Adventures in New York City

By Randyll Wendl, Editor

The Chamber Choir and Thespian Club members recently returned from an eventful trip to New York City. After surviving 30-degree weather with mild snowfall, seeing Broadway musicals, participating in workshops led by professional Broadway actors, reaching the top of the Empire State Building, getting lost in Time Square, exploring the fast streets in the Big City, and watching the choir compete and perform with the top choirs in the nation, everyone came home completely satisfied.

After taking home the first place gold trophy in last year’s competition in New Orleans, the Chamber Choir was invited to compete this year in the Heritage Festival of Gold, a very prestigious event held at the Riverside Cathedral in New York. Although they were not chosen as one of eight choirs to perform at the final ceremony, El Segundo was honored to have such an unforgettable experience. Choral Director Gary Fritzen feels proud of the choir’s achievements and said, “It was amazing to see all the talent the different choirs shared, which makes our choir feel incredibly privileged, and we will work hard next year to remain part of their club. ”

The group was lucky enough to set their paws on tickets at the Shubert Theatre for Broadway’s GYPSY, starring the one and only Bernadette Peters. This was a delight for some of the drama students on the trip who are currently in rehearsal for the high school’s production of GYPSY, which opens May 21. Hannah Hepworth who will portray the role of Dainty June describes GYPSY as, “an emotional musical that causes the audience to cry one minute and laugh the next. Based on a true story, you feel all the emotions the actors are portraying in the musical.” In addition, the drama students also saw the new musical Thoroughly Modern Millie and found it absolutely thrilling. Some students even got their programs signed by Susan Egan who stars in the musical.

Before departing the grand city, the group took the subway to Columbus Avenue and W 68^th Street to give their respects at Ground Zero. There the choir sang Gaelic Blessing in remembrance of America’s fallen heroes and viewed the construction of the World Trade Center in progress. Some students found the visit to be an eye opening experience, since it was in the very place that broke America’s heart eighteen months prior. Junior James Nelson recalls, “Being at Ground Zero really touched me. You can really feel the impact this attack had on the New Yorkers.” In Battery Park a memorial remains, where students viewed an eternal flame and The Sphere, which once stood between the twin towers, damaged from the attacks.

After the adventures that took place in New York City, Thespian Club already plans on going to London next spring to fulfill theatrical desires. Choir will compete in the Heritage Festivals once again in hopes to makes finals for a second time.