Dancing with the [Broadway] Stars: Rivers Musical Theater Students Learn and Engage in Inaugural Broadway Trip

Zoë Iacovelli, who directs the winter musicals and the Conservatory Program cohort, has been dreaming of a trip like this for several years for these aspiring Broadway performers. “It’s because of the momentum that we were able to do this,” she said. The cohort was also joined by Musical Theater Voice Teacher Essie Bertain.

The Conservatory Program Musical Theater track, now in its fifth year, has grown steadily since its inception in 2020. Performers in the program meet five times a week after school to deepen their voice, dancing, acting, and ensemble skills, and all participate in the winter musical in February (this year: Mean Girls.) The trip provided the perfect opportunity for this group to bond as a cast and build on the skills they practice every week. 

The first stop following the train ride to NYC was the Museum of Broadway, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the productions of legendary Broadway shows. Everyone was excited to see the costumes and sets and engage in lots of interactive activities, all the while listening to Broadway soundtracks. “It was a great learning opportunity, with students asking questions and learning from the experience,” said Iacovelli. “There were great photo ops with actual Broadway costumes, props, and sets! We had so much fun!”

Keeping the momentum going, the group then gathered for dinner at Gayle’s Broadway Rose— where the servers sing Broadway songs while waiting tables. “They were so talented and loved our group!” said Iacovelli. 

The group attended a performance of nine-time Tony-nominated & Juliet, which explores what might have been if Juliet hadn’t died at the end of Romeo and Juliet. In addition to being a highly entertaining show—the soundtrack draws from pop favorites by such artists as Britney Spears, Katy Perry, *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and P!nk, among others—there are a lot of fun stories about overcoming adversity and female empowerment and making your own decisions. The contemporary soundtrack also allowed the students to get excited about performing and hearing new takes on familiar songs. 

Fresh and rested the next day, the Rivers cast was ready to dance. They headed to Ripley Studios, a real Broadway rehearsal space, for a masterclass with & Juliet cast member Daniel J. Maldonado, rehearsing choreography and music for a number from the show—Katy Perry’s “Roar.”

“We were in the actual space where auditions happen,” said Alex Ho ’27.  “The way he taught us was the way they are taught.” 

In addition to getting a first-hand look at the Broadway rehearsal experience, students came away with career insights, hearing about the realities and the challenges of being a working Broadway performer. 

There was definitely some self-reflection on career paths, said Jojo Stein ’27. “When you think about it, it’s like a dream, or is it something you want to put time and effort into?”

But another important takeaway was that there are many paths to a performing career, whether or not performers go on to perform professionally, observed Ceci Giebutowski ’25. “When I see Broadway performers, it makes me want to be a better performer,” she said.

The group also got to visit briefly with a familiar face—alum Alex Massarotti ’23, now pursuing a BFA in musical theater at Pace University in NYC, dropped by to say hello to the Rivers group, which included some former castmates.

All in all, the trip was a great success.

 “It was so awesome for them to be able to experience the city in all its glory,” Iacovelli said.

“The best part was seeing them have so much fun together. Everyone became closer. Just seeing them get excited about theater, and what they could be.”