses, matched his energy and helped build one of the show’s most memorable character groups. Austin Eells’ Swordfish brought a bold presence, while Alayna Munger as Bo added a sweet, earnest charm to her role.
The production’s final ensemble (Taylor Thomas, Keaton Fischer, Zander Saxton, Makenna Gollinger, and Austin Eells as the Crabs) offered a lively closing touch. Their group scenes were tight, well‑paced, and clearly the result of careful direction and rehearsal.
Behind the scenes, the technical team ensured the young performers were supported at every turn. Lights and sound, managed by Kaitlyn Caswell, kept the show running smoothly, while Stage Manager Raya Ellis coordinated transitions with a steady hand. The result was a production that felt polished without losing the spontaneity and joy that make youth theater so endearing.
The Edwards-Knox Musical Club’s two‑week summer program is a testament to Edwards-Knox CSD’s dedication to arts education. The Musical Club continues to be a thriving part of the district’s offerings, engaging more than 75 students throughout the year and providing fall, summer, and school‑year opportunities for artistic growth. He outlined the club’s year: a fall musical for grades 3–6 (Go West), a full‑length spring production—Seussical The Musical this coming year—and another summer show next season.
In the end, Go Fish was more than a musical. It was a celebration of creativity, community, and the confidence that blossoms when young performers are given space to shine. The Edwards-Knox students filled the auditorium with color, laughter, and heart, delivering a show that left families smiling long after the final bow.
Much appreciation was extended to all those who made the program possible. Mr. Bish thanked parents, staff, volunteers, and district administrators for supporting the arts and live theater, reminding the audience that children find their voices onstage. Thunderous applause followed in recognition of the Edwards‑Knox CSD Musical Club and its young performers.
For more info about the Edwards-Knox CSD, visit ekcsk12.org.