By Nora Tobey ’24

For Winterlude, I went to New York to see Broadway shows. Carlos, Noa and I formed our little group of three people and walked all over New York. Spending too much money, eating pizza, waiting for the musicals to start, stuffing Playbills into coat pockets. I had almost too much fun. But that was only after I got over the overwhelming fear of being in a big city I’d never been to before. Now I should probably get to the point where I talk about the three shows I went to see. 

First show. SIX was loud, and I loved it so much. I’ve listened to the cast recording multiple times, but that show was made to be seen live. There were a few times that Carlos thought it was a concert and sang along loudly, and I was embarrassed for him. I bought a few souvenirs from the merch stand while Carlos bought almost the entire thing.

Second show. Hadestown was a masterpiece. When we went to see it, it was most of the original cast. I think there were only two or three different people. The set was gorgeous, and the lighting was immaculate. It was so fun to watch, and I loved every second of it. I also got really hooked on the music and I listen to it at least once a day now.

We also went to a panel with some of Mr B’s friends, who were awesome. Some were actors, others were directors or writers, and some had done all three. I learned a lot in that short span of time. For example, separating your worth from your job, doing new things that scare you, embracing insecurities, and accepting failure. Also, a few gags like going on antidepressants sooner and finding other, more stable, things to do. Carlos and I had to leave early because our show started earlier than everyone else’s.    

And the final show, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This was the only one that wasn’t a musical. I had read the book, which is still a play, but it was so much better to see it happen in person. The special effects were absolutely flawless—the lighting, the rippling time travel effect of the stage, the pool that opened up at the front, the dementors flying in your face, and even the illegal picture Carlos took of Delphi’s madness. I could ramble about how it looked forever. Another thing I loved about it, the gay tension between Albus and Scorpius. They aren’t technically gay, but you can just tell.  

And then the bus ride home was great. Noa, Carlos and I took the small van with Ms. Alt, and got to sing show tunes and Disney songs. This is where I learned the surprising fact that I’m more of a theater kid than Carlos. Then, when we stopped, Mr B. drove our bus and sang The Book of Mormon (which is one of my favorite musicals) with Noa and I. Carlos kept asking me if Mormons were okay (because I’m an ex-Mormon). Afterwards, I fell asleep, and the next thing I knew it was 1 A.M. and we were home.   

All in all, I loved going to New York, and missed it the first few days we were back. I would totally go again, and recommend it to anyone interested.