Original Maplewood School Musical Will Focus On 2020, Pandemic

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — As young thespians around the country find ways to still put on a show amid the coronavirus pandemic, one school has gotten creative, with help from past performers.

The students of Columbia High School in Maplewood will appear in an original musical, streaming each night Thursday through Sunday, called "2020 Hindsight." In the show, "We find CHS theatre students stuck in the pandemic, wishing they could be back on stage — and reminiscing about previous shows performed at CHS," according to the show website.

The school notes that "This project was professionally filmed using covid-safe practices outside, in small groups inside, and virtually. It is sure to warm your heart and help you look forward to happier times. Suitable for all ages."

In order for the students to learn out more about past musicals, they had Zoom meetings with past performers from the school, who had appeared in shows from "Ragtime" to "Annie" to "Cats." Videos are here.

According to a release on TAPInto, the show was written by Peabody Award-winning local writer Jenny Turner Hall, and put together by the musical direction team of Tricia Benn and Bethany Pettigrew, with Jacob C Ezzo providing musical direction.

Who's involved?

You can read their bios and the bios of the student performers by clicking here.

The website notes, "With nearly 200 students participating in the cast, crew, orchestra, or as a helpful volunteer, the CHS Musical is the largest student activity at our school."

An individual ticket is $10 (donated to the theater program) and family tickets are $25. Get more information and tickets by clicking here.

Don't miss Maplewood breaking news alerts when they are announced, or get a free daily morning newsletter with Hoboken news. Sign up with your preferences here.

Got news? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. To be the first to get news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.