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The Park Dale Players will perform the new musical based on the children’s book “Armando and the Blue Tarp School” on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at UCSD. Blue Tarp School (audio MP3)

For more info on the School contact Marilyn K. Simon, resident of Calafia Condos.

Above: "Armando and the Blue Tarp School" is a children's book that will be adapted into a new musical by the Park Dale Players at UCSD.

MAUREEN CAVANAUGH (Host): I’m Maureen Cavanaugh, and you’re listening to These Days on KPBS. As bad as our economy is right now, sometimes it’s also important to remember how prosperous we really are living in the United States. Even during hard times, there are things we take for granted that people don’t have in many parts of the world, for instance, schools with computers and books and desks and walls. Several years ago, a teacher named David Lynch started an unusual school at a dump in Tijuana. He gathered some of that city’s poorest children together on a big blue tarp and started teaching. The story found its way to many news organizations and David Lynch was able to start a foundation to help establish other schools. And, the story of that blue tarp school is now the subject of both a children’s book and a children’s musical. I’d like to welcome my guests. Edith Fine, co-author of the children’s book, “Armando and the Blue Tarp School.” Edith, welcome to These Days.

EDITH FINE (Author): Thanks, Maureen, hi.

CAVANAUGH: And Pat Lydersen is playwright for the musical adaptation of “Armando and the Blue Tarp School,” to be performed by the Park Dale Players, a group of local young actors. Pat, welcome to These Days.

PAT LYDERSEN (Playwright): Thank you.

CAVANAUGH: Now, Edith, if you could, tell us just a little bit more about David Lynch’s Blue Tarp School. When did he start it and how did you hear about it? read more »