The cast and crew of the musical “James and the Giant Peach” were able to join the Rachel Carson drama department on their field trip to New York City on April 12, due to eight open slots that were available for members of the musical as of March 26.
Only 50 students were able to attend the field trip to New York City, according to Francesca Neves, 13, on the Champions team.
She said, “I think that because of the limited number of kids, it won’t be too chaotic, and we can still enjoy the field trip as a group rather than as individuals.”
Five teacher chaperones were able to attend the field trip as well. There were no parent chaperones on the trip.
Mr. Mic Harmon, Rachel Carson’s drama teacher, said he saw the presence of teacher chaperones as a relief.
“I have teacher chaperones, which makes me feel a lot more comfortable,” said Mr. Harmon.
Online payments on MySchoolBucks began on March 3 at 8 a.m. for eighth-graders, and March 5 at 8 a.m. for seventh-graders. The cost of $295 was non-refundable.
A charter bus took the participants on the field trip to New York City at 5:15 a.m. on April 12.
Elliot Weiss, 13, on the Dolphins team, plays James in “James and the Giant Peach”. He said he was looking forward to a workshop with Broadway professionals the most.
“I think interacting with the Broadway professionals would go well,” Elliot said. “The ‘James and the Giant Peach’ cast and crew would be able to connect well with the Broadway actors, since we have experience in theater.”
Mr. Harmon said he is also excited about the workshop.
“We are so lucky to have such an opportunity,” he said.
Kat Aten, an eighth-grader on the Dolphins team, said she was looking forward to the matinee performance of Disney’s Aladdin that the field trip participants saw shortly after their workshop.
“I’ve seen other Broadway shows, and I know the sets, choreography and costumes are always phenomenal,” Kat said.
Some students, like Francesca, had some concerns about the shopping in Times Square.
“People might get a little out of hand,” Francesca said.
Kat has the same concerns.
“There will be a lot of people attending the trip,” she said. “It’s going to be a long day so a lot of people will be tired and overwhelmed. I’m hoping that everything goes okay.”
