“RUMORS” AT PHS: The casts of Neil Simon’s 1988 “elegant farce” are preparing for their November 14 opening at Princeton High School. The play runs through November 17. (Photo courtesy of Julianna Krawiecki)

By Donald Gilpin

In theater, music, and visual arts, Princeton Public Schools (PPS) is presenting a diverse array of events in November and December.

Rumors, a 1988 Neil Simon “elegant farce,” as the author described it, will take the spotlight on the Princeton High School (PHS) stage November 14-17. At Princeton Middle School (PMS) on November 22 and 23, the theme will be self-image and social and emotional learning in Hoodie, a short “play for the times,” according to PMS Theater Director Chaundra Cameron.

The studio Jazz Band is preparing for Big Band dances on November 22 and December 13 from 7-10 p.m. in the high school cafeteria, as well as their annual Jammin’ with Santa event for children and families starting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 14 and featuring arts, crafts, games, face painting, food, music by the PHS Jazz Ensemble, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The PHS Choir will be presenting two concerts with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra as part of their Holiday POPS! concert on December 14 at Richardson

Auditorium, and all choirs and orchestras will perform in the 79th Annual Winter Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 19 in the Princeton University Chapel.  It’s a “huge concert,” said PPS Visual and Performing Arts Supervisor Patrick Lenihan, with more than 1,000 expected to attend.

The PHS Choir launched its performance season two weeks ago with a concert featuring music of Italy from Neapolitan songs to current Italian pop hits, a fundraiser for the choir’s upcoming February trip to Italy. The choir will also be caroling in Palmer Square each weekend in December.

In the field of visual arts, PHS’ student-run Lumina Gallery is spotlighting its “Beyond PHS Art Exhibition” of paintings, drawings, and mixed media work created by PHS students outside of school classes. The rotating exhibit will run through December 6 and is accepting artwork on a rolling submission deadline, so there will be new work displayed throughout the coming month.

Lenihan praised the work of PPS arts students and teachers. “The PPS faculty are phenomenal at what they do,” he said in a recent phone conversation, “and they bring every student to the highest level possible.”

He went on, emphasizing the importance of the arts in the schools and in the lives of the students, “We believe it’s one of the most important things that students experience,” he said. “It’s a critical part of their education, and it really allows us to connect across cultural boundaries and gives students an opportunity to express themselves beyond the limits of language.”

He pointed out, “We provide a powerful experience not only in each of the arts disciplines, but also for students in the social-emotional journeys they are all on.” He also expressed  gratitude for the “Princeton community that is so supportive of the arts.”

Rumors director and drama teacher Julianna Krawiecki commented on some of the work her two separate casts of 10 each and backstage crew of 31 have been doing over the past few weeks in preparation for their November 14 opening. In addition to set building and painting, the running crews include the stage manager, lighting and sound designers, deck crew, and props and costume crews.

“Rumors is a more challenging play for the student actors than our previous fall plays,” said Krawiecki. “The characters are older and change quite a bit throughout the course of the play due to a series of events. There’s a lot of memorization and character work that the students need to master.”

She continued, “The comedy in this show is more challenging to land for student actors as it lies mostly in the dialogue and characterizations. It’s been a great challenge that has given the actors the chance to really grow their skills, but it is a huge feat.”

Noting that “the rehearsal room is “full of laughter every day” as they work on the play, she added, “It’s a fun story and one that not many people know, so we hope we can make you laugh and enjoy a trip to the theater.”  Visit princetondrama.ludus.com for tickets.

For the PMS fall play, Hoodie, Cameron describes the production as “an abstract ensemble performance that is turning out to be an existential interpersonal and intrapersonal approach to how communication Is so important to our social and emotional existence and growth.” About 43 middle schoolers make up the cast and crew, and, according to Cameron, “they are doing a fantastic job with a high level of ensemble work.”

The play is about middle schoolers facing the most essential questions about who they are, who they want to be, and whether to follow the crowd or stand alone.

“Hope you will join us in celebrating the talent of our amazing, resilient, and energetic middle schoolers,” said Cameron. Visit princetonmiddleschooltheatre.ludus.com for tickets.