Sparta High School's 'Broadway Night!'

On Wednesday night, Feb. 6, 2019, Sparta High School singers performed various individual and group acts from Broadway plays, for "Broadway Night!" Among the more than 30 individual and group acts were performances from Guys and Dolls, South Paciffic, and a scene from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," which will be this year's Sparta High School Spring Musical.
The musical Willy Wonka will be performed in its entirety on March 1, 2, and 3. Proceeds from "Broadway Night!" will benefit the Mark Inga Memorial Scholarship fund, as well as the Sparta High School Choral program. The majority of students on stage were part of the Choral program, but there were also middle school students performing solo acts. The Choral group has three major concerts, yearly; the Winter Concert, which was Dec. 19, the Spring Concert which will be Wed. May 22, 2019, and there is a cabaret style Broadway show each December.
It's been a particulary active year for the Honors Choir. They sang at the Sparta Education Fund Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, and sang holiday songs on WSUS radio, and also sang at the Lake Mohawk tree lighting. They'll perform at the Faure Requiem at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, May 25, alongside professionals.
"Our co-curricular contemporary a cappella choir, "Shacappella," has also been singing at several events," Choral Director Laura Lopez said.
Lopez is glad students enjoy the performances but she says she's especially impressed in seeing students have the sheer courage it takes to get on the stage for the first time.
"I am moved when I see the students cheering each other on back stage and giving each other encouragement," she said. "Some of the [Broadway Night!] selections were funny, and some were moving to tears. Overall it was a positive night and a great experience for our students."
Sophomore Tessa Gori agrees, but attributes part of the fun to the Choral Director.
"Broadway Night is my favorite night of the school year and we’re all so thankful for Mrs. Lopez’s hard work in putting such an amazing night together," Gori said.
First-year student Dara Levin said, "Broadway Night from the Sparta High School choirs is an amazing fundraiser: It's so much fun to watch and listen, and even more fun to actually sing and perform onstage. You're able to listen to so many talented voices sing songs from your favorite musicals, from The Phantom Of The Opera to Dear Evan Hansen. I highly suggest going and seeing everyone perform the next time it occurs. It's sure to make you smile, sing along, and even laugh."