(Melanie Q./Staff)
As I’m sure we all know, Taylor Swift, American singer and songwriter, has taken pop culture by storm–so much so that on November 19, Academy’s combined Theatre and Orchestra performance, “Fallies,” was “Eras” themed, inspired by Swift’s “Eras Tour.” Just as the Eras Tour represents epochs of Swift’s career, the Fallies concert grouped pieces into several eras for a distinctive storyline.
Starting with the Middle Schoolers’ “Times of Travel” span, the show began with Sandra Dackow’s simple “House in Holland” before transitioning to Robert Sheldon’s “Scottish Ballade.” Next was “Orpheus in the Underworld,” also known as “Cancan,” by Jacques Offenbach, an audience favorite with its lively, familiar tune.
While the Upper Schoolers filed on stage, emcees from Ms. Eads’s Acting & Directing Intensive class welcomed the audience with famous Taylor Swift references like, “Are you ready for it…?” It introduced the next era, “Dark Times,” which artfully commenced with Swift’s “Anti-Hero,” her biggest hit to date. Then came Brian Balmages’ “Into the Shadows” and Kirt Mosier’s “Two Scenes From the Hollow,” both using dynamics and pizzicato to create an alluring atmosphere.
Transitioning into “Times of Refinement,” the orchestra dazzled with three of Peter Warlock’s six dances in “Capriol Suite”: “Basse Danse,” “Pavane,” and “Mattachins” (Sword Dance). To showcase baroque music, students performed the “Allegro” section of J.S. Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major.”
The final period was “Theatre Through Time,” combining the orchestra’s musical talents with choreography from the Theatre & Stage Movement class for a brilliant show. “Pirates of Penzance: Overture” by Arthur Sullivan opened the section, followed by a scene starring Lucy I. and Ishaan V. from “The Importance of Being Earnest,” the fall play. Dressed in all black with top hats, the theatre class wowed us by dancing to “Hot Honey Rag” from the “Chicago” film, impressing with jazzy hands and synchronous steps. To close the night with a bang, Lexington P. rapped “My Shot” from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton,” a performance that left the audience with gaping mouths and enthusiastic cheers.
This one-of-a-kind show brought two art forms together, both complementing each other. Congratulations Mr. Greenwood, Ms. Eads, Mr. Stype, and all orchestra students for a fantastic performance! This marks the second annual Fallies concert, and I sure hope this era lasts forever.
