Homeschool group to perform 'Thoroughly Modern Millie'

More than 40 area teenagers are involved in a theater production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie," a 1967 musical that starred Julie Andrews and included the famous show tune "Babyface."

CNJ staff photo: Tonjia Rolan

Students from the Clovis Area Home Educators group rehearse for the upcoming musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie."

The musical is being produced by the Clovis Area Home Educators group, a co-op of more than 100 area families that homeschool their children.

The group has produced six previous plays, including "Pride and Prejudice" and "Our Town."

Stephanie Stancell, a 17-year-old senior from Muleshoe, has been in four of the co-op's productions. "We've never really done something like this before," Stancell said. "It's a very high energy play that's very lighthearted. The jazz music is a really fun touch."

CNJ staff photo: Tonjia Rolan

Kynzie Otero, left, and Rachel Watson rehearse on stage at the Lyceum Theater for the upcoming musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie," produced by the Clovis Area Home Educators.

Stancell plays the character Miss Flannery in the musical, which includes the songs "The Speed Test" and "Forget about the Boys."

Stancell said costumes for the musical production came from a variety of sources. Specialty costumes were ordered online, others were hand crafted and a few came from teenager's closets.

Gina Prather of Bovina, who has been homeschooling for 20 years, started the theater group when her homeschooled daughter showed an interest in drama. Homeschooling parents have also started educational co-op classes, rock climbing, writing and bowling groups for their children, who participate in fund raisers and service projects regularly.

"Homeschooling parents take full responsibility for their children's education," Prather said. "That not only includes academic skills, it also includes character skills, life skills, relationship skills, spiritual skills and social skills."

Prather said homeschooling is about teaching children to love learning and teaching them where to find what they want to learn about. "The goal is to teach children to study independently by the time they reach high school age," Prather said.

The Home School Legal Defense Association puts the number of homeschoolers in America at more than 2 million.

Fast facts

What: Thoroughly Modern Millie

When: 6:30 p.m. March 30 and 2 p.m. March 31

Where: At the Lyceum theater

Cost: Admission is free, donations are welcomed.