5th Grade Brings a Beloved Fairytale to Life on the Swain Campus

Each year, the fifth-grade play at Moravian Academy’s Swain Campus becomes a cherished community tradition. Rooted in our Dramatic Arts curriculum, this production gives students an opportunity to synthesize years of practice into an organized, live theatrical performance. This year’s play, The Stone in the Road—a playful adaptation of a beloved fairytale—delivers not just colorful characters and a compelling story but a timely, accessible message for all ages.

The story centers on a queen and her servant, Barcarole, who observe travelers encountering a large boulder blocking the road. The queen promises a royal reward to anyone who moves the stone, but a parade of colorful characters—like a pompous barber, a snobby socialite, and a reluctant milkman—offer only excuses. It seems no one will pass the queen’s test, until an unexpected hero proves that action, not complaints, makes all the difference.

This timeless tale provides both entertainment and an important message about unselfishness and helping others. Along the way, our fifth graders have embraced the challenges of the play with creativity, discipline, and teamwork. From mastering stagecraft to learning lines, they’ve brought enthusiasm and commitment to every step of the process, embodying Moravian Academy’s core values of curiosity, community, integrity, and excellence. As cast and crew, these students demonstrated collaborative spirit and confident communication skills, essential to the art of live performance.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to making The Stone in the Road a success. From faculty and parent volunteers to audience members cheering on our young performers, your support ensures this experience is both meaningful and memorable for our students.

Cast