Actors of “In The Heights” taking a bow after the show.
Where can you get live entertainment with a free dinner? A movie theatre and a simple restaurant are alright, but the real entertainment lies within the Broadway shows that deliver real fun.
With math and advisory teacher Mrs. Niederhoffer, 30 students from 9th to 12th grade attended a school trip on October 28, 2009 to see “In The Heights,” on Broadway and attend a dinner at Planet Hollywood.
“In The Heights” is a play about the slums of modern day Bronx. Constant money struggles and hopeless romances were among the conflicts the characters faced.
The show was packed with hip-hop dancing, rapping, and traditional music.
“The best part of the trip was being in the city with my friends,” said freshmen Sarah Sietz.
The show also presented Latino culture by including the language, accents, music, clothing, flags and even a presentation of their food, quite fitting for students attending a school for international studies.
“The show was fantastic. I felt like I was in Puerto Rico, and it gave me the feeling to get up and just dance,” said junior Radwa Ahmed.
The students were allowed to meet a select few actors after the show, and ask questions and interact with the talented performers.
“My favorite part of the trip was eating at Planet Hollywood and getting to meet some of the actors from the show,” said freshmen Bryce Cammarata.
Twenty-six year old Jon Rua played Usanavi, an average Latino man getting by only with his grocery store until winning the lottery changes his life.
“It’s never too late, even if you haven’t attended school for theater, to become a performer,” said Rua.
It seems that the actors were just as ecstatic about the show as their viewers. When asked by Mrs. Niederhoffer if they felt the youthful energy from the crowd, they answered “yes”.
“If you go to Broadway as students, you will feel comfortable going as an adult. The theater enriches your life because it’s educational and fun,” explained Mrs. Niederhoffer.
Broadway, a professional, extravagant theater, is known for putting on some of the best shows around.
Many students were curious as to how long it takes to prepare for one of these great shows.
Actor Dwayne Clark played Benny, a worker for a car service business, run by the father of a daughter for whom he had fallen in love.
Unaccepted by her family, Benny is turned away. Dwayne had an answer for their question.
“We are required to practice eight hours a week. It’s very stressful,” said Clark.
Dwayne’s original dream was to play in the NBA but was later guided to show business.
“My journey has been crazy, but great. Always follow your dreams, and let no one stop you,” said Clark
Overall, the trip was great. All students who attended had a wonderful time and are looking forward to the next trips to Broadway. taking place on December 12, 2009 and February 17, 2010.
“Whatever you want in life, you have to commit to that path,” said a dancer in the show.
