St. Raymond Elementary School in Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY recently experienced a magical day filled with excitement, joy, and valuable life lessons as they hosted not one but two captivating bilingual shows for grades K-8. 

Incanto Productions, Italian Queens-based theater company, specialized in multicultural and multilingual productions for schools and families and dedicated to the improvement and expansion of the teaching and learning Italian language for all ages and all levels of instruction, returned to the Bronx.

With over 80,000 young patrons attending their edumusicals in the NYC Tri-State Area since 2008, the highlight of the day at St. Raymond Elementary School was the enchanting performance titled "Arriva La Befana" (The Befana is Coming). 

The show, centered around the beloved tale of La Befana, an iconic figure in Italian tradition symbolizing the Epiphany, took the audience on a journey through key moments. Award winning performer and educator Simona Rodano (Torino, Italy), also known as The Italian Fairy, wrote and brought the story to life with dynamic engagement, taking the audience from encounters with the three kings to heartwarming interactions with villagers. The narrative unfolded, creating an immersive and captivating experience for all. 

The central mystery had the audience participating for a whole hour, from the captivating classical dance by the lead dancer Emanuele Fiore ( Bari, Puglia) to the renowned "filastrocca" (short rhymed poem) cherished across Italy, passed down through generations and now brought to life on stage by actors Giorgio Bruno ( Naples , Campania, Italy) and Giuseppe Agostaro (Palermo, Sicily). The excitement stayed, with everyone curious if La Befana would appear magically again after January 6 to meet such an enthusiastic audience . Students and teachers actively participated, offering their voices, chants, and aspirations hoping to call forth the legendary character. As anticipation built, the story unfolded with excitement and optimism, leading to an enchanting meeting with La Befana ( Jasmin Cicchino from Castelpetroso, Molise region, Italy) herself. 

La Befana responded to a selection of questions from the children, providing the audience with a deeper understanding of her character and sharing a message of love and kindness among them.  

Despite their hectic schedules, Ray Vitiello, the Archdiocesan Regional Superintendent of Northeast/East Bronx Regional, Ms. Roseann Carotenuto, former regional superintendent for the Archdiocese, Mr. Eugene Scanlon, Principal at St. Raymond Elementary School, Ms. Josephine Fanelli, Principal at St. Theresa School, Cav. Josephine Maietta, President of the Association of Italian American Educators, and William Russo, Board member of the Italian Heritage Culture Month Association, attended the show and enjoyed it. 

"We aspire to introduce this new show about La Befana to numerous schools, as it brings together a multitude of values alongside Italian songs and traditions" said Simona Rodano.  

The reaction and interaction of the young audience were nothing short of incredible, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. 

The show skillfully combined arts in education with essential life values, emphasizing kindness and generosity. La Befana's message encouraged children to be good and contribute to making the world a better place. The show left the audience not only entertained but also inspired by the powerful message of love. 

St. Raymond Elementary School's double show for elementary and middle schools provided a day filled with enchantment, leaving students with cherished memories and a reinforced understanding of the importance of spreading goodness in the world. The magic of La Befana lingered long after the curtains closed, creating a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of the young audience.