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Rave Reviews

From Educators:

"I loved Lil' Red Ridin' Thru 'Da Hood...this particular production actually clicked with my students. The kids in West Philly really related to the rhythm and enthusiasm, and the involvement of students was fantastic. The talent was amazing. Thanks for all that you do for young people and even the old ones like me!"
—Barbara Hoffman, Philadelphia PA

"Lil’ Red was FANTASTIC! The actors were superb and the kids were engaged. I sat next to second graders and they responded positively to the health messages in Lil’ Red. It was a lot of fun and the whole audience seemed to really enjoy it. Thank you very much for coming to Boston!" —Kathy Cunningham, MEd, RD, LD, Boston Steps, Boston Public Heath Commission

“The students are still humming and singing the songs from your wonderful production. They thoroughly loved it! The information was invaluable since so many of my students live on fast food and assorted snack treats. All of the faculty members that I have spoken to agree that this was one of our best assembly programs.”
—Kimberly Meyer, Philadelphia PA

“This was truly a great presentation! It would be very beneficial to include this as a health presentation throughout the school systems.”
—Teacher, Atlanta GA

“My Class saw your show a few weeks ago and WE LOVED IT. It seemed the whole school did. It was really fun and had the kids’ attention. Good songs/rap…Thanks for a very enjoyable performance. Keep up the good work.“
—Jan Williamson, Philadelphia PA

“During lessons, some [of our] teachers are now giving fruit as rewards instead of candy, cookies, etc.”
—Teacher, Atlanta GA

"Thank you so very much for coming to our school. My 2nd graders loved the play. It's great to have a program (a relistic program) that reaffirms what we teachers try to instill in our students. They truly identified with the characters, content, and real life situations. Thanks again for visiting. Continue changing lives all over the city."
—Ms. Holmes, 2nd Grade Teacher, Philadelphia PA

“The play was wonderful. The performance was engaging and the students were very attentive. It was good for our students to see African American performers. I hope you come back to visit our school. Students can always stand to learn more about healthy eating. Thank you for coming. The students loved it!”
—Mrs. Burrell, Philadelphia PA

“Wonderful play! Take it all around the world!”
—Teacher, Atlanta GA

“I received several calls from parents expressing that their children were interested and motivated to bring healthy food choices to school. I know that the students thoroughly enjoyed your interactive presentation...Our staff, students, and parents would like to offer our sincerest thanks.”
[view complete letter]
—Rosemary Dougherty, Principal, and Hillary Lebowitz, School Social Worker, Christopher Columbus Charter School, Philadelphia, PA

From Students (the Experts!):

We enjoy reading all the letters we receive from kids after they've seen a show. Here's some comments that give you an idea of what we often hear: "I loved your play! Thanks for helping me with the food problem. Now I eat healthy things like carrots, salad, and apples. I love them! Before I couldn’t stand vegetables, but now I love them." —5th grade student, Atlanta GA “Thank you for coming to the school so you can come to tell us to eat right is good for you. That was an awesome show.” —Owen, 3rd grade, Philadelphia PA

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“Big Boy, I know that you like the junk. Only eat it sometimes. That goes to all of you! Your #1 fan.”
—Azja, 3rd grade, Philadelphia PA

“Thank you for coming to our school. My favorite part is when they all was dancing. It was cool and the part when Granma Jackson was dancing, she did her thing. You Rock.”
—Tyler, 3rd grade, Philadelphia PA

“Dear Lil Red, I LOVED the show. It was really funny! Be sure to tell Big Boy to cut down on those junk foods! And be sure to get exercise!”
—JoAnna, 4th grade, Philadelphia PA

“Thank you for coming to our school. I love the song you wrote Lil Red, making healthy choices I know I should, and when Lil Red and Big Boy got along with each other at the end. From your #1 fan.”
—Taliah, 3rd grade, Philadelphia PA

"I learned that you can’t always eat junk food, you only can eat it sometimes. I also learned that you should exercise everyday and eat from the five food groups everyday. I enjoyed the show, it was funny and exciting. Thank you for coming to our school and putting on a great show, a great dance and a great song! Hope you come back next year, Thank you for the show!" —3rd grade student, Philadelphia PA

“I think that show was amazing. My favorite character is Big Boy. I like the part when they played Meal or no Meal. I liked the rap. That was the coolest day of my life.”
—3rd grade student, Philadelphia PA

“I really enjoyed the play that you have set up for us. It taught us something. It was also fun at the same time. The music was great. The little kids were also inspired by you. We see food plays every year. Some are with magic tricks and some talk to us. Out of all the plays I seen, this was truely the best. Hope to see you again.”
—5th grade student, Philadelphia PA

"I know I should eat right and I will. I want to live for a long time and I don’t want to be sick. I am going to start by eating right and exercising. I will stop eating so much candy so I won’t have a stomachache. I will also listen to your song! I liked the play. It was funny and helpful."
—4th grade student, Atlanta GA

“I liked it when Gran’ma Jackson was getting her groove on!”
—3rd grade student, Atlanta GA

“I liked everything in the show! There wasn’t anything I didn’t like.”
—3rd grade student, Atlanta GA

“I loved this show! The rap was so cool. I learned to eat more fruits and veggies and I promise I’ll try everyday!"
—5th grade student, Atlanta GA

“Dear Lil’ Red, I just wanted to thank you for that Foodplay and I really really really liked that rap you made. I’ll sing some of it—eat’in good in the neighborhood making healthy like I know I should. And I really really really really really really really really really really really really liked the dance you did.”
—4th grade student, Philadelphia PA

"Thank you for coming to our school. We loved your show. It was really funny. I think that it was a master performance. It was the best of the best show. I learned that people come in different shapes and sizes. After I saw what Hugs and candy do, I started to eat healthy. I eat less candy and exercise. I learned a lot from your show. I am going to treat my body the way it should be treated. I am going to change my eating habits. Thank you."
—5th grade student, Philadelphia PA

"Dear Lil Red, Big Boy and Gran'ma Jackson, I loved your play! Thanks for helping me with the food problem. Now I eat healthy things like carrots, salad, and apples. I love them! Before I couldn't stand vegetables, but now I love them. Once again thanks!"
—5th grade student, Atlanta GA

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