This past February, the sophomore class spent their community day in New York City, watching The Great Gatsby come to life on the Broadway stage. The musical is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic American novel, The Great Gatsby, which has become a staple of the 10th-grade curriculum. A timeless novel that vividly encapsulates the Roaring 20s, and never fails to grab students’ attention both on the page and the stage.

The Broadway show was filled with drama, talented singers, and stunning visuals. Sophomore Zara Shakoor remarked that the actors especially stood out to her: “They were all so talented, and stayed consistent to their portrayal.” She noted that while the plot differed from the novel, the characters’ dynamics kept the show engaging.

The teachers chaperoning the trip also expressed their admiration towards the show. Choral Director Edgar Mariano exclaimed, “I was struck by the amazing voices of Jeremy Jordan and Eva Nobledaza, as I’m a huge fan of both artists!” Being a Broadway fanatic himself, he was impressed by the “large and intricate” set pieces that brought the production together.
Beyond the performance itself, the trip was a fundamental part of the sophomore year experience. Students and teachers were able to connect with one another outside the classroom while enjoying lunch at Junior’s, a restaurant chain well known for their NYC style cheesecakes. Many students exclaimed that the feeling of walking through the bustling city streets heightened the energy, while the shared excitement made the experience even more special and memorable.
The 10th Grade Gatsby Trip to Broadway offered the opportunity to see a familiar story through a new lens. This continued tradition for the sophomore class allows them to appreciate the novel in a different way by exploring its various themes of the novel beyond the classroom.