Middle Township HS Plans Virtual Performing Arts Winter Showcase

Despite a temporary return to all-virtual learning and restrictions on gathering sizes, the show will go on this winter for Middle Township High School.

The annual Performing Arts Winter Showcase is a beloved tradition that features dancing, singing, and playing music to time-honored holiday favorites. The high school has spared the event from cancellation this year by switching to a virtual format.

The recorded showcase will be streamed on the high school’s Facebook page on Monday, Dec. 21, beginning at 6 p.m. The online format makes the holiday show available to a wider audience.

Teachers Morgan Tridente, Deborah Dalfonso, and Adam Nuzzi spearheaded the production, which will include entertainment from members of the Vocal Academy, the school band, and the Dance Academy.

"Morgan, Adam, and Debby are amazing professionals and creative thinkers,” said Principal George West. “Their ability to get student buy-in and produce a holiday virtual show is nothing short of amazing. I love their ability to continue to seek normalcy for our students and find different ways for our students to shine. When it’s all said and done, our students will rise to the occasion and impress, like they always do.”

Students from the Voice Academy selected and rehearsed songs, created holiday settings and recorded their performances last week. “I’m excited about the broad range of songs and the diverse group of students represented,” said Dalfonso, the Vocal Academy lead. “It’s just the thing to put you in the holiday spirit. While we miss the traditional concert, it was fun to try our hand at something different that showcases some of our most talented students’ unique gifts!”

The Dance Academy students worked tirelessly to create a range of group and solo performances. Some of the pieces celebrate holiday memories, and others feature winter classics such as “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.”

“This time of year, we celebrate our loved ones and remember and cherish the moments we’ve had together,” said Tridente, the Dance Academy lead. “While we miss the thrill of our live show, we are still excited to bring everyone this showcase and display the students’ amazing efforts and tremendous talents!”

The Dance Academy has 70 performers and numbers will include:

1. “Walking in a Winter Wonderland"/“Here Comes Santa Claus” by Anna Kendrick & Snoop Dogg
2. “Merry Christmas, Darling” by Christina Perri
3. “My Only Wish” by Britney Spears
4. “Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift
5. “This Time of Year” by Rhys Lewis

The school’s 30-member band has adapted to all of the changes this year, finding new ways to create and share music. Each student will have a featured moment performing from home, and a few students volunteered to play some of their favorite tunes to round out this year's selection.

“Last year, we started a tradition of playing ‘Sleigh Ride’ at the end of every winter concert. This year, we intend to keep that tradition alive in a new way,” said band leader Nuzzi. “While nothing beats the excitement of playing for a live audience, we look forward to this new approach to spreading holiday cheer.”

Visit the event page on Facebook, and sign up to get a notification when the event begins.