The Early Stages Blog

"From the moment we walked in we were all amazed. The music and the dancing were out of control and I enjoyed every second of "In the Heights." I felt like my friends and I could all relate to the characters that were in the play and truly enjoyed it." 

-Carlton, P256

"Yes!Yes!Yes! is all I have to say about this show. "In the Heights" was such an amazing play that I would recommend it to anyone, young or old. It was such a wonderful experience and you could tell that the actors really put their hearts into each of the characters. Everything about this play reminded me of being younger and living in the Bronx. The people, the music and the atmosphere were exactly the same. All my expectations were exceeded by the end of the show. I would love to go back and see "In the Heights" again!"   

-Juan, P256

"The show was amazing and once the music started I was hooked. I was a little confused in the beginning because they were speaking Spanish but once the singing and dancing started it was easy for even the people in the audience who didnt speak the language to understand. My favorite part was when Sonny used the money to rebuild the store, it showed how people can rise above and better themselves. The show reminds me of the time I spent living in a small spanish community in Boston, it was full of life and music just how Washington Heights was portrayed in the play. I would definitely recommend this play to others because of the amazing acting, art work and rhymes. From the moment you walked in you felt an intense energy that stayed with you long after the show was finished."

 -Jerome, P256

"This play really stuck with me. Overall the play was amazing, I loved the dancing the most and my favorite character was Nina. I would recommend this play to anyone who wants to see a show that they can relate to."   

-Gregory, P256

"This was my first time at the theater and it was absolultely amazing. I could see and feel everything going on up on the stage. The show was a ball, I've never seen something so spectacular. My favorite part of the show was when they were singing with their countries' flags; it made me proud of my own country. The show reminded me of my own culture and the streets I grew up in. The one thing I took away from the show is that anyone can make it, never become a quitter. I would definitely recommend it to friends and family either old or young. Kids and adults could learn something really great about life and their culture."   

-Richard, P256

"I knew a little bit about the storlyine before coming to see the play, but between the singing,dancing and acting it completely blew me away. I think the reason why we all enjoyed it so much was because of how my classmates and I could relate to the characters and music. It showed us all how if you really want something all you need to do is work hard and you will get it. I would recommend "In The Heights" to everyone I know because the play had such an amazing energy level and carried such a great storyline. It kept us on our feet at all times!"

-Devon, P256

"Before coming to the theater I did not know much about this play. I was hoping it would be funny and it definitely was. The music was amazing and even though the play takes place in Washington Heights everything reminded me of my old block back in the Bronx. The most memorable scene for me was when the Rosarios were trying to sell the store so that their daughter could continue her education at Stanford because they believe that this is her way out of the neighborhood so she can have a better life. I would recommend this play to my friends and family because of how great of a performance it was."

-Chris, P256

"When I was told I was going I was going to a Broadway show the first thing I thought of was just an act to be performed.  I haven't ever been at a Broadway show, it was my first time attending, and it was a really good experience.  A group of kids and I went to the city with two adults and ended up seeing a teacher I knew.  We all went in and I was amazed at how everything looked.  When I got to my seat I was really excited, I saw tons of people pile in their seats and got ready for the show.  I noticed the performers need to be good in multiple things, like singing, dancing, acting, and not just performing.  The show was just the beginning of many shows I would start to go to.  The women were gorgeous and great dancers.  Their singing blew me away!  These performers had amazing talent and I would advise for anyone to at least go to a Broadway show one time in your life time and see how amzing it can be."

 -Oscar P256

Students from Eleanor Roosevelt HS Respond to "Piano/Pianists"

"Recently my music theory class and I went to Lincoln Center to watch five of the most well known pianists in the world perform a variety of classical pieces of music.  It was the first time that I attended a piano recital of this kind. I noticed that each Pianist had a different style and when they played, they really showed their passion for music. I'm starting to be more aware of the importance of the Arts in our culture."

Camilo

"I found the event to be absolutely spectacular. I got to see some of the best pianists in the world play some very complex classical pieces and what was even more interesting was that pieces were played in either the "four hands" approach (two people playing on the same piano) or in the "two pianos" approach. 

This concert relates to my own life in that I take an AP Music Theory class.  This recital helped me to better understand how all these concepts are actually put into practice.  I am personally a drummer, but obviously I have interests in other instruments and musical orientations."

Ilir

"This was my first time at a piano concert.  That atmosphere there, and the atmosphere at other concerts I've been to, is contrastingly different.  It was also my first time attending a show at Lincoln Center.  I was impressed visually with the architecture of the buildings.  I felt relaxed and excited at the same time; excited to hear world-famous musicians and relaxed by the beautiful music.  The pianists played in such grace together, either sharing one piano or on two adjacent pianos.  At the end of the show, I thought, maybe one day I can play music as elegantly as them."

Melody

"I loved the use of two pianos.  Not only were the pianists unique, the duets played were different and memorable.  Whether it was Mozart's Sonata in C or Maurice Ravel's La Valse, the audience was never bored and truly never knew what to expect.  No matter where you sat in the hall, the sound was great and the feel of the pieces were portrayed in a beautiful arrangement.  I enjoyed seeing the pianists switch partners, and each pair brought something new to their performance."

Devorah

"I loved the concert.  The music struck me with the emotion put into it, and it was a welcome relief from everyday life.  I especially loved the Revel waltz because of its emotional intensity and grand waltz feel.  I play piano and that piece inspired me to want to learn its arrangement for one piano.  The other pieces were also fantastic, especially the Rachmaninov.  I enjoyed everything about this concert, including the acoustics of the space, the pianos, and the players."

Ryan

"I have never been to a concert in which there is only one instrument.  The sound was clear.  I liked when there was one piano with two pianists because it sounded like a battle from the way each person played (dynamist, pitch, tempo, etc).  I liked when the piece played would build up from being soft and low to dramatic and loud.  The changes in each piece of music kept the music interesting, and I never knew what was going to be played next.

I also like the pieces when there were two pianos.  There was a different feeling for me when a piece was played with one piano than when a piece used two pianos.  Music pieces with two pianos allowed me to pay attention to both pianists better because they were separated.  When I listened to the two piano pieces it made it easier for me to get a sense of each pianist.  Some pianists were quiet while others were loud, and made sure to make an impact based on the way they moved while playing. The concert was a great experience and I hope to go again someday."

Molly

It was the first Broadway show I've ever seen. I felt like I could really relate to Elphaba in a lot of instances, like how she felt constrained by societal stereotypes and norms. The play was fantastic and has made a theater lover out of me.

-Fei, Stuyvesant High School

The show was riveting. Sitting in that chair, watching this show makes me want to follow this career path even more. And I am realizing that daring to go beyond can get me there.

 -Taina-Fe, James Baldwin School

My first Broadway experience was phenomenal and I can't wait to be able to see more of them. I have always deemed Broadway shows as shows for the artsy people, something I am not. But going to see Wicked really changed my perception. Because of this musical, I am really excited to go on more trips and have even included Broadway shows on my list of "Things To Do" with friends.

-Dionicio, Stuyvesant High School

I expected the show to be like a fairy tale story. The show turned out to be different than what I expected. It protrayed the life of adolescents now. It showed what it means to be the popular girl in school and what it is like to be different than anyone else, inside and out.

-Altagracia, Lower East Side Prep

This show reminded me a lot about my childhood. As the oldest child, I had to take care of my little siblings, just like Elphaba had to look after her sister.
-Luo, Lower East Side Prep

I think that what I took from this performance was that you shouldn't judge anybody based on what they look like or what kind of shape or size they are, because you never really know who is bad and who is good.

-Nicolle, Coalition School for Social Change

Wicked was absolutely AMAZING. The way Elphaba had to go through so much turmoil reminded me of the real world and how certain people are not accepted right away based on their outlook. From this show, I now know the real story behind the Wizard of Oz and have learned to see things from all perspectives before reaching a decision.

-Darren, Stuyvesant High School

        Recently I had the opportunity to see West Side Story. 

            Where I am from, gang violence and its effects are nothing new so to see it again on stage, it's just a little reminder of the things that nobody wants to talk about or relive.  The way the characters expressed their emotions when someone died was very realistic, to the point where you almost feel what they are feeling. One of the things I didn't agree with was how fast Maria forgave Tony for killing her brother, but I guess that she must have loved him that much.

                Tony and Maria had found an escape from the outside world when they were with each other. Though it ended badly; their love was strong up to that point. I hope I can feel that way about a girl in the future.

            I honestly thought that I wasn't going to like the show because I never liked musicals. When I saw the show, I ended up loving it. Its way of telling a story about the effects of gang violence, the experience of coming to America and the love of two people made me understand why West Side Story is considered a classic.

Nico, GED + Stanley Isaacs Center

My first experience of Broadway was breathtaking. I went to see the play West Side Story. The play told a story about love, prejudice and violence which was what affected everybody in this play in some way.

I personally have experienced prejudice. I have been called a spic and other very offensive and vulgar names and all this because I am Latina. This is a very sad situation because I don't see the need for all this hatred. At the end of the day, we are all the same in different variety of colors, shapes, sizes and some speaking different languages. This is a never-ending problem because of people's ignorance.

There was something that I didn't really agree with in this play. That was how Maria forgave Tony so fast after killing her brother. Being the other way around, that Bernardo would have killed Tony, I'm pretty sure that Maria would have not forgiven him that instant.

Everything turned out the way I expected and more. My first time on Broadway was the greatest ... I actually loved this play and the fact that I can relate to it in many ways. This was an unforgettable experience.

Matt Cavenaugh, Broadway performer and Early Stages Advisory Council member, arranged for  20 Early Stages students to attend a performance of West Side Story followed by a talk back in the Green Room with Matt Cavenaugh (Tony), Josefina Scaglione (Maria), Karen Olivo (Anita), George Akram (Bernardo), Curtis Holbrook (Action), and Tro Shaw (Anybodys). 

Most of the students who attended the performance did not know the plot of West Side Story and for some it was their first experience at a Broadway show but the depth of the students questions and insights clearly showed how deeply connected they felt to the performance .

"The show brought up so many things about who to love, how to live, and how to find a sense of identity in the world." Said Katherine, Coalition High School. 

"The way you portray love is powerful," Gloria of University Heights High School, said to actor Josefina,  "Even though Maria should have been in sorrow for her brother, she was still being pulled by her love for Tony.  Was this because she was not using her head, she was just feeling?"

Josefina responded, "Exactly.  That is what it is for her.  She is not thinking and sometimes the best things come from just feeling and reacting."

Keith of University Heights High School questioned George (Bernardo), "How do you feel being the leader ? Like everyone has to follow your kick-flip?"

 "I love it.  He responded " It's nice to have that feeling of everyone having your back, but it's also about me taking on the responsibility.  Since I also feel that I am representing all Latinos in the show,  it puts me in a position to feel stronger in the role." 

Another student asked Karen (Anita), "How did you compose yourself after the attack scene?  It must have been hard, but you came off strong in the end, like a strong Latina."

"Yes," said Karen, "She (Anita) has just lost the love of her life and the one person left that she loves the most on earth has asked one thing of her.  Her mission is to do this one thing for Maria, but things go a little haywire.  Every character (in this show) is pushed to do something they didn't think they could."

As the conversation continued, the group addressed gang violence, racial prejudices, and the differences and similarities in society from when the original production debuted (1957) and today.  As the night drew to a close, Janita from University Heights High School asked the actors, "Have you learned lessons or things from being in the show that have helped you in your own lives?"

Matt (Tony) answered, "As an actor, I try not to think in absolute right or wrongs.  In the theater, there is no right or wrong, but simply a better choice.  I always try to make a positive choice on stage.  That same principle can be applied to life."

Thank you Matt Cavenaugh  for making this wonderful event possible, and thank you to all the actors, students & teachers for sharing your experiences and insights and for making the night so memorable!

You can find more information about Matt Cavenaugh, who in addition to West Side Story has starred in A Catered Affair, Grey Gardens, and Urban Cowboy at The Internet Broadway Database.  To learn more about West Side Story, or to purchase tickets, visit the official website.

Every month, students from schools all over New York City are going to amazing performances as part of the Early Stages Live Theater program. We hope to inspire you to join us here on the blog and share your feedback, thoughts and experiences at the theater.

Check back every week for Early Stages updates and join the conversation with teaching artists, students, teachers and young people who are discovering the performing arts.

So visit often, and comment away.... we want to hear from you!

                  Last month, my fellow peers and I were invited to see a show called MEMPHIS.  It was based on segregation events in the 1950's between black and white people.  The main characters in the play were a white young man by the name of Huey, and a beautiful black woman by the name of Felicia.

                  In the play, there was a scene that I didn't like at all. It was when Huey and Felicia were walking in the park together, and a group of white males walked in on them. They started to harass them and beat them into a pulp. Because of this conflict, Felicia can't have any kids. The reason why they were beat up was because they were different colors. When I saw that part, it reminded me when my friends and I were walking in the park one night and a group of 15 black males approached us and started to beat us up for no apparent reason. I was so aggravated that night because there was nothing we could do about the situation because we didn't know who they were.                 

              I really understood what Huey and Felicia went through in the story because of my experience with the prejudiced moment that my friends and I had. I say it was a prejudiced moment for me because I have experienced fights with black males for the simple reason that I am a Latino person. When I went to the cafeteria in school, we always were separated from the blacks. They had half the cafeteria to themselves and so did we. When school was over, we had to stay united, because they would be grouped up waiting for us out side and seeking the moment to attack us. That's why police officers used to surround the school and trains because of the conflict that always occurred after or during school time.

                    In conclusion, the play taught me not to judge any one for their race or who they were. The play taught this to me by showing what sort of problems that blacks went through, without doing anything wrong. By seeing it from a third person point of view, it seemed very shallow how the whites treated the blacks.

                    I recommend this show because it is a part of history we people should know about, so we could see how some people suffer in the world and how the human spirit could still survive.

Johanny, Stanley Isaacs Center, GED +

Nico from GED Plus @ Stanley Isaacs said,   "I thought the show was a great experience and something out of the ordinary for me. Leaving the building, I felt like I learned a little more about the impacts of a choice, the realities of life and most of all, the value of friendship. I recommend this play with hopes that the next person will get what I got out of this experience."

This production gave Nico a deeper perspective on his own life, and all the students were captivated by the show!