Uppers Take Manhattan (8th Grade)

Nothing beats taking students to see live theater!

I have been a theater kid since I was in first grade, when I was cast as Mother Goose in an original play that my teacher wrote called “Mystery in Mother Goose Land”. I remember the thrill of walking on stage in my costume under the bright lights, the fun of building the sets and rehearsing with my friends and the letdown when it was all over. Since then I have worked on many productions, majored in Performance Studies in college and been able to share my love of theatre with countless students at all of the different schools I have worked at. 

Taking students to see live theater is so important to me. Having the experience of being in a dark theater with strangers, feeling strong or unfamiliar emotions is so powerful. Watching plays and musicals builds empathy and opens us up to new ideas. Seeing productions of material we have read together in school is even more amazing! Seeing Shakespeare come to life in front of us is priceless.

On Wednesday December 4th, the 8th graders (plus Lauren, Josie, and a few lucky parents) boarded a little bus to New York City to see a production of Romeo & Juliet on Broadway! The show starred some big name actors (Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor) and was performed “in the round” at Circle in the Square Theater. The production was set in modern times with a “rave culture” aesthetic. There were lots of sparkly streetwear costumes and giant teddy bears. The balcony scene was played with Juliet on a bed hanging from the ceiling and the dance scene was a proper rave. The show was funny, exciting, sad and very moving. I know I’ll be thinking about it for a long time to come, as will these kiddos. 

Thank you to all of the 8th grade families for organizing and sponsoring this trip. We will continue our study of the play in lit class this winter and draw on our memories of this show.