Arts

King School Performing Arts upper school winter musical “Les Misérables” brought Victor Hugo’s timeless themes of justice, redemption, and sacrifice to life in front of a packed theater in late February. The show challenged a troupe of more than 35 students to develop technical skills and emotional depth. Through an immersive production process, students gained a deep understanding of 19th-century French history, while exploring complex themes of law, morality, and social justice. The camaraderie backstage strengthened connections across grade levels and translated into powerful performances on stage. Congratulations to all who made this amazing performance possible.

Congratulations to Sydney Hauben ’25, Nina Griffith ’27, Emma Lange ’27, and Gates Seidelmann ’27 who were selected for the Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition at the Hartford Art School. Emma, who earned a Gold Key, also qualified for the national competition. The students' award-winning works, ranging from a chandelier-inspired sculpture to a modern take on school life, are the result of their dedication to their craft under King School’s Art and Design Program. 

The Lower School Winter Concert at King's Performing Arts Center was a joyful celebration that showcased the talent and hard work of students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Each grade performed three pieces, delighting families, faculty, and staff with songs like "Snow Pants and Winter Giggles," "Light a Candle for Peace," and "Holiday Mash-Up."

King students brought the opulent world of 1920s Long Island to life with a vibrant production of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” blending drama, glamor, and the sparkling decadence of the Jazz Age. The school’s largest-ever production of 31 performers, 11 musicians, and a dedicated crew brought Fitzgerald’s iconic characters and timeless themes of ambition, love, and betrayal to life. Through compelling performances, students deepened their understanding of the novel’s rich, layered story, connecting classroom learning with the dazzling world of Gatsby’s lavish parties and tragic longing.

Middle school students launched the 2024-25 season with “Broadway Lights!,” an energetic showcase celebrating the best of American musical theater. Instead of following a single storyline, the revue-style production featured a variety of musical numbers, monologues, and scenes spanning decades of Broadway hits. The format allowed students to explore their unique interests in singing, acting, and dancing while managing flexible rehearsals around their busy schedules. Guided by directors Eleanor Bach and Amy Darnton, students gained new insights into character portrayal and performance as they worked through the challenges of crafting standalone pieces into a cohesive show, ultimately fostering creativity, collaboration, and confidence on stage.

King School’s Middle School Chamber Orchestra and Beginning Strings stepped into the spotlight for the first time this year with “informances,” informal performances designed to educate the audience about the creative process behind the music. 

Held on Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18, these open rehearsals offered a behind-the-scenes look at the rehearsal process, with music teacher Colin Benn guiding the audience through how the students develop and refine their pieces. Students in Grade 6 through Grade 8 showcased their progress after weeks of dedicated practice, setting the stage for the upcoming Winter Concert.

Joyful music filled the upper school gymnasium as the Upper School Band and Upper School Chorus performed a reimagined version of the "King School Fight Song," bringing renewed energy to a long-standing tradition. Originally composed years ago by Director of Performing Arts Garrett Mendez, the song now features new lyrics and an arrangement that resonates across generations. The performance symbolized Viking pride and unity as students, faculty, and staff celebrated together.

King thespians are shining bright this summer after securing spots at prestigious theater programs. Earlier in the year, Bella Kolenberg ’25, Zach Louizos ’25, and Hathaway Liparidis ’26 worked with performing arts teachers to prepare audition materials including monologues and songs, leading to Zach's acceptance into the University of Michigan’s Musical Theater Workshop and Bella and Hathaway's acceptance into Broadway Evolved. Additionally, Zach performed alongside other King students and faculty in "Fiddler on the Roof" at Curtain Call’s Kweskin Theater in June.