This upcoming Tuesday evening, Oct 15 at 6 p.m., Woodbridge High School will be hosting their annual Broadway Night inside cafeteria 129. This event overall is a fundraiser set up by the arts department at WHS in support of the Spring Musical. The idea of Broadway Night rose around 10 years ago, when Mr. Terrell and Mr. Lynch, got inspiration from the latter’s sister at Roxbury High School. Both teachers thought it’d be fun to have alumni come back and sing Broadway songs with current upperclassmen around the piano.
“We turned it into trying to have this kind of cool, jazzy, cabaret in our cafeteria,” Mr. Terrell, teacher and director at Woodbridge High School, stated.
When asked if the fundraiser has been successful towards the Spring Musical, Mr. Terrell informed that the 10 dollar entry fee along with profits from concessions, and the nearly 100 people audience, usually brings in $1000 towards the Spring Musical. Each year this event serves as a highly successful fundraiser by means of money as well as advertisement aimed for the arts department in general.
Conveyed Feeling
Seniors and performers Riley Stevens and Freddie Cruz shared their thoughts and experiences having to do with Broadway Night, expressing what it meant to them.
“Broadway Night is one of my favorite fundraisers of the year and I definitely see myself coming back farther down the line!” Riley Stevens, senior and drama club president stated. “It really showcases the upcoming talent at our school.”
“I do see myself coming back as an alumni in the future!” Freddie Cruz, senior and drama club vice-president stated. “Especially to see the underclassmen an how far they’ve come!”
Mr. Terrell gave insight on the feeling the alumni coming back brings him.
“Oh I adore it, there’s nothing nicer than having former students come back and say how much they appreciate things,” Mr. Terrell stated. “My favorite thing is seeing the older kids talking to our current kids.”
When talking to Mr. Terrell, he mentioned that Broadway Night emulates a certain vibe. The atmosphere supposedly feels calming, jazzy, and overall heartfelt. According to Freddie, the room always feels homey, and Mr. Terrel as well as Mr. Lynch are always successful in making the room comfortable,
With the alumni coming back, feelings are constantly in the air as they sing. Seniors Riley and Freddie shared they would love to come back down the line. Freddie explained her feelings towards this statement.
“This community has been so inviting,” Freddie stated. “Having the opportunity to be able to participate like this and share with them is something I know I’ll take with me for a long time.”
This year, Cece Resto is our featured alumni. This young lady is a professional choreographer who still works in the theater and in some educational settings as well. She will be coming back to sing on Tuesday, Oct 15 at 6 p.m., so if you’re looking to support the WHS Spring Musical, grab 10 dollars and join us at Broadway Night for a wonderful evening!
