Freshmen here at NDA are stepping under the lights to be a part of this year’s musical and learn a little more about the high school experience.
This year’s show, The Wizard of Oz under the direction of Mrs. Andrea Gilson, NDA English teacher, takes the stage Thursday, January 22, at 7 p.m..
“We are so lucky to have a strong group of freshmen this year. They are very talented and dedicated to the program,” said Gilson, who has been directing the musicals at NDA for ten years.
“The whole cast is very supportive, and we put in so much time and effort to make the show happen,” said Sophia Aicher, a freshman member of the cast.
Aicher is one of the dancers in the musical; before coming to Notre Dame Academy she had participated in many of the dance and theater programs offered by the school.
Another freshman member of the cast is David Gelb, who is a part of the ensemble.
Gelb plays the roles of a munchkin, a polisher, and a wrinkle general.
This year will actually be his second time participating in an NDA musical. In the 8th grade, he was asked to play Fletcher in Freaky Friday.
“This is one of the coolest things I’ve had the opportunity to do,” said Gelb.
Gelb also mentioned how supportive the upperclassmen are in encouraging the younger cast members and helping everyone feel included..
“That is so important, especially to freshmen like me, so we keep coming back to the musical each year,’ said Gelb.
When entering performance week, Gelb described the cast as being like a family, which is brought closer due to the amount of time they spend together.
Abigail Belongia, another dancer, also shared how uplifting and inspiring the upperclassmen have been while preparing for the musical.
“They never make me feel lower than them or less skilled,” said Belongia.
Abigail’s older brother, senior Mitchell Belongia, was in recent musicals, so she feared she would be seen as his less skilled younger sister, but that has never been the case.
Mrs. Gilson and Mrs. Arielle Browne, who choreographs the dances and works with the dancers, have been inspiring. Abigail appreciates how welcoming they have been on her journey.
