For the fourth time since 2010, Ridgefield High School's fine and performing arts students had the opportunity to embark on an exhilarating journey to the heart of artistic inspiration - New York City. Under the guidance of Choir Teacher Bob Meek, this tradition has become a hallmark experience, enriching students' understanding of culture, creativity, and performance. The most recent expedition was no exception. Spanning the week of Spring Break, the trip delivered on its promise of a whirlwind of Broadway spectacles, museum explorations, and immersive city adventures.
Arriving at Portland International Airport in the predawn hours, excitement buzzed among the students as they eagerly anticipated the adventures that awaited them. Boarding their flight bound for JFK Airport, the journey officially commenced, marking the beginning of an unforgettable odyssey.
Upon touchdown in the bustling metropolis of New York, the group checked into the Hilton Garden Inn Central Park South, their home base for the duration of their stay. Fueling up with a delectable dinner provided by Empanada Mama, they wasted no time immersing themselves in the vibrant energy of the city. Their first theatrical escapade took them to New World Stages for a riotous performance of "The Play That Goes Wrong," setting the stage for the week of artistic immersion to come.
“Getting to do the talkback with the actors and the technical crew after ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ was really special,” said RHS 12th grader Megan Hopper. “Seeing the behind-the-scenes action and learning how the performers got to where they are, how they got to Broadway, and hearing about their determination in achieving their dreams was so inspiring.”
The following day dawned with a myriad of cultural explorations, beginning with options to tour iconic landmarks such as Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral. After ascending to new heights atop Rockefeller Center, known as “The Top of the Rock” and the Empire State Building, students marveled at the panoramic vistas stretching across the urban landscape.
Later, amidst the inspiring ambiance of the Museum of Modern Art, the students and their chaperones delved further into the depths of artistic expression, soaking in the creativity of renowned masterpieces.
“The Museum of Modern Art is super tall with a whole bunch of floors,” said 11th grader Kaelynn Yost. “I think we were there for two hours and we only managed to get through about three floors. You could spend an entire week there just on its own going through the different floors and seeing all the exhibits. We had to be careful not to get separated from each other, because it would have taken a while to find each other again!”
As twilight descended upon the city, students were faced with the enviable dilemma of having to choose between some of Broadway's finest offerings. Trip attendees had the option of seeing "Hadestown," "Merrily We Roll Along," or the perennial favorite, "Hamilton." Each performance promised to captivate and enthrall, offering a glimpse into the transcendent power of live theater.
“‘Hadestown’ is my favorite play in the entire world,” said 12th grader Elle Lutz. I also got to see ‘Moulin Rouge’ and got a backstage tour which was super awesome. We got to see the quick change area which is where the costumes are changed. It was super interesting, and it's not how we do it here at our own theater. We also got to see how the sets are flown in. They hang up in the air and then come down which is super cool to see because they’re giant sets. While it wasn’t that similar to our RHS auditorium, I could also see similarities in the way that it functions, and I was like ‘Oh yeah! I’m familiar with this.’”
Midweek brought a kaleidoscope of experiences, from traversing the historic Brooklyn Bridge to savoring the culinary delights of the Dumbo area. Optional activities beckoned, enticing students with the allure of more musical enchantment, NBC Studio tours, and visits to the Metropolitan or Natural History museums. The evening crescendoed with a spellbinding rendition of "Sweeney Todd" at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts of all who bore witness to its macabre brilliance.
“‘Sweeney Todd’ was my favorite,” said 11th grader Adrien Duncan. “The music and the stage production were incredibly impressive.”
The next day saw the students continuing their explorations of the city's eclectic neighborhoods. Students embarked on a sensory journey through the High Line and Chelsea Market, all the while reveling in the rich sights, sounds, and flavors of the city. With the day’s excursion options ranging from touring the Intrepid Museum to the iconic Statue of Liberty, each student charted their own course through the vibrant tapestry of New York's cultural landscape. Amidst poignant reflections at the 9/11 Memorial and tranquil moments in Central Park, students savored the dwindling hours of their New York adventure.
Whether immersing themselves in the pulsating rhythms of Broadway or paying homage to historical landmarks, each moment served as a testament to the transformative power of art and exploration.
“All the shows were so cool just the way the music and the set designs all came together,” said 11th grader Jocelyn Lawrence. “I’m in band and theater doing stage crew, so seeing the sets and hearing the pit orchestras for the Broadway shows was amazing. The amount of moves with sets, you can’t even see it happening. It’s magical. This trip opened my eyes to the possibilities of performing in band and participating in the arts.”
As the sun set on their final day, the echoes of laughter and camaraderie reverberated through the streets of Manhattan. Gathering for a final dinner near Times Square, students reminisced about the myriad memories forged during their sojourn in the city that never sleeps.
With hearts full and minds ablaze with inspiration, the students bid farewell to the concrete jungle, their spirits forever intertwined with the rich and vibrant tapestry of New York City. As they journeyed homeward, they carried with them not only souvenirs and snapshots, but also a profound appreciation for the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream.
As Ridgefield High School's fine and performing arts students prepare to embark on their next adventure to Disneyland in 2026, their New York City escapade stands as a testament to the enduring power of artistic exploration and the indelible impact of shared experiences. Trip attendees not only witnessed the magic of Broadway, but have also embraced the essence of creativity, camaraderie, and cultural enrichment.