Award-winning artist and educator Simona Rodano aka The Italian Fairy, founder of Incanto Productions based in NYC specialized in multilingual and multicultural services for schools in the USA, was thrilled when Principal Ms. Dejardin and Vice-Principal Ms. Ellman at P.S. 242, proposed an exciting in-residency program to further enhance the dual language program Italian/English at their school.

Students in grades 3, 4, and 5, who attended the Off-Broadway scale musical "Sempreverde: Evergreen" last March 2024 at the Queens Theatre in the Park, could not believe their eyes when the actors from the show visited their class to announce the first bilingual (Italian-English) in-residency program.

Over the next two months, the children would become the stars of the show, trained by the very actors they admired. This project aimed to strengthen the dual language program and foster diversity and multiculturalism among the young generations.

The school's auditorium became a vibrant classroom where, twice a week, students immersed themselves in acting, singing, and dancing.  Incanto brought to P.S. 242 a team of experienced teaching artists and performers, all of whom have received national and international recognition: Pasqualino Beltempo, Giuseppe Agostaro, Emanuele Fiore, Giorgia Picano, Maria Carmen Falivene, Sara Alessia Giannini, Bianca Delli Priscoli, Arianna Stendardo, Christian Tourdot.  The P.S. 242 teachers played an essential role, joining the process and supporting over a hundred students during and after each session, reinforcing and practicing the provided material. Over just eight weeks, students learned and performed six songs from the show's junior bilingual version. Acting parts were bilingual while songs were entirely in Italian language. 

"The synergy with in-residency programs like the one we were able to offer to P.S. 242 is vital for young foreign language learners," says Rodano. "Every time the academic and the artistic worlds meet, something special happens: the joy of learning, enthusiasm, and confidence builds up in the students. Teachers notice their students engaged and happy, both inside and outside the classroom."

"We celebrate all different cultures and languages here at P.S. 242," said Principal Ms. Dejardin. "Seeing a production with children who, most of them, arrived in October only speaking Spanish or Mandarin and are now speaking English, Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin is something that makes us incredibly proud and motivates us to continue in this direction."

Vice-Principal Ms. Ellman added, "To see students so engaged, including those who are usually shy and introverted, getting out there and having fun while learning, helps build community among all our families and students. I cannot wait to see what’s next in the 24-25 scholastic year!"

Rosella Giorgi, the Italian teacher at P.S. 242, remarked, "This experience has brought the joy of learning Italian. Catchy songs, effective choreographies, beautiful props, and costumes used on stage by the students made it so unique and special."

The program received enthusiastic feedback from the students as well. Santiago, a 3rd grader, shared, "I just arrived a few weeks ago at the school, and this is the best school I have ever been to. I loved being part of the show. I thought I would be scared, but I was not, and when I saw my mom in the audience, I felt very happy." 

"I was born in New York, but my parents were both born and raised in Italy. I am a student here at P.S. 242, and this is my fourth show. At first, I always feel a little nervous, but then it passes, and I have a lot of fun " says Oliver, a 3rd grader.

"It was fun, and my classmates also enjoyed learning songs in Italian. È stato molto bello!" said Eleonora, 4th grader, who speaks fluent Italian.

Ms. Maria Luisa, Eleonora's grandmother, traveled from Rovigo in the Veneto region of Italy to see her granddaughter perform and commented, "I am thrilled to have witnessed such a beautiful show where the integration among children from diverse cultures was complete, with everyone eager to learn and perform on stage using both Italian and English. Definitely worth doing again!"

Mr. Dennis, a 4th grade teacher, noted, "To see the children exposed to theater incorporating a foreign language is simply wonderful, and they all did a great job!"

“The students were eager to practice the songs every day in the classroom, and parents mentioned that their children were singing these Italian songs at home. It was fantastic. As a teacher, it was also a valuable learning experience for me, allowing me to integrate my organizational approach from the classroom to the stage, assist with the production backstage, and ensure that the students retained all the information provided during the sessions with the theatre company” said Ms. Hossain, 3rd grade teacher. 

“This production engaged everyone—the children, their teachers, and their families. It brought people together through language, culture, and the crucial issue of environmental conservation. Congratulations to all!” said Mr. William Russo, member of the Italian Heritage Culture Month, one of the most long-lived Italian American organizations in NYC.

P.S. 242 in Harlem has pioneered the first bilingual edu-musical show in the USA with songs in Italian performed by students. From the opening act to the final bow, the show transported the students, their teachers, administrators, and families to a place that felt like "home," where everyone was content and surrounded by appreciation and good values. This initiative has opened a new journey for other schools that believe in the power of the arts in education and exposing children to other languages to foster appreciation and peace in the world.