Sure, you could venture to Las Vegas to experience Phish’s legendary Gamehendge saga in 360 at the Sphere, but it would pale in comparison to the palpable, electric joy that permeated throughout the audience after an elementary school cast decided to bring it to life.
A small-town teacher with a big idea
Every year, music teacher Kirk Kubicek, the leader behind this massive project, tries to give his students in the smaller schools throughout the mountains of Colorado something special for their year-end musical production, despite not having access to the same resources as schools in the flatlands.
“They have heart, they have courage, and they deserve every bit as much ambition and opportunity as anyone else,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “Every year I try to give them something bigger, something that asks more of them and leaves them with something they carry forever.”
This year, that meant telling the tale of Colonel Forbin, Icculus, and the Mockingbird, who help the “Lizard” community regain their sacred “Helping Friendly Book,” stolen by the greedy King Wilson. With DIY costumes, cardboard sets, a four-person instrumental backing band, and a passionate teacher orchestrating it all from start to finish.
The result was something spectacular and heartwarming, whether you’re a card-carrying Phishhead/Phan or have never heard any of their songs.
“I wanted to recreate what it feels like to be at a Phish show,” Kubicek told Rolling Stone.
As you can see in the video above, that mission was certainly accomplished.
Not only did Kubicek and his merry band of kindergarten through fifth graders recreate peak Phish vibes, but they also stayed true to the themes presented throughout the album—and arguably throughout all of the band’s work—including community, sharing wisdom, and, most importantly, “surrendering to the flow.”
“This elementary adaptation celebrates those same values: that knowledge shared becomes more powerful, that true importance comes from connection rather than control, and that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is remember to have fun and embrace the vibration of life,” the program reads.
Why Gamehendge means so much to fans
For longtime Phish fans, Gamehendge occupies an almost mythical place in the band’s history. The rock opera originated as guitarist Trey Anastasio’s senior thesis project at Goddard College in the late 1980s and became the foundation for some of the band’s most beloved songs.
Instead of releasing it as a traditional album with widespread radio promotion, Phish allowed the story to evolve through live performances over the years. That helped turn Gamehendge into something fans passed down almost like folklore, with audiences eagerly awaiting rare full performances.
The story itself blends fantasy, humor, and surprisingly heartfelt messages about kindness and knowledge, which, in hindsight, makes it a pretty perfect fit for an elementary school production.
A wholesome, inspiring memory for all
Part of what makes the video so charming is how fully committed the students are to the material. Nobody appears self-conscious. They sing, dance, act, and throw themselves into the wildly imaginative world with complete sincerity, thanks in no small part to the teacher who encouraged them to do so.
That enthusiasm clearly rubbed off on the crowd as well, many of whom can be heard cheering throughout the performance like proud parents witnessing the world’s sweetest jam band concert.
And for online viewers, the performance was a reminder that live music, when performed with passion, still brings people together in the best possible way. For everyone involved, the production became something far more magical than a simple school activity.
Graciously, the full production of Gamehendge was posted on YouTube and is available to view below. Enjoy.
