SIX in the City

By KAYLA JACKSON

It was all so electrifying. From the buzz of the city, to the energy of the performance, and reflecting on the memories made with friends, this trip was truly something magical.

On Thursday April 3rd, members of the WHS Student Coalition and Masque and Mime Society boarded a bus, teeming with excitement as they embarked on their annual trip to New York City. This trip included a stop at Gossip Irish Bar & Restaurant in the heart of Hell's Kitchen before making the journey to the marquee of whatever Broadway hit was on this year's itinerary.

This year, while at Gossip, the students gathered into groups with their friends chatting about anything and everything while taking in the Irish-American culture sprinkled throughout the restaurant. There were seniors sitting together and discussing their futures, juniors reflecting on their own performances from this year's school play, and sophomores and freshmen beaming as they couldn’t believe they were on their first of many Student Coalition New York City trips.

As the group wrapped up at Gossip, the energy began to rise. Everyone was incredibly ready and excited to see the show after over four months of planning the day.

The eight minute walk to the theater seemed to take an eternity with the amount of people the chaperones had to keep together. 35 people, 29 of them students, all walking the busy streets and crosswalks of New York City, was a crazy idea, but Ms. McNally and Mrs. Krogslund had it down to a science after doing it for so many years.

As they approached the marquee everyone reached for their phones. They wanted the iconic picture in front of Lena Horne Theater. The sign glowing in bold letters read, “SIX, The Global Sensation Now On Broadway” in royal purple, white and gold, proudly shining for all to see.

SIX tells the story of the six wives of Henry VIII, reimagined as pop stars. Each queen gets her moment to shine, sharing her story through powerful songs and clever lyrics. The music was catchy and emotional, with members of the Masque and Mime Society being unafraid to show their emotions. “I want to be on that stage one day” was thought running through their heads.

The costumes were stunning, and the cast had so much energy that the whole theater was on its feet by the end. The most impressive part of the show had to be the balance between humor and heartbreak while giving a voice to women who were often only remembered as part of someone else’s story.

At the end of the show, the cast came and made an announcement that is also a yearly occurrence during the New York City trip. It seems as though every year, no matter the show, it just so happens that the Student Coalition chooses a show in which some of the profits support the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS non-profit organization.

The organization is described as the “philanthropic heart of Broadway” and gives support to people affected by HIV/AIDS, Covid-19 and other life-threatening illnesses, through money raised by ticket sales and the sale of specialized merchandise.

At Six the specialized merch was a $60 program signed by the entire cast of the show including their swings, one of which was featured in the show the night the club attended. One senior on the trip asked, “Would it be crazy if I said I wanted that program?” Yes, Jack, you would be crazy.

As the curtain fell and the group made their way back to the bus, there was a shared feeling of awe, gratitude, and inspiration. The WHS Student Coalition’s annual NYC trip had once again delivered an unforgettable experience creating more memories for more students every year. Whether it was a student dreaming of their name in lights, laughing over dinner with friends, or simply soaking in the rhythm of the city, this journey was more than just a field trip, it was a spark. A spark that, for many, will fuel their love for theater and the arts for years to come.