New Hope Academy presented Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” on November 18 and 19 at the Yardley Community Centre in Yardley, PA. The talented cast and crew performed the classic drama, which tells the story of the Salem Witch Trials. The NHA Drama department would like to thank everyone involved in the production, as well as the dedicated family, friends, and faculty who attended the shows and cheered on the cast and crew!
On Friday, December 6, the talented students of New Hope Academy participated in the school’s annual Winterfest at the Yardley Community Centre. Emceed by NHA Director Dave Kennedy, the acts highlighted the various talents and capabilities of students from both the Yardley and Doylestown campuses. The show opened with NHA’s small choir singing Ed Sheeran’s “I Don’t Care,” under the skilled direction of Jenna Parrilla. Other performances included Megan Pressler performing Grace VanderWaal’s “I Don’t Know My Name”; Breanna Nalbone singing Cascada’s “Everytime We Touch”; Colin Cahill playing Vulfpeck’s “Deantown” on bass; Adriana Aponte singing Etta James’ classic’ “I’d Rather Go Blind,” with Carolyn Schwartz on drums; Sara Siedell singing Evanescence’s “My Immortal”; Breanna Micciche shredding Megadeth’s “Lucretia” on guitar; and Christopher Franklin on piano, performing Twenty One Pilots’ “Smithereens.” The audience was also treated to a Michael Jackson-inspired dance routine from Mason Duran and a comedy skit from Jaymin Serdikoff, Daniel Kitchen, and Sean Kelton. Also performing were various students from Monica Welsh’s yoga classes, who displayed their discipline and showed off their flexibility; the New Hope Academy choir singing a rendition of the Little Max song “Wings”; and the NHA Jazz Band, featuring Breanna Micciche, Grant Lodzinski, and Ari Silver, performing “Surf Rider/Comanche.” The NHA Music Department closed the show with U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” The talent of NHA was once again on full display!
Winterfest 2018
On Friday, December 7, the talented students of New Hope Academy participated in the school’s annual Winterfest at the Yardley Community Centre. Emceed by NHA Director Dave Kennedy, the acts highlighted the various talents and capabilities of students from both the Yardley and Doylestown campuses. The show opened with NHA’s select choir The Hopetones singing The Beatles’ classic “Blackbird,” under the skilled direction of Jenna Parrilla. Other performances included Sean Kelton singing The Kinks’ classic “What I Like About You” while playing the drums; Adriana Aponte singing Rihanna’s “Stay”; Stephanie Garafolo singing Haille Steinfeld’s “Most Girls”; Donald Plankey performing the Simon and Garfunkel hit “The Sounds of Silence”; Casey Larkin performing “Stay,” an original song; Reece Danzis performing the classic “These Boot are Made for Walking”; Joe Markley performing “Kid Charlemagne” on the saxophone; and Chris Martin closing the show with Elton John’s classic “Crocodile Rock.” Also performing were various students from Monica Welsh’s yoga classes, who displayed their discipline and showed off their flexibility; the New Hope Academy choir singing “Happier”; and the NHA Jazz Band performing “Watermelon Man/Straight No Chaser.” The NHA Music Department closed the show with The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” The talent of NHA was once again on full display!
NHA’s Dance Team
NHA’s Dance team Crew 6 took on the #blackpantherchallenge earlier this summer. Choreographed by English teacher Ebony Crosdale and Spanish teacher Carly Reiss, this routine features African-inspired dance moves with modern flair. #wakandaforever
Crew 6 is one of NHA’s many student clubs. The club was formed last year to perform at our annual Springfest talent show. The students had such an amazing time working together they decided to continue on.
New Hope Academy held its annual SummerFest at its Yardley campus on Thursday, August 9th, 2018. SummerFest traditionally features the students who are involved in the Extended School Year (ESY) program. The show opened with a version of Jethro Tull’s “Cup of Wonder,” performed by Joe Markley. Next was Julianna Ciarrocchi singing Panic at the Disco’s “This is Gospel.” Up next was Jordan Salerno performing “Boys Don’t Cry” by As It Is. Then came Grace Gomez singing “King Of Anything” by Sara Bareilles. Shi’aire Harris was up next, singing Shawn Mendez’’s hit, “Lost in Japan.” Following was Maddy Tumpowsky performing “Gimmie, Gimmie,” from the musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Arsh Johri was next, singing “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5.
The acts continued with Ned Bess performing “The Kill” by 30 Seconds to Mars. Katie Romano entertained the audience with her rendition of “Far Over The Misty Mountain Cold,” written by Howard Shore. Anthony Martella brought some country to the fest with a toe-tapping performance of “Drowns the Whiskey” by Jason Aldean. Next up was Maddie Hamilton singing “Oceans” by Martin Garrix. Finally, Chris Martin brought the show home with his performance of the Neil Diamond classic, “Sweet Caroline.”
But the show wasn’t over yet! The incomparable Music Department, made up of Jenna Parrilla, Lindsay Groft, and Cameron Stahl, and accompanied by Tim Simmons, had a surprise performance finale up their sleeves, a jazzy version of AJR’s “Burn The House Down.” It was memorable day, both for the performers and the audience!
Watch all the performances here!
NHA presents Footloose
The talented students of New Hope Academy performed the musical “Footloose” on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the Music Mountain Theatre in Lambertville, NJ. “Footloose” tells the story of a small, old-fashioned farming community whose traditional ways are challenged by its younger residents, especially after a new kid moves to town. Featuring such songs as “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Almost Paradise,” and the well-known title song, the cast gave it their all, belted out the tunes, and danced their hearts out, much to the delight of the captivated audience. The production was backed up by the equally talented orchestra. Let’s hear it for the entire cast and crew of this memorable production!
You can watch the entire performance:
NHA Presents Blithe Spirit
New Hope Academy proudly presented Noël Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” on October 27th and 28th, 2017 at the Music Mountain Theatre in Lambertville, NJ. The talented cast and crew performed the comedy, which tells the tale of novelist Charles Condomine, who, while hosting a seance at his home with his second wife Ruth, unwittingly summons the spirit of his dead wife, Elvira. Unfortunately for Charles, no one except him can see or hear Elvira, who is intent on sabotaging his current marriage. The performances were spectacular, the musical accompaniment was stellar, and the technical details were spot-on. The NHA Drama department would like to thank everyone involved in the production, as well as the dedicated family, friends, and faculty who attended the shows and cheered on the cast and crew.
Check out the Youtube link below to watch the whole thing!
Behind the Scenes of RENT
The extraordinarily talented students of New Hope Academy performed the musical “Rent” on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Yardley Community Centre. A story of friendship, forgiveness, and love, “Rent” centers on seven friends living in New York City who struggle with living honestly and creatively in a world that often requires conformity. Backed up by the equally talented orchestra, the actors brought these complex characters to life through their emotional portrayals and commanding performances of songs such as “Seasons of Love” and “La Vie Bohème.” Bravo to the entire cast and crew of this memorable production!
Take a look at this amazing behind the scenes video of what it takes to put on a play at NHA!
New Hope Academy presents: RENT
The extraordinarily talented students of New Hope Academy performed the musical “Rent” on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Yardley Community Centre. A story of friendship, forgiveness, and love, “Rent” centers on seven friends living in New York City who struggle with living honestly and creatively in a world that often requires conformity. Backed up by the equally talented orchestra, the actors brought these complex characters to life through their emotional portrayals and commanding performances of songs such as “Seasons of Love” and “La Vie Bohème.” Bravo to the entire cast and crew of this memorable production!
New Hope Academy held its annual Senior Season Kick-Off Ceremony on Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Seniors, their parents/guardians, and many of NHA’s staff gathered together at the Yardley campus to celebrate this exciting time of year. Kathy Rosso-Gana, president of NHA, welcomed everyone and promised that the rest of the year was going to fly by; before the seniors would know it, they would be in their caps and gowns accepting their high school diplomas. Many pressing issues were discussed, such as class rings, senior pictures, and the big day itself – Graduation. Following the information session, each senior was called to the front of the room, where they were honored by an NHA staff member. Always the highlight of the evening, the staff members recounted special moments and memorable events that he or she shared with their particular senior. Many spoke of the students’ personal achievements and academic triumphs. After receiving their individual tributes, seniors were given a red rose. At the end of the night, the class of 2017 posed for their first picture together. Every senior left that night brimming with hope, motivation, and the promise of a bright future.