Princeton Schools To Present 2 Theatrical Shows

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton’s proud theater tradition will be on display for two weekends in March as Princeton Middle School stages Mary Poppins, Jr. March 7 to 10 and Princeton High School presents Beauty and the Beast March 14 to 16.

For many residents, Princeton theater is associated with the late Patricia Wray, who served as theater teacher at Princeton High School for almost 20 years. Wray built the theater program, teaching acting and dance, writing curriculum, and directing all the shows.

"Pat was a great woman in so many senses," said Patrick Lenihan, supervisor of visual and performing arts for the Princeton Public Schools. "She really left her mark on her students and the program and all of us as colleagues. She built the program to the point where it now engages hundreds of students and allows them to flourish."

After Wray retired in 2018 Julianna Krawiecki assumed the role, and "she is taking the program to a new level," said Lenihan.

The current production of Beauty and the Beast is a large enterprise that involves many students. It is double-cast, meaning there are two sets of actors in each role, each of whom will perform twice–an innovation introduced by Krawiecki. Students run the stage crew, design and build sets, and run lights and sound. The show is a musical, and the high school orchestra will be in the pit for each performance.

"I have tried to grow our program by expanding opportunities and varying repertoire," Krawiecki said.

There are usually four to six shows a year. Two shows are produced on the main stage and the rest in the high school’s black box theater. Having different venues facilitates a range of theatrical experiences. To cite an example, an upcoming black box production is Rosaline Wrecked It All, a modern take on the story of Romeo and Juliet. By contrast, Trap, a show staged last year, was documentary in style.

Krawiecki also has entered student ensembles into competitive events outside the school district. Students have won New Jersey Governor’s Awards and have performed at events sponsored by the Papermill Playhouse.

For now, the excitement is high about Beauty and the Beast.

"When we came to this choice, we wanted to do a show that had a timeless tale and featured theatrical magic," said Krawiecki. "It gives our students something different to experience. I try to pick things that contrast, to stretch our experience."

Meanwhile, the production of Mary Poppins, Jr. at the Princeton Middle School is “a true community event.” said Lenihan. “Students, teachers, parents–everyone is involved.

"We have put on a full musical every spring since 2010," Lenihan added. "It’s a great way to prepare students for what they will experience in high school. And we find shows that work for the middle school voice."

"We are excited to host four exciting presentations of Mary Poppins, Jr.," said middle school Principal Jason Burr. "It does not matter how many years we have been doing this; watching our students pull together as a cast to deliver a captivating performance is always a joy and a celebration. I would like to thank our staff who help guide our students through this process, from audition through final performance. I am excited that 5th grade students in each of our elementary schools will visit PMS to see a special performance that we are using as an opportunity to help guide the transition to middle school. I thank Patrick Lenihan and the elementary school principals and staff for helping to create this opportunity.

"Our cast is worthy of admiration and support as they put their best foot forward to deliver multiple performances," Burr added. "As they say in show business–break a leg, everyone."

"Along with it being Mary Poppins, which is awesome, the production is also inclusive," said middle school Assistant Principal Ebony Lattimer. "We have multiply disabled students and autism students participating in the cast. They are supported by instructional assistants who have been fitted for costumes and learned the songs and choreography so they can work side-by-side with their students."

Performances of Mary Poppins, Jr. will be at 7:30 p.m. on March 7, 8, and 9, and at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 10. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. They can be purchased in advance through the middle school’s Ludus ticket website: princetonmiddleschooltheatre.ludus.com.

Tickets also may be purchased by cash or by check at the door. If the cost of admission would present a financial hardship for your family, contact patricklenihan@princetonk12.org.

Performances of Beauty and the Beast are at 7:30 p.m. March 14 and 15 and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

They are available through the high school’s Ludus ticket website: princetondrama.ludus.com. All tickets are general admission seating. If the cost of admission would present a financial hardship for your family, contact patricklenihan@princetonk12.org. Doors will open 30 minutes before curtain time.

Both productions are licensed by Music Theatre International.