The Holy Cross Elementary School gym will look more like a barnyard this Saturday with wandering sheep and a bleating chorus.

Kindergarten through fifth-graders don woolly costumes and floppy ears for the school's big spring musical "We Like Sheep," which features Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and his flock, representing people of the world.

"His whole goal is to keep us safe," director Terri Jo Zink said. "Not to be this strong authority over us, but that he's that gentle, good shepherd."

The play follows members of a flock of sheep as they deal with issues regarding relationships and morality. The Good Shepherd, played by congregation member Paul Burger, goes off in search of a lost sheep while the flock deals with all sorts of other issues on its own.

Fifth-grader Savanna Heyer plays Ewenice, the little lamb. Ewenice is always asking questions and trying to fit in with the rest of the flock.

Ewenice gets some help along the way by Woolly, played by fifth-grader Kelsey Stough.

"I'm kind of the one who tells Ewenice about things and protects her from Squeaky and Grimey," Stough said. "I'm kind of the sensitive one."

Students have enjoyed getting the play ready, but it has taken some work. They have been working on the production for months, and recently they have put in daily practices in a final push before the big show.

Zink said she has had a lot of fun putting the play together.

"Working with those kids every day is like going in and immersing yourself in sunshine," she said.

Heyer and Stough have had to learn both the songs and their lines. They said the acting and music were equally fun to be a part of.

"You get to sing a lot," Heyer said. "It's really like playing a game because it's really fun."

Stough likes the camaraderie.

"It's fun just being around my friends," she said. "We've got parts we can learn together."

The most important part of the play, though, is the message. Students found a number of different lessons to take from the story.

Heyer sees it as a guide for Christian action.

"Jesus is a good shepherd, and you should follow him," she said.

Stough said it is a story about acceptance and forgiveness.

"It's to tell people no matter how bad you are, Jesus will still love you no matter what you do," she said.

The show starts at 7 p.m. in the school gym. There is no charge to attend, and students are hoping for a good crowd.

"It has a good message, it's fun and it's really fun to watch," Heyer said.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com