"Gold Dust or Bust cemented the gold rush for my class - it's forever with them now! Next school year I'm moving to a 5/6 grade class and can't wait to do another Bad Wolf Press musical. In fact, I've already had several teachers and parents asking me where I got this play. It was fabulous - the kids were superb, the music was wonderful and the parents loved it. Many, many thanks for a great and easy production. Keep writing and composing!"
---Wendy Buchanan, Teacher, (3rd-4th grade), Vinewood School, Lodi, CA
"We loved the music---catchy tunes and lyrics with a cute, funny narrative. Students learned their history via the songs. Very enjoyable! The show brings the curriculum alive, encouraging cooperation as well as other life skills. It gives the students a real sense of pride."
---Sheree Stenberg, Teacher (4th grade), Waldo Rohnert School, Rohnert Park, CA
"The recorded music is outstanding---the students loved it. The plays are great for critical thinking. They build confidence, reading and language skills, and develop a community of learners working together. I want to order all the plays!"
---Paige Powell, Bathgate Elementary, Mission Viejo, CA
"The kids love it. There is a lot of content embedded in the songs. I wasn't going to do it this year, but one of my colleagues really wanted his kids to see it so he convinced me to do it."
---Vivian Chen, Teacher (4th grade) Multnomah Elementary, Los Angeles, CA
"My students learned state standards while singing, dancing, and having a marvelous time. The musical allows students to have a positive experience while learning facts, as well as making lasting memories with friends."
---Michelle Skidmore, Teacher (4th/5th grades) Ladera Ranch Elementary, Ladera Ranch, CA
"Gold Dust or Bust sticks to the curriculum extremely well. People go away with the songs stuck in their heads! The humor is the clincher. Makes me want to do your plays year after year! I think the play helps tremendously with the retention of information. The kids can connect the concepts (standards) easily with the songs, movements, dialogue, and of course, the rehearsals! It also was a great way to get the parents to come to our school (community involvement). Our principal was impressed that we had a full house on the day of the play, and we were only the 4th grade putting this on! Also, when we put this play on during the last days of the school year, testing is over, we are more relaxed, and the other classes get to come and see a play! These are few and far between, now that there are budget cuts. No one can afford the 'professionals'. What a self-esteem booster for the 4th graders putting on the play!"
---Leslie Macek, Teacher (4th grade), Spinelli Elementary, Antelope, CA
"Fun humor and super songs. This is a terrific first play (easy to stage)."
---Kathy Wilbur, Teacher (4th grade), Prairie Elementary, Sacramento, CA
"After the play we studied textbooks of the Gold Rush and were able to make connections to characters from the play versus characters of the 49'ers Day. It brought a deeper understanding of the hardships."
---Christina Carmelich, Teacher (4th grade), Cloverland Elementary, Oakdale, CA
"The play is filled with fun that's accessible."
---Nancy Rogers, Teacher (4th grade), Jordan Elementary, Whittier, CA
"Awesome play! My fourth graders loved doing this play and they learned so much more than they could from any social studies text. I even convinced the other two fourth grade teachers to do the play in their classrooms, too. Thank you!"
---Colleen Myers, Teacher (4th grade), Las Flores Elementary, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
