Cover artwork by student artist Amélie Kaufman, 11th grade, LaGuardia High School
The students at the Amani Public Charter School give the show 5 stars! "The show was so good. I got to get autographs from the cast! They were amazing!" Gabbi, 5th grade

Sing for Hope Presents

Don't Throw Away Your Shot

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Larry Siegel

An award-winning musical with the goal of empowering students to be future vaccine decision-makers by encouraging them to have conversations, ask the right questions, speak to trusted mentors and adultsand build confidence in the vaccination process.

Made possible through one of only 30 grants nationwide from the CDC Foundation and developed in partnership with students, teachers, administrators, PTAs, and community health officials.

Don’t Throw Away Your Shot is approximately 30 minutes in length, and is offered with a follow-up interactive workshop addressing issues related to vaccine confidence and hesitancy and representing theater as a powerful device to inform, engage, and challenge audience points of view. Learn how this musical theater piece was researched, conceived, and developed!

Available both in-person in New York City and the surrounding areas and virtually nationwide, don’t miss the opportunity to bring this presentation to your school or community group!

Interested in bringing this musical to your organization? 

6th Grade Teacher
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"I loved it, grooved to the beats and walked out of the theater singing the theme song! My students are going to love it too, and the positive message is so important." 
8th Grade Student
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"Their performances were good and their voices were amazing! It was really fun and it shared an impactful message that many kids should hear."

 

                                                                    CAST 

                                                (in order of appearance)

 

Jam………………………………………….………………………………………..…………….Edoardo Amador

Zuni………………………………………………………………………….………………….………….Trinity Posey

Ms. Runcible……………………………………………………………………..……………….….India Shanelle

Mr. Hobey………………………………………..…………………………………….…………………Larry Siegel

Swing…………………………………………………………………………………….……………Janeena Piñero

 

                                                           CAST BIOS

 

EDOARDO AMADOR (Jam)

is a New York-Based Nicaraguan actor. Fostering the arts in his home-country, Edoardo has worked to progress third world country educational systems into more art-inclusive curriculums. Edo began his Musical Theatre training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. With stage experience in theatres such as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and performing companies like the Performance Project and the Sociedad Actoral Hispanoamericana. 

Edoardo, how do you feel about vaccines?

I have confidence that our scientists are constantly gearing us and working us towards the right direction. Science is real.

 

 

JANEENA PIÑERO (Swing for Zuni, Jam, and Ms. Runcible) 

is an actor, director, poet, and theatre practitioner from the Atlantic City area of New Jersey. She is a recent graduate of Montclair State University where she received her Master’s in Theatre. Janeena has been awarded by the National Playwriting Program of the Kennedy Center for her performance of the original spoken word poem ‘My America’ and is a recipient of her university’s Citizens Award. She is very happy to be a part of this production and is grateful for all of her family, friends, and supporters of the theatre.  

Janeena, how do you feel about vaccines?

I believe that it is crucial that we take the time to educate ourselves to further expand our minds on creating a better tomorrow, not only for ourselves, but for the better good of the public. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! I chose to get vaccinated, and though I was scared at first, I realized that as an asthmatic, I feel much safer and more protected that I had modern medicine on my side to help me get through it. 

 

 

TRINITY POSEY (Zuni) 

is thrilled to be a part of this project. Originally from Kalamazoo, MI, Trinity studied one year at NYU’s Tisch Drama program. Now an actor in the city, Trinity spends her time working on short films, serving as a background actor for different shows, and auditioning for upcoming projects. Some of her favorite credits include Little Inez in a production of Hairspray and Lorraine in All Shook Up. When not on stage or screen, Trinity can be found writing music on guitar or watching Big Brother. Her goal for all of her artistic work is “to bring humanity to the forefront.” 

Trinity, how do you feel about vaccines?

I feel honored to be a part of this project encouraging everyone to ask questions. There is no shame in wanting to be adequately educated on such important matters. But once you have that information from the qualified professionals, go get vaccinated!

 

 

INDIA SHANELLE (Ms. Runcible)

is a musical theatre performer originally from St. Louis, Missouri. She is also the founder of a nonprofit called BlackLight Community, where they serve people of color in the entertainment industry through life, performance, and well-being. She’s played leading roles such as Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, Percy in Spitfire Grill, and a contestant on Season 16’ of America’s Got Talent with the outstanding JW’s Inspirational Singers of New York City. India also takes joy in fitness through yoga, meditation, and bodybuilding. 

India, how do you feel about vaccines?

When the vaccine became available, I was skeptical, especially with America’s history of the health and well-being of black people. After researching, I found facts that made me feel better about receiving the shot. I believe that vaccines are vital to health overall.

 

 

LARRY SIEGEL (Mr. Hobey)

Larry Siegel has made a lifelong career as a musician, singer, actor, composer/lyricist, director and producer. His original compositions range from songs to soundtracks, including twenty four episodes of the popular Hard Hat Harry children’s video series. For live theatre, Larry has written the music and lyrics for several shows on the Equity Theatre-for-Young-Audiences circuit. On the off-Broadway stage, he appeared as Spike Spaldeen in The Song of Singapore. Currently he can be seen heading the cast in Magicalicious: The Tale of the Tongue-Tied Prince, a show he originally created at the Jerry Orbach Theater in NYC and is producing tours of his musical biography of the Wright Brothers. He also has several albums of original music which can be found on www.freshbrewedproductions.com.

Larry, how do you feel about vaccines?

I am seriously excited about this project to address and promote trust in vaccines. I am triple vaxxed and proud of it. I do, however, understand the need for each of us to come to that conclusion on our own, without undue coercion..

Our show takes place in a public school cafeteria, like the one you might have at your school! Zuni had an argument with her mom about whether she should get the COVID-19 vaccine, which her friend Jam has already gotten. Together with the school lunch worker, Ms. Runcible, and the school janitor, Mr. Hobey, the students talk about the vaccine and how Zuni can feel confident in having another conversation with her mom.

“Lunch”……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….…..The Company

“Trust”…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….The Company

“Benefit/Cost”…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Ms. Runcible

“Get Him and Good”…………………………………………………………………………………………….……………….Jam, Zuni

 “The World I Wanna Believe In”…………………………………………………………………………….……………….Jam, Zuni

“When the Bell Rings Out”………….…………………….………………………………………………………….….The Company

“Lunch”

JAM

Hey look there’s Zuni!

ZUNI

Hey look there’s Jam!

JAM

I didn’t see you in class this morn…

ZUNI

Don’t even ask me, man.

I had a big bad blow up

With my mom at home

JAM

Another talk about the vax?

ZUNI

Just relax – leave the topic alone

I just count to 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and I’m done

I hate arguing and that’s the only thing we do when I’m at home

JAM

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1? Blast off! And when your rockets roar I bet you soar away off into

the sun.

ZUNI

Whatcha got in your lunch bag?

JAM

Whatever, I don’t even care. I’m gonna trade it anyway if “someone” is willing to share.

ZUNI

I might be ready to trade you, if it’s PB & J.

JAM

Well that’s exactly what it is ‘cause that’s exactly what it is every day.

JAM & ZUNI

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – All right! We’re gonna wheel and deal ‘til the meal gets real, and

dealin’ with a meal is fun.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – Blast off!

When our rockets roar we’re gonna soar away off into Lunch.

ZUNI

I had a nothing breakfast

MS. RUNCIBLE

Running late again today?

ZUNI

Yes, and now my stomach is rumbling and I’m ready to fill my tray.

MS. RUNCIBLE

Today we’re doing chicken nuggets

With a salad and fries

JAM

Oh yum, the frozen ones…

ZUNI

Wait, what? Those are my favorite kind.

What’s your favorite food for lunch, Mr. Hobey?

MR. HOBEY

Lasagna.

MS. RUNCIBLE

That was yesterday and I heard you say you didn’t really like the sauce.

(to Zuni) And what’s your favorite food for lunch?

ZUNI

Peanut butter and jelly on toast. ‘Cause when I’m at home and all alone

That’s what I eat the most.

What I’m talkin’ ‘bout is: Peanut, peanut butter – and Jelly

ALL

Peanut, peanut butter – and Jelly (repeat several times)

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – All right! We’re gonna wheel and deal ‘til the meal gets real, and dealin’ with a meal is fun.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – Blast off!

When our rockets roar we’re gonna soar away off into Lunch

When our rockets roar we’re gonna soar away off into Lunch

LUNCH!

Trust”

MR. HOBEY

Some people think trust is a permanent thing

It’s more like giving a friendship ring

‘Cause trust can melt like snow in Spring

Just leaving puddles

MS. RUNCIBLE

Do you think that trust can never change?

If so, I think that’s a little bit strange

In fact, it might end up a danger

And cause you troubles

JAM

I believe that I can trust most people

And there’s good in almost everyone I know

ZUNI

I don’t understand why everybody fights

For the sake of being right over somebody else

When we don’t agree, can’t we let it be

Isn’t that the key to the way you and me can TRUST

ALL repeat their verses simultaneously

“Benefit/Cost”

MS. RUNCIBLE

When got I started back in my little neighborhood

I didn’t know it but the water wasn’t good

I didn’t like it but I guess all the others did

So when I spoke up they only said, hey kid

It’s only water, so drink a soda if you want

I thought I oughta just open up a restaurant

Put in a filter so that the water tasted fine

Nobody noticed but I didn’t stop tryin’

What was my benefit? What was my cost?

What did I gain there and what have I lost?

That is the story of how I started out in food

That’s why I work here I wouldn’t leave you if I could

The food they send me maybe it isn’t all the best

But I can do things that make it better than the rest

I bring balance to every item that I cook

Oh, it’s a challenge but what I try to do is look at

All the benefits that I might try to give to you

And if the flavor fits then you might even like it too

What is my benefit? What is my cost?

What have I gained here and what have I lost?

What’s the advantage? Who pays the dues?

What will I gain here and what will I lose?

So to your questions about the virus and the vax

Here’s a suggestion what you can think about and ask

Does the advantage, or benefit

Outweigh the downside or doesn’t it?

These are the questions that I taught myself to ask

What are my options? And then what is my task?

So if you’re wondering how to get out of a mess

Some easy questions are what I suggest

What is your benefit? What is your cost?

What have you gained here and what have you lost?

What’s the advantage? Who pays the dues?

What will I gain here and what will I lose?

“Get Him and Good”

VIRUS

You prob’ly thought I wouldn’t last very long

That I was just like the flu

In one – two weeks, maybe a month, I’d be gone

But you were wrong – dead wrong

They think I only have one trick up my sleeve

Don’t know ‘bout me but they should

If they think they can just relax ‘til I leave

Then what I give’em’s gonna get’em and good

What I give ‘em’s gonna get’em and good (X2)

VAX

I guess you thought that we’d just curl up and die

The minute you hit the scene

But we got doctors been researchin’ for years

So you’re wrong – you’re dead wrong

My vaccine formula wasn’t born in one year

You must have misunderstood

It’s only Virus now who needs to have fear

‘Cause what I give you’s gonna get you and good

What I give him’s gonna get him and good (X4)

VIRUS

You thought I’d only hit your lungs or your nose

But I’m not picky like that

I’ll travel anywhere a virus can go

Is that wrong? So wrong?

VAX

You’re not the only one who’s got a passport

To travel all through their blood

You hit some organ I’ll be there on your tail

‘Cause what I give you’s gonna get you and good

What I give him’s gonna get him and good (X4)

VIRUS

You can’t scare me with all your science and such

I’ll shut you down if you try

You may think knowledge can spread faster than fear

But you’re wrong – dead wrong

VAX

Well, let’s ask this group that’s sitting right here, right now

No one asks them, but they should

If you believe that we can beat him somehow

Then what we give him’s gonna get him and good

What we give him’s gonna get him and good (X4)

“The World I Wanna Believe In”

JAM

What do you wish the world would be?

ZUNI

A world that I can believe in

My trust is all busted everywhere I see

In the world I want to believe in

ZUNI and JAM

OOO The world I wanna believe in X2

ZUNI

I wanna world where I can feel free

ALL

A world I wanna believe in

ZUNI

One where someone really listens to me

ALL

The world I wanna believe in

OOO The world I wanna believe in X2

MS. RUNCIBLE and MR. HOBEY

A world that’s safe for my daughter and son

MR. HOBEY

That’ll still be here when our time is done

ZUNI and JAM

Where I don’t feel scared for the people I care for

A world I wanna believe in. 

That’s the world I wanna believe in

JAM

I wanna world where I can feel strong

ALL

The world I wanna believe in

ZUNI and JAM

Where I can feel safe, where I can belong

ALL

The world I wanna believe in

OOO The world I wanna believe in X2

“When the Bell Rings Out”

MS. RUNCIBLE

So, where does that leave us

Do you want to believe us?

Believe not deceive

Just stick with the truth

The proof?

It’s right there inside of you

It’s true. Shout it out; it comes from you

JAM

So what can you say about the facts of the vax 

And the cracks they make about the docs and the shocks

What do they do? They try to put a spell on me

Dude, that’s rude. ‘Cause lying is a felony

ZUNI

Clear the channels, throw away all the apps

Drop the social media, even if it’s free to ya

They greedier and needier

and always getting’ speedier

And fillin’ up my head with all that dread

What they said with the crazy ideas.

The crazy ideas and the fears, and the tears

JAM

Do you think it’s so strange that a lie can be true

That there’s really something evil ‘bout a person or a people

Who render an agenda meant to screw us and subdue us

Into thieving and believing the poison the big boys and

All their deep-state, cheapskate, make a buck selling hate

That’s what they’re brewing, so, what am I doing?

ZUNI

I gotta wipe out fear from the bottom to the top

Before I pop it and drop it

I gotta make it stop it

and just relax, and remember

(And remember)

And remember

When somebody says they know what’s true I say, That says way more about you

Than what is really true, so what do I do?

MS. RUNCIBLE

I’ll confess my approach if you insist I make a list, get the gist?

You don’t need to make a fist

What’s the upside, downside benefits

The pros and cons, what it means to me?

Only one thing:

How to think and be free

How to break away from that echo booth

Pouring out smoke and calling it truth

JAM

How to think: Not what I should think

How to feel: Not what I should feel

How to know: Not what I should know

And most of all how to stand up tall, don’t fall, don’t stall

One and all just stand up tall. Do the math, y’all

ZUNI

Right! It’s all in the numbers; look at the math

So many who refuse the shot and won’t take it

JAM

How many without that shot didn’t make it?

MS. RUNCIBLE

Over five million folks in the world so far

Over nine hundred thousand right here where we are

ZUNI

Do the math, y’all

It’s not complicated, overstated or inflated, but the misinformation’s way too conversated

ALL

Do the math, y’all. That’s all

Now it’s time to go

‘cause the bell’s gonna end this

We’re all gonna meet in a seat and friend this

Discuss the fuss and get down to us, to what’s real

To just feel it, seal it, maybe have to peel it

When the bell rings out, here it comes

When the bell rings out, here it comes

When the bell rings out, here it comes

When the…

(The bell rings)

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Sing for Hope is an approved NYC DOE vendor


Funding for this effort is made possible through a subaward from the CDC Foundation and is part of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) financial assistance award totaling $2,500,000.00 with 100 percent funding from CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.