The Arts in Review: Winter & Spring

The winter and spring seasons proved rife with triumphs and firsts for the Hopkins Arts Department, as the Drama and Music programs explored all that the new Academic and Performing Arts Center (APAC) could do to elevate their projects. The visual arts program also excelled in providing engaging showcases of student art exploration.

Following a successful collection of dramatic productions in Term 1, the Hopkins Drama Association (HDA) was ready to hit the ground running as soon as APAC opened its doors on January 21, 2025. 

The first production staged in the new theater from February 27 to March 3 was the musical Cabaret, directed by Hope Hartup. The ensemble cast of student actors delivered a stunning portrayal of glamor and darkness in this provocative production that explored the rise of fascism in 1930s Berlin. Standout performances were enhanced by the professional backdrop, sound, and lighting of the School’s new theater.

Watch a behind the scenes look at the lead up to the first production in APAC, featuring interviews with the cast and crew of Cabaret in the Views Online edition below. 

The HDA’s next offering was The 39 Steps, a high-energy comedic whodunit staged from April 24 to 26, also directed by Hartup. Adapted from the Alfred Hitchcock film, this fast-paced stage version offered a delightful mix of mystery and comedy, blending the intrigue of a classic thriller with the absurdity of Monty Python–style humor. The cast of 22 student actors showcased versatility, playing multiple roles with the help of rapid costume changes, physical comedy, and clever timing. 

The final production of the year was the Junior School Players production of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. The School’s youngest actors, directed by drama instructor Mike Calderone, transported the audience to the land of Narnia with powerful performances and imaginative staging. The show utilized all that the APAC theater had to offer, including a choreographed battle scene held in the audience, which included music and strobe lights. 

This season of productions also came with critical acclaim, as HDA’s performances of Cabaret and The Tempest were nominated for 12 HALO Awards by the Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury. At an awards celebration in May, HDA was awarded three wins: Best Performance in a Supporting Female Role in a Play for Anjali V. ’27 as Miranda in The Tempest; Best Performance in a Leading Male Role in a Classical Musical for Alexander C. ’27 as Emcee in Cabaret; and Best Sound Design and/or Execution for Julius C. ’27 & Arjun P. ’28 for Cabaret.

The Music Department presented three spring concerts in the new APAC Theater, a homecoming for student musicians who performed on their own stage for the first time, after participating in performances in downtown New Haven venues in recent years.

A choir concert was held on the evening of April 29. Under the direction of Choir Director Erika Schroth, the Concert Choir, Treble Choir, Jazz Choir, and the 7th and 8th Grade Vocal Arts classes each showcased their talents for the packed audience. The repertoire included a wide variety of music, ranging from traditional choral arrangements to more modern offerings from artists like Bruno Mars, Joni Mitchell, and Stevie Wonder.  

On May 1, the Hopkins Orchestra and Ensemble 1660 presented an evening of traditional orchestral music, directed by Arts Director Robert Smith. The two groups performed a selection of works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Corelli, and Elgar. On May 2, the Hopkins Bands presented an evening of jazz, contemporary, and classical music, directed by Music Instructor Erik Elligers. The audience enjoyed music from the Concert Band, Jazz Band, H Bop, and the 7th and 8th Grade Instrumental Ensembles. 

The Jazz Band had several opportunities to compete at festivals throughout the spring, including the UConn Jazz Festival in February, the U.S. Coast Guard Jazz Festival in April, and the Greenwich Essentially Ellington Festival in May. As the school year drew to a close, the Jazz Band and Concert Band participated in the Music in the Parks Festival at Lake Compounce in Bristol, CT. Both ensembles earned Superior Ratings, the highest possible rating, and placed first in their respective divisions. 

The Visual Arts program continued to showcase the talent, ingenuity, and creativity of its students in the Keator Gallery during the winter-spring seasons.

The annual Black History Month Exhibition opened in February. Organized by the Black Student Union and the Office of Equity and Community, the show featured work from Hopkins student Brock B. ’27 and local artists Kwadwo Adae, Jean Benoit, Marquis Brantley, Shaunda Holloway, Iyaba Ibo Mandigo, Clara Nartey, Jasmine Nikole, and Jamaal Peterman. 

Term II offered a wide range of pop-up shows in the Keator Gallery. Exhibitions included a sustainable art show during Earth Week, a Studio Art III showcase, a Digital Photography class ‘Pho Sho,’ and Term II art students’ artwork for their term.

 

The future of the Arts at Hopkins is sure to be bright, with the next season of drama, music, and visual arts planned for the 2025–2026 school year. Stay tuned for more arts news from APAC and beyond!