School Features Article(s):

You are welcomed by Mr. Zambito to your seat as you await a symphony of dancing, singing, and even an appearance from the NUHS Cheer team. The title ‘International’ is intentional, because you’ll feel like you went all over the place. From rock music, to kpop, to vocaloid, all the way to a culminating performance of the well-renowned song “Creep” by Radiohead, the audience went on a music rollercoaster. In just one night, the audience feasted their eyes upon a jaw-dropping and dynamic show.

Behind the curtain, performers, backstage crew, hosts, and artists worked tirelessly to bring joy to the audience. In this article, I will share the perspective of people who participated in making the show come to life. 

Nikolett Horvath (performer), Christopher Maldonado (performer), Ereeny Hana (backstage member) and Safa Hewidy (backstage member) were asked a series of questions, mainly about the show itself, as well as how they feel about theater arts as a whole.

1.) What were issues that occurred during the production of the show? How could it have been fixed?

Nikolett: During my performance this year, the spotlight suddenly turned off in the middle of the show and I don't know what could've happened.

Christopher: Audio seemed a bit off. I really wish they turned up the music a bit, honestly I couldn't hear myself much.

Safa: One of the issues that occurred that led to even more issues was lack of attendance. This would eventually lead us to rushing everything in the last three days. It made the environment become chaotic.

Ereeny: Some issues that occurred is that I wasn’t that organized and felt like really messy

2.) Where did you find your love for stage tech/performance?

Nikolett: I got into performance since I was in 3rd grade and I still have a strong love for music to this day.

Christopher: Well, since I was a kid I was HORRIBLE at singing. It wasn't until I was 11-12 I started to love music as a whole. Piano, Guitar, SINGING, it all felt so right for me.

Safa: I found it in the international show! I wanted to try something new out and I found a love for the arts of theater.

Ereeny: I wanted to help out with the stage and I was really interested in theater so it inspired me to.

3.)  Did participating in the International Show help you further develop your passion for stage tech/performance?

Nikolett: Yes, it did.

Christopher: Yes, because it gave me the confidence I needed than I already had to do further shows in the future.

Safa: Yes! I plan to participate in the next international show and help out with the Mamma Mia production.

Ereeny: I feel like it enhanced it slightly because of all the performances and it made me inspired.

4.)  If you were to participate in the International Show again, what would you change? Would you swap roles? (eg. if you're a performer, you would become apart of stage tech)

Nikolett: I would love to just stay as a performer.

Christopher: As much as I would love to, I'm not really into sound/stage crew, as I like to play/sing on the stage.

Safa: I think next year I will try out for a host instead of being backstage.

Ereeny: I wouldn’t because I love working backstage. It makes a huge impact but behind the stage.

5.)  Are you going to continue performing/stage tech in future performances in New Utrecht? 

Nikolett: Yes, I will continue doing future performances in New Utrecht.

Christopher: Depends, in the future once I graduate I could come back to perform once. Would be really nice, and it would lowkey be lit doing it with a band.

Safa: Of course, I hope to be able to help out with most of our upcoming shows we have at New Utrecht.

Ereeny: Yes

6.)  Are you interested in pursuing stage tech or theater outside of New Utrecht? 

Nikolett: Yes, I am interested in mostly performing for the international show outside of New Utrecht.

Christopher: No, I'm pursuing law here at John Jays College of Criminal Justice, But I would like to maybe act in theater as a hobby. It wouldn't be too bad.

Safa: I don't think it will be my main passion, but I don't see why I won't participate in future shows!

Ereeny: No

There we have it, folks! First-hand experience from those who stayed for hours after-school up until the fateful day of singing, instruments, dancing, and a shared sensation of cheer and togetherness. Make sure you grab tickets for other upcoming performances at New Utrecht!