Academic Update

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Theater for the winter production of Newsies, the Tony-award winning Broadway musical that underscores the power and wisdom of children in the movement for change.

Based on the historic New York City newsboys’ strike of 1899, the musical united a huge cast of ’Wick and GA thespians from all divisions in an ensemble that “took to the streets” for four performances, rocking each and every sell-out crowd — and encouraging all assembled to “seize the day” with an anthem declaring that “wrongs will be righted/if we’re united/Let us seize the day!”

The musical served as an opportunity to return to the big, collaborative pre-pandemic schoolwide productions that were Oklahoma! and The Music Man — with plenty of roles and live opportunities for boys in every division.

“We’re back in Baker and loving being together,” exclaimed theater teacher Seth Potter. “We embraced the fact that we can once again do a large show. Dancing on tables and bringing the Newsies strike to the stage; we love the connection and energy of a live audience!” continued on page 12

▶ UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS from Brunswick’s Blue Notes and the Greenwich High School Band jammed with members of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Preservation Hall Brass Band in a ramblin’ New Orleansstyle parade down Greenwich Avenue in late May.

Hosted by the Greenwich Town Party, the parade ended up at Havemeyer Field for a mouth-watering food truck party and a rockin’ community concert.

’Wick’s Honors Improv Band — including students Jack Rinaldi ’24, Andrew Kiratsous ’23, Jon Sigurdsson ’23, Michael Del Toro ’23, and Riley Gilsenan ’23, along with music teacher Chris Vitarello — were invited to perform at the GTP the next day.

Music teacher Shane Kirsch said the GTP served as an “incredible opportunity” for students to perform on a stage with a professional crew, lights, and backline.

“It really makes them feel like rock stars,” Kirsch said.

Earlier in the spring, the Preservation Hall Brass Band workshopped directly with students in music classrooms throughout the day at the Upper School.