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Entertainment

From Stage to Stardom: Stars with Theater Roots

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By Sienna Lamond, ’26

Staff Writer

Singers and actors dominate pop culture. They are praised for their talents in the music, TV and film industries. What may come as a surprise is that some of our favorite stars actually got their start in theater. While some may consider theater small-time compared to stadium tours, TV shows and movie theaters, it has propelled many performers to stardom. Is your favorite artist or actor among the stars that started as thespians?

Sabrina Carpenter

Carpenter is best known for her pop music career, specifically her 2024 album Short and Sweet, and her acting career, especially her role in the spinoff of Boy Meets World, Girl Meets World. Carpenter’s career was propelled into the stratosphere when she toured with Taylor Swift in the South American leg of the Eras Tour. Since then, Carpenter has become one of the many iconic pop girls of the decade. Carpenter’s talents do not only stop at pop music and film acting, however. In 2020, she made her Broadway debut as Cady in Mean Girls the musical. Unfortunately, her run was cut short due to pandemic lockdowns. Still, our favorite pop girly knows her way around a Broadway stage!

Ryan Gosling

Most recently known for his role as Ken in Barbie, a 2023 movie about the Mattel doll starring Margot Robbie, Gosling went viral with the iconic “I’m Just Ken” musical number. This performance, though, was not the first time Gosling had danced on stage. Circa 1992, Gosling was part of a jazz dance group. This style of dance is the basis for much of the musical theater dance style, making Gosling fully prepared for his future musical number in Barbie.

Hugh Jackman

Jackman is an Australian actor known for his role as Wolverine in Logan and X-Men. Unlike others whose acting career is separate from their theater background, Jackman has tied his theatrical nature into his film work. In 2012, Jackman starred as Jean Valjean in the film adaptation of Broadway show Les Misérables. He is also recognized for his portrayal of P.T. Barnum in the movie musical The Greatest Showman (2018). In 2022, Jackman appeared on Broadway itself in the revival of The Music Man with Sutton Foster, a talented Broadway star, who he is now rumoured to be dating. Seems like even professionals can’t escape ‘showmances’!

Andrew Garfield

Best known for playing Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man films in 2012 and 2014, Garfield has numerous on-stage experiences. His portrayal of Prior Walter in Angels in America earned him a Tony Award, the highest accolade for theater performances. He also notably played Bill Loffman in the revival of Death of a Salesman, which also garnered him a Tony Award. Garfield’s film career reflected his theater roots in the 2021 movie musical, Tick, Tick… Boom!, a film detailing the life of Jonathan Larson, the troubled composer of the Tony-award winning musical Rent. Who knew Spider-Man could sing!?

Anna Kendrick

Most recently recognized for her leading role in Netflix’s original movie Woman of the Hour, Kendrick is not shy about her theater background. At age 12, she made her Tony-nominated Broadway debut in High Society as Dinah Lord. Since then, Kendrick has been in several movie musical adaptations and originals, including Into The Woods (Cinderella), Trolls (Poppy), Pitch Perfect (Beca), and The Last Five Years (Cathy) alongside Broadway superstar Jeremy Jordan who played Jamie.

Nick Jonas

Jonas is best known for his participation in the Jonas Brothers band with his brothers Joe and Kevin. Pop singing isn’t the only trick this Jonas brother has up his sleeve, however. Jonas appeared in the 2010 25th anniversary special of the musical Les Misérables singing as Marius. Now, Jonas is starring on Broadway as Jamie in The Last Five Years. While the musical theater community has attacked Jonas for his vocal abilities not being ‘theater appropriate,’ that hasn’t stopped him from working on musical theater projects thus far.

Reneé Rapp

Rapp is one of the youngest people to star in a Broadway show. While she is widely known for her 2023 pop music album, Snow Angel, she was originally discovered when she won the Jimmy Awards in 2018. The Jimmy Awards is a prestigious nationwide competition and recognition event for high school students in musical theater. Rapp won “Best Performance by an Actress,” granting her a $10,000 scholarship. At just 19 years old, she was cast as Regina George in the Mean Girls musical on Broadway and later reprised the role in the 2024 movie musical adaptation.

Mike Faist

Faist is known to most as Art Donaldson in Challengers, a movie about a tennis love triangle, also starring Zendaya and Josh O’Connor. Faist originated the role of Connor in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. Before that, Faist worked as a Jack Kelley understudy in the Broadway musical Newsies. He is also recognized as Riff in the West Side Story (2021) remake. Overall, Faist is a talented theater kid at heart, dabbling in the film industry. Movie audiences hope to see more of him in the future!

Olivia Rodrigo

Rodrigo has been performing on stage since she was very young, as you can see in various videos of her belting her heart out circulating on the Internet. She played Gertrude McFuzz in her elementary school’s production of Seussical the musical. She gained popularity for her roles in Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Now, Rodrigo is a world-famous pop star with two studio albums, Sour (2021) and Guts (2023). Through her pop songs, her theater roots shine as much of her music is vocally challenging and requires theatrical technique to sustain vocal health. Another decade-defining pop girly to make theater kids proud!

Ariana Grande

Grande, a pop artist, is not secretive when it comes to her love for theater. As a child, Grande worked with the Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theater, for which she played Annie in Annie, and other roles in Beauty and the Beast and the Wizard of Oz. At 15, she made her Broadway debut in 13: The Musical as Charlotte, earning her a National Youth Theater Association Award. For years, Grande has outwardly expressed her love for the Broadway show Wicked. When she was a little girl, she and her mother won a backstage experience at Wicked on Broadway, allowing her to meet Kristen Chenoweth, the show’s original Glinda. Ever since, Grande has aspired to play Glinda and made fans proud and excited when she portrayed the role in the Wicked movie musical that was released this past fall.

Timotheé Chalamet

Chalamet, the star of A Complete Unknown, made his Broadway debut in 2016 in the play Prodigal Son. Chalamet was destined for the stage as he attended LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, allowing him to participate in theater arts daily. In 2011 he appeared in a stage play called The Talls at Second Stage Uptown. Recently he was featured in the movie musical prequel to Roald Dahl’s fantastical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory titled Wonka. In this film, he showcased his triple-threat theater talent, truly bringing his character to life with his own theatrical charm.

Sebastian Stan

SStan is a Romanian-born actor who recently won a Golden Globe for his work in A Different Man. He also notably portrayed Donald Trump in the 2024 film The Apprentice, Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Captain America franchise, and Tommy Lee in Pam & Tommy. While Stan has had an extensive film career, he’s also had his fair share of time on the stage. In 2007 he was in Talk Radio on Broadway, and he appeared on Broadway again in 2012’s Picnic. Stan went to college at the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, and he studied at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in London for a year.

Jonathan Bailey

Bailey is best known for his portrayal of Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix series Bridgerton, based on the books by Julia Quinn. He also starred as Fiyero in last fall’s movie musical Wicked. In 2018, Bailey played Jamie in the West End revival of the musical Company. This part was originally written as a female role named Amy, who sings a hysterical song titled “I Am Not Getting Married Today” in which parts of the song require roughly six words to be sung every second. Being a stunning actor, Bailey was selected for the role. Additionally, Bailey made appearances in The York Realist and King Lear. In 2017, he played Jamie in The Last Five Years in London. You can see him live on stage now at the Bridge Theater in London where he’s playing Richard II in William Shakespeare’s Richard II!

Chris Evans

Captain America himself, Evans, is not a stranger to the stage. As a child, Evans participated in productions with the Concord Youth Theater company. Since his professional career took off, he’s been a philanthropist of the company and helped them secure a permanent location in Concord, Mass. In 2017, Evans was persuaded by Mckenna Grace and Ellen Degeneres to show off his tap dancing skills while on the Ellen show during a press tour for the film Gifted. Turns out, Evans grew up tap dancing, a hallmark dance style of musical theater.

Rachel Zegler

How does one become more of a theater kid than Zegler? When she was just a senior in high school, she was cast as Maria in the 2021 remake of the West Side Story movie musical. At the time, Zegler was playing the role of Fiona in her high school’s production of Shrek: The Musical. Supposedly, she asked West Side Story director Steven Spielberg if she could delay filming so she could finish her senior musical — now that is commitment! Zegler is also known for playing Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Recently, Zegler played Snow White in the movie musical reimagining of the 1937 classic fairytale, Snow White. Though the film did not receive good reviews, it is certainly not for Zegler’s lack of trying or talent. She made her Broadway debut in Romeo and Juliet in 2024 at the Circle in the Square Theater, which shares a building with the famous Wicked theater, the Gershwin. In this revival of William Shakespeare’s timeless play, Jack Antonoff wrote music specifically for Zegler to sing as an addition to the original story. Romeo + Juliet received glowing reviews from critics and is nominated for “Best Revival of a Play” by the Outer Critics Circle.

Kristen Bell

Bell, known by the younger generation as the voice of Anna in Frozen (2013) is recognized by others for The Good Place (2016-2020), When in Rome (2010), and Nobody Wants This (since 2024). She began her theater career as Dorothy in her high school’s production of The Wizard of Oz. After graduating from high school, Bell went on to study at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. In 2001, Bell made her Broadway debut in the musical The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The following year she appeared in The Crucible on Broadway. Later, she starred in an off-Broadway musical called Reefer Madness in 2003.

Amanda Seyfried

Seyfried became a household name after her hilarious performance as Karen Smith in Mean Girls (2004). In 2015, she made her off-Broadway debut in The Way We Get By by Neil LaBute. Through her film career, Seyfried has showcased her theater talent. She first sang on-camera in Mamma Mia!, a film adaptation of the ABBA jukebox musical. She also appeared in the Mamma Mia! film sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again in 2018. In 2012, she played the role of adult Cosette in the movie musical Les Miserables with costars Hugh Jackman, Eddie Redmayne, and others.

Eddie Redmayne

The Oscar-winning actor from The Theory of Everything, Redmayne has had an extensive stage career. Most recently, he played Emcee in the Broadway revival of the musical Cabaret. Also on stage, he won an Olivier Award for his performance in the play Red at the Donmar Warehouse. He was also in Richard II in 2011-2012 and The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? in 2004. Bringing his theater roots to the screen, Redmayne portrayed Marius in the 2012 Les Miserables movie musical along with two others on this list: Amanda Seyfried and Hugh Jackman.

Christian Slater

The star of Heathers (1988), Slater has built up his career with theater credits on and off-Broadway. Slater originated the character Clifford in the 1998 Broadway play Side Man. Later, in 2005, he played Tom Wingfield in the Broadway revival of The Glass Menagerie. This past winter, Slater debuted in his first off-Broadway play called The Curse of the Starving Class as the character Weston.

Taylor Swift

The world-famous pop star is most recently known for her theatrical interpretation of her musical discography in the Eras Tour. As a child, it is known that Swift wrote music, but she also participated in local theater. She played Maria in The Sound of Music at the Berks Youth Theater Company. At that company, she was also in productions of Grease, Annie, and Bye Bye Birdie. While on the Graham Norton show, Swift admitted to auditioning for the Les Miserables movie, but she did not get a role in the film. However, she did get a role in the 2019 movie musical of the Andrew-Lloyd Webber musical Cats as Bombalurina. Fans thought this role suited her, considering the love she’s expressed for her pet cats. Swift is a prime example of how participating in theater can hone the skills necessary for a successful career!

Entertainment

“Harry Potter: The Exhibition”

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By Siena Oliver, ’27

News Editor

For fans of the iconic Harry Potter books and movies, Harry Potter: The Exhibition, produced by Imagine Exhibitions, gives an interactive and behind-the-scenes view of the Wizarding World. The self-guided tour showcases real props and costumes used in the Harry Potter movies, allows visitors to experience the magic of different rooms like the Hogwarts Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest, and even has a gift shop and Butterbeer waiting at the end. The exhibition is located in Cambridge, Mass., until April 27.

At the beginning of the tour, participants are given a bracelet to act as their “wand” and are encouraged to create an online profile for themselves, which includes their preferred Patronus, wand type, and Hogwarts House. Throughout the exhibition there are several opportunities to scan the bracelet and participate in an interactive activity such as potion-making or scoring in Quidditch. The House Points earned by completing these activities are displayed at the end of the tour.

There are over 20 different Harry Potter themed galleries included, and participants are allowed to take the self-guided tour at their own pace. Despite this, the tour is not overly expansive, and probably won’t take any more than an hour to an hour and 30 minutes to walk through, which can be seen as both a pro and a con. While young children may not get as bored or easily distracted, the relatively short length means that the tour is not extremely large or detailed, and some die-hard Harry Potter fans may be left wanting more.

When visiting the exhibition myself, in a preview for student journalists sponsored by Headliners in Education, two elements stood out the most: the real movie props included in glass cases throughout and the aforementioned interactive activities. Each gallery – dedicated to a specific scene, room, or character from the movies – showcased different props or costumes. It was cool to see the recognizable items and know that they were the actual pieces used during filming. 

In an interview, Katie Restuccia, Director of Sales and Marketing at Imagine Exhibitions, explained the process of securing real movie props for their interactive tour. “All of it came from the Warner Bros. archive,” Restuccia said. “I think it’s just a matter of getting licensed through Warner Bros.” Patrice Cleaves, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Imagine Exhibitions, emphasized that the tour is about the Harry Potter films, not the books. “Our exhibition is literally focused and licensed with Warner Bros. for the movies,” she said.

Overall, Harry Potter: The Exhibition is an exciting and magical experience for fans of all ages. The self-guided tour, and interactive games along the way, allow participants to feel as if they are part of the Harry Potter movies, and create an overall positive and engaging experience. Harry Potter fans, you may want to see this before it’s gone!

The exhibit runs at CambridgeSide in Cambridge through April 27, with tickets starting at $25. For more information on the exhibit or to purchase a ticket, visit https://harrypotterexhibition.com/

Entertainment

Super Bowl 59: Halftime Show

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By Emily Davis ’27

Sports Editor

The Philadelphia Eagles will be playing the Kansas City Chiefs on February 9th in Super Bowl 59. The game will be held at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Both teams seem to be ready for their face-off in a game that last year drew 100 million viewers. For many, it’s the halftime show that gets more attention, and this year it will feature hip hop artist and Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar with SZA as a special guest.

One of the main songs fans are predicting will be performed is “Not Like Us,” which won Record of the Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards on Feb. 2. Released last May, this single took the media by storm and amassed major recognition on the social media apps such as Tik Tok. It is said to be a diss track of another popular hip hop artist, rumored to be Drake. With SZA making an appearance, fans also suspect they will play a few of their popular collaborations including “Luther” and “All The Stars.”

As many know, Taylor Swift and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce hard launched their relationship in September of 2023. Since Swift made an appearance at the 2024 Super Bowl in support of her boyfriend, fans are hoping she’ll not only watch but take part in the halftime show. Swift’s song “Bad Blood” features Lamar.

As of right now, these are the most popular assumptions. To see who will take the stage with Lamar, and who will win the game, you’ll have to tune in.

Entertainment

A Year in Reviews: My Favorite Books of 2024

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By Mrs. McHugh

HHS Librarian, Advisor of The Hawk

Some people count the years by days, weeks and months. I count them by books. I read an average of 50 books each year, and not just because it’s my job. For as long as I can remember, books have provided both an escape and an education. They help me better know the world, and give me a break from it when I need one. Below are short reviews of some of my favorite reads of 2024. They’re in no particular order; I’m terrible at ranking books because different titles are best for different moods. I’d love to hear, in the comments, what you think or what you’ve read and loved.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune – This sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, one of my favorite books in recent memory, follows a group of magical creatures that have come to call themselves a family. Led by Arthur, a shape-shifter, and Linus, an ordinary social worker who fell in love with the family, the group is forced to fight intolerance and hate from some in the non-magical world. In this case, it is the government itself that threatens their existence. The sequel is as exciting, funny and sweet as the first one, but definitely feels more political given its echoes of current divisions in our world.

Accountable by Dashka Slater – This nonfiction book about the students and community impacted by a racist Instagram account feels like a must-read for social media users. Written by the author of The 57 Bus, an account of another hate-fueled crime, the book dives into the incident from many perspectives, including those of the posters, victims, school officials and families. The short chapters and tension make it a fast-paced read. It raises interesting questions about what is acceptable to post, what actions define us, and who deserves second chances.

Louder than Words by Ashley Woodfolk and Lexi Underwood – After Jordyn transfers to a new high school, she’s determined to be a better person and stay out of trouble. But when an anonymous gossip podcast threatens the reputations of her new friends, she has to decide whether to keep quiet or fight back and risk exposing her own secret. This young adult novel would pair well with Slater’s Accountable as it explores how actions can haunt – and redeem – us.

Solito by Javier Zamara – This memoir recounts the harrowing journey the author took from El Salvador to the United States when he was 9 years old. Hoping to reunite with his parents who had previously made the journey, the author was placed in the hands of corrupt and ruthless smugglers for a 3,000-mile journey that was both physically and emotionally grueling. Without a trusted adult, he became close to a woman and child traveling in his group; they, in turn, relied on a solo young man. The improvised family saved Javier countless times during the two-month ordeal, when his real family had no idea if he was still alive. While the events took place in 1999, and immigration laws and policies have changed, the tale of hope and survival still resonates. If you’ve ever wondered why someone would try to cross the border illegally, this book may help you understand.

When Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb – A unique combination of historical fiction, fantasy and Jewish folklore, this novel follows Uriel the angel and Ash the demon from their tiny European village to the shores of America. Study partners for centuries, the pair tries to track down a young villager who never makes it to New York. Along the way, they encounter many of the same obstacles that real immigrants faced, including corrupt officials, gangsters and crushing poverty. While this book is a little hard to describe, it was impossible to put down. Winner of the Printz Honor for young adult books and a Stonewall Honor for books about LGBTQ+ topics, this novel explores the search for identity and the power of love and friendship.

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes – Struggling with the disappearance of her mother, Cassie is recruited to an FBI program that uses teens with special skills to solve crimes. But it’s not long before she and her team are up against both a serial killer and their own troubled pasts. This four-book young adult series is fast-paced, full of action and even includes some romance. Books 2-4 can be a little repetitive as backstories are filled in, but the ending is epic, tying together all of the cases of the previous books. Barnes is also the writer of The Inheritance Games, a five-book series about a teen who discovers a mysterious benefactor, and the family that wants the money for themselves.

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney – In this twisty thriller, everyone lies, and almost everyone murders. Written by the author of Daisy Darker, another great mystery that pays homage to Agatha Christie, it follows a vacationing couple whose baggage includes more lies and betrayals than you can count. It’s a similar vibe to Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, leaving readers unsure of who to trust and of what will happen next.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir – Written by the author of The Martian, this science fiction book follows a reluctant astronaut who wakes up after a long sleep and cannot remember his name or his mission. As bits of memories slowly return, the astronaut realizes he’s on a desperate journey to save Earth and he’s all alone. Until he meets a spider-like alien trying to save its own world, that is. Working to overcome gaps in language and biology, the pair form an unusual partnership in a quest to save multiple species. The story unfolds almost backward, thanks to the astronaut’s amnesia, but the uncertainty adds to the thrilling adventure.

Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): the Natural World of Animal Sexuality by Eliot Schrefer – This nonfiction book explores the lives of animals and the evolution of scientific thought, illustrating how limited views were once used to moralize about the lives of humans. Named a Printz Honoree for top young adult fiction and a Stonewall Honoree for its representation of LGBTQ+ topics, this book is a quirky and fun quick read.

Marrow Thieves and Hunting by Stars by Cherie Dimaline – After a series of natural disasters and plagues, many humans have lost their ability to dream and have gone mad. When it’s discovered that indigenous people can still dream, the government hunts them, locks them up and harvests their souls for a cure. The policies shatter communities and drive survivors first into hiding and then, finally, into resistance. This dystopian young adult series echoes the residential schools of the past where countless indigenous people in the US and Canada were stripped of their cultures. Action-packed and moving, it’s a different take on the apocalypse.

Entertainment, Opinion

Twelve-hour TikTok Ban, Months of Uncertainty

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By Danny Campbell, ’27

Staff Writer

Normally I don’t like diving crazy deep into political topics (I actually hate politics strongly, and I’d be much happier without it in my life), but the argument over banning the app TikTok has been boggling my mind since 2022. With it now partially banned in the U.S, I felt like weighing in on the debate.

You are probably aware that on Jan. 19, the bill to have the popular social media app TikTok permanently banned in the U.S. went into effect . . . for 12 hours. Last April, Congress cited national security concerns to pass a law banning the app in this country if it wasn’t sold by its Chinese owner. But when Donald Trump became president on Jan. 20, he signed an executive order delaying the law for 75 days, even though he himself tried to have TikTok banned back in 2020! So while the app now works for current users, it can’t be downloaded by new users — or anyone who deleted it when they heard the ban was coming.

But why ban TikTok and not other social media platforms like YouTube or Instagram? Politicians have been talking about a ban since 2020 because of major security concerns regarding its owner, ByteDance. Like all social media and websites we use, TikTok collects user data. But since it’s owned by a Chinese company, it has to hand over that data to the government, the Chinese Communist Party. The CCP and the U.S. government aren’t exactly the best of friends. Lawmakers and the U.S. Department of Justice argue that TikTok could be used by the Chinese government to spread misinformation and that user data could be misused. Critics of a ban say there’s no proof the CCP has done anything wrong and a ban violates free speech. The law was challenged all the way to the Supreme Court, who on Jan. 17 ruled in favor of a potential ban if the company isn’t sold.

So where do things stand now? President Trump, tech innovator Elon Musk and others are talking about having an American company or even the U.S. government buy TikTok, or at least half of it. ByteDance has long said the app is not for sale. So what will happen on April 5, when the 75-day executive order expires, is up in the air. TikTok says its 170 million American users spent nearly an hour a day on the app in 2024, according to the BBC News.

I, for one, have never once used TikTok and at first I saw why the government wanted to ban it. But then I wondered, what is the Chinese government going to do with user data? If you think about it, the only people the Chinese government really wants to keep an eye on is those who work for the U.S. government. In this case, banning the app from government devices is a smart move and should be enough. In my opinion, a larger ban is not needed for ordinary users. The worst thing that the app can do is reduce our attention spans.

Right now, it’s anybody’s game. According to CNN, Americans since the ban have started downloading an app by the name of Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, another Chinese-owned social media platform. If the U.S government is concerned about the CCP getting Americans’ data from TikTok, RedNote is probably far worse, and would also likely be banned. Banning social media is a very slippery slope, because if the U.S bans TikTok and other ByteDance products like CapCut, what’s next? If this is considered constitutional, the U.S can ban basically anything it deems dangerous. 

In addition to TikTok, many other Chinese-owned companies are used by Americans, including video game makers. Tencent is a Chinese conglomerate that owns a small portion of Epic Games (the creators of Fortnite) and much larger portions of Supercell (the makers of Clash Of Clans) and Riot Games (League Of Legends). With the law to ban TikTok, the U.S. government could go after companies like these. The situation is a disaster.

Entertainment, Opinion

The Menendez Brothers: Villains or Victims?

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By Sienna Lamond, ’26

Staff Writer

On August 20, 1989, José and Kitty Menendez were murdered in their Beverly Hills, Calif., home. Their sons, Joseph Lyle Menendez and Erik Galen Menendez, were hysterical and devastated. As police began to investigate, what they found was astonishing. On March 8, 1990, Lyle Menendez was arrested for the murder of his parents, and days later, so was Erik.

The brothers’ family hired Leslie Abramson, one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the area. She got a story out of the boys that no one had ever heard before; a story of betrayal and tragedy. Erik admitted to Abramson that his father had been molesting him from the time he was a child until the week before he killed him. And worse, according to Erik, his mother knew the whole time and didn’t do anything to stop it. This, Abramson argued, is what pushed 18-year-old Erik and 21-year-old Lyle to murder their parents.

The original trials took place back in the 1990s, and the brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. But some recent events have gotten conversations about the case and the brothers stirring again. Los Angeles County’s former District Attorney, George Gascón, released a statement in October recommending that the brothers be eligible for parole immediately. This is an effect of new evidence and the press’s reinvigorated interest in the case due to shining Tinseltown herself: Hollywood.

A true-crime drama series released on Netflix in October called Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story may have been a catalyst for these new developments. The show received massive amounts of attention for its incredible costumes, set, script, and, most importantly, impressive actors. Cooper Kotch, who took on the role of playing Erik, emulated the character’s pain and emotion in a one-take 45 minute episode titled “The Hurt Man,” which captured and stunned audiences nationwide. Due to the theatrically impressive nature of the 9-episode sequence, it commanded attention from the press and social media. In the ’90s when the case was first being publicized, the public’s attention on the event and the brothers swayed the atmosphere in court. The media lost interest in the case after the first trial was declared a mistrial; that is thought to be one factor that may have impacted the brothers’ ultimate sentence. Now that the brothers are back in the public eye, general feelings of sympathy, hope, and justice are igniting in the people, which could mean good things are to come for them both.

While in prison, it is my belief that Lyle and Erik have proven that they rebuke the title of the Netflix series; they are not monsters. Both brothers have worked for over 30 years to better themselves, others, and their community. Erik received an Associate’s Degree in Sociology and Social and Behavioral Sciences from UC Irvine, started a meditation group in prison, and he and Lyle started several support groups for inmates, including a group for inmates with physical disabilities and a general group therapy program. Meanwhile, Lyle received a Bachelor of Arts degree, also from UC Irvine, founded the Adverse Child Rehabilitation program in 2016, and founded the Greenspace Project, in which inmates had the opportunity to paint murals, which raised $250,000. Furthermore, the brothers’s family asks to bring them home. Their aunt, Joan Vandermolen stated in an AP News post, “They have grown, they have changed, and they have become better men, despite everything that they’ve been through. It’s time to give them the opportunity to live the rest of their lives free from the shadow of their past.” In addition, prison guards and fellow inmates express that Lyle and Erik are far from dangerous criminals, and instead are more like friendly neighbors. Cooper Kotch, the aforementioned star of the TV series about the brothers, visited Erik in prison and spoke on the experience in a press-tour interview promoting the show. He explained how he felt the same way as almost everyone who knows the brothers personally, and he believes they should be given a second chance.

If the brothers were so innocent the first time, why were they convicted and sentenced to life? To that, I answer that they weren’t so innocent. They certainly didn’t seem very innocent. While the prosecution maintained their charge of first-degree murder throughout the court proceedings, the brothers’ defense changed. At first, the brothers pleaded not guilty when their lawyer was Robert Shapiro, whose name you may recognize from his defense of OJ Simpson in his murder trial. The family eventually fired Shapiro and, instead, hired Leslie Abramson. When their lawyers switched, so did their plea, which the prosecution used to their advantage. On top of that, the brothers lied throughout the months following their parents deaths. Their family’s therapist recorded them confessing to everything except the whole base of their defense: the sexual abuse. Furthermore, not a single man on the jury voted in favor of the brothers’ story, leading to the conclusion that most men would not be sympathetic to their tragic tale of sexual abuse. In court, the question arose that if the brothers were being truthful about the sexual abuse, why didn’t they speak up sooner? Why didn’t they admit to the abuse while confessing to their therapist? Why lie about the murders in the first place? Why never tell anyone? These questions eventually resulted in the defense team losing the second trial and the brothers just narrowly avoiding the death penalty.

The 1990s were a very different time from now. Social, psychological, and scientific studies have been conducted to provide us with answers to not only this case, but all those that resemble this one as well. Why did they do it? The answer is in your head–literally. “Childhood is a pivotal time for brain development,” writes the Integrative Life Center, “The effects of physical abuse and neglect can disrupt this development.” The ILC goes on to describe all the ways in which an individual’s brain is affected developmentally when that individual experiences abuse in any form during childhood. Teenagers and young adults are known for being reckless, irrational, and irresponsible, and this is completely developmentally appropriate. The parts of the brain responsible for processing emotions and making decisions, the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, are not fully formed until a person is around 25 years old. When childhood abuse is added to the equation, the growth of these crucial parts of the brain is stunted and brain maturity is reached much later in life. Taking this into account, not only were Lyle and Erik younger than the typical age for brain maturity, but their abuse further affected their ability to process emotions and make rational decisions. The Los Angeles Times wrote in a 1993 article, when the case was being tried, “By age 18, traumatized severely by 12 years of abuse, Erik Menendez was racked by overriding feelings of powerlessness, hopelessness, helplessness and fear . . . when he and his brother sensed violence on the night of Aug. 20, 1989, it was as if he was on autopilot when they blasted away at their parents.”

Despite new understanding about the impact of abuse on children, the brothers are still serving time in Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, Calif. After over 30 years, they may get a second chance. The brothers maintain their defense that they were sexually and emotionally abused their whole lives, which leads to the belief that this story of tragedy and betrayal is the truth. While murder is unacceptable, so is manipulation, molestation, and abuse of a child. Lyle and Erik spent their whole childhoods feeling trapped and afraid in the place they were supposed to feel comfortable and relaxed. Given modern knowledge and the time since the whole cascade of events occured, it is within the realm of possibility for the brothers to see freedom again. Is justice imprisoning abuse victims, or is it setting murderers free? The situation begs the question that every individual must ask themselves: are the Menendez brothers the villains of the story, or have they been victims all along?

Entertainment

Two Powerful Reads: The Crucible and Born a Crime

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By Siena Oliver, ’27

News Editor

The Crucible 

This year in English class I read The Crucible, a play by Arthur Miller that details the events of the Salem Witch trials. The play is set in a fictionalized version of Salem, and tells the story of several main characters, including the Proctors, the Danforths, a group of girls lead by Abigail Williams, and Reverends Parris and Hale. The story begins with two little girls who have mysteriously fallen ill after being seen dancing in the woods. Within hours, rumors of witchcraft have run rampant throughout the heavily religious town. These religious-based fears lead to many unfounded accusations, and courtroom persecutions, of different townspeople who are believed to be witches.

The Crucible explores themes of guilt, justice, and loyalty, and warns about the dangers of mass hysteria and corruption in the courts. The play is an allegory for the period of McCarthyism in the 1950’s, which the author, Miller, was directly involved in. During this time, the fear of Communism in the United States led to rampant accusations and Congressional hearings. One especially interesting choice Miller made was to include small bits of extra information relating to, but not in, the play,  during the overture and in between acts. 

Personally, as is the case with many books assigned in school, it was not my favorite. That’s not to say it was bad, but I don’t love reading plays in general. Overall, I thought the story was interesting and it was a great book to have discussions on in class, but the fact that it was a play made it harder for me to enjoy. 

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah is actually another book I read for my English summer reading this year, but I had read it on my own beforehand and already loved it. The book is a memoir about Noah’s experience living in South Africa as a child of mixed-race during Apartheid. This era in history, from 1948 to the early 1990s, was tumultuous because of the country’s legalized discrimination against Blacks. The book is made up of stories from different times in his childhood, and is told in a comedic tone. Themes include family, religion, and race, and Noah does a great job of balancing serious topics with humor. 

In my opinion, this book is amazing, especially in audiobook form. I have both read the book and listened to it, and, while both versions are great, the audiobook, narrated by Trevor Noah himself, is hilarious. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Even if you dont think it’s your type of book, if you try it out I’m sure you’ll end up loving it. 

Entertainment, News

Performers Hit All the Right Notes

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By Giada Grace, ’28

Staff Writer

The Hanover High School Cabaret concert, held October 15, transformed the cafeteria into a musical showcase. About 20 participants performed. The Pride of Hanover marching band played its current field show “Chicago,” and Vox displayed its choral talents. Other performances included “Enchanted” by Taylor Swift, sung by Avery Porro and Sophie Frattasio, and “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappel Roan, performed by Henry Graham and Daniel Freedman. I joined Anna Dillon, Aevlyn Brangan, Ben Smith, Maria-Rita Silva and Luca Ciccolo for “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay. All of the performances were exceptional.

It is a great accomplishment to go in front of an audience and perform. Even after playing for many years on stage, it can still be nerve racking, but everyone did a great job. Some were even brave enough to play a solo. I talked to several of the performers to learn more about the atmosphere for the musical arts at HHS. I love performing in front of a crowd, whether it’s at a football game or a concert. It is fun and exhilarating, even though it can fill me with worries. But it’s all worth it when you see everyone supporting you and cheering you on.

“Before my first game, I was nervous but then I realized that I did good,” said Tory Jara, a freshman. “I feel very proud of myself after my performances due to all of the hard work that I put in everytime.”

Many band students believe, and I agree, that one of the best parts about being in band is showing what we can accomplish together. We all have to come together to make the band what it is and it takes teamwork. Another great thing about band is all of the friends you make. Going to class first period every morning with all the people I love is a great feeling, and everyone there shares a common passion, music!  As a freshman, I wasn’t sure what to expect from high school band, but I very quickly realized that while I liked being in band before, I now love it. I am starting a new chapter that helped make the overall move to high school a little easier.

“The people you meet are amazing and they make you feel like you are part of the team,” said freshman Layla Ali. Music makes you come out of your shell and learn to communicate without words, she added.

Entertainment

New Fiction Titles Explore Thrills, Chills, Hopes and Fears

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By Mrs. McHugh

HHS Librarian

An adventure in the wilds of Alaska. A creepy old house that possesses its inhabitants. A high school senior facing unique challenges in her college search. I recently read three very different books: one thriller, one horror and one realistic fiction. But despite the differences in genre, they all plucked at my emotions and had me glued to the pages.

The North Line by Matt Riordan – After a foolish mistake costs Adam his college scholarship, he hopes to make quick tuition money by working the summer on fishing boats in Alaska. The job introduces him to the rough characters, grueling routines and physical risks that are part of the  industry. When the captain of Adam’s boat decides to defy striking fishermen, the danger escalates. The author draws from his own work experiences to instill real grittiness, tension, and even humor. 

My only criticism is that the author sometimes grows philosophical about nature, evolution, and purpose, breaking up the action. In addition, halfway through the book, readers learn that it is set in the 1990s during the Gulf War. It’s never really clear why the author includes this historical element, and it’s not integrated throughout the story. 

Aside from those issues, the adventure may appeal to readers who liked Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Peak by Roland Smith or Adrift by Paul Griffin. The theme of shedding your past and forging a new identity also may resonate, although the coarse language and references to sex and drug use may make this book best for older teens. The ending is tense, thrilling, and unexpected. 

A Place for Vanishing by Ann Fraistat – After a failed suicide attempt, teenaged Libby and her family try to make a fresh start in a mysterious home that’s been abandoned for decades. But while the family struggles to cope with its trauma, it must also face the secrets of the house, which include a history of seances, rumored disappearances and creepy bugs – so many creepy bugs. The author deftly balances a story about a shattered family and mental illness with a thrilling tale of hauntings, possession and the supernatural. Libby, her younger sister, their mom and a quirky boy next door are well developed and relatable. The supernatural elements will make readers’ skin crawl and the ending is fast-paced, tense and thrilling. 

The bugs may turn off some readers. The discussion of suicide may be too heavy for some, but the author focuses on the aftermath and recovery, not the act itself. While it may trigger some readers, who are warned in an author’s note at the front of the book, the discussion is handled honestly but carefully, showing how that level of desperation impacts everyone connected.

Readers who like horror stories and don’t mind being creeped out will devour this book. Fans of Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury and White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson, other stories where the haunted house is almost another character, also may enjoy this.

Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrest – Effie is a high school senior who uses a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy, a condition that impacts her mobility and reflexes. She longs to go to college far from home and become a voice for people with disabilities. But she struggles with obstacles in her current school and fears leaving her support network of family and friends. Will her wheelchair keep her from following her dreams? Spoiler alert: of course it doesn’t. But watching Effie navigate the journey from a shy teen afraid to make waves to a confident advocate for herself and others is powerful. How she pursues her dreams and pushes past challenges sends a strong message to others.

This book offers the rare perspective of someone with a chronic illness and a wheelchair user, and it’s eye opening. When Effie and her parents visit her dream school in New York City, readers see firsthand how hard it is for someone with limited mobility to catch the subway or cross a snowy campus. Readers learn how easy it is for colleges and businesses to make excuses for not being accessible, blaming the age of buildings or the cost of making upgrades for their failure to do so. The story brings to light sacrifices that people with disabilities are expected to make, such as forgoing the chance to have a roommate because the only dorm rooms that will fit a wheelchair are singles. When Effie tours a campus that has made strong efforts to improve accessibility, it is amazing what can be done, making the excuses offered by others even harder to accept.

Readers with a disability or chronic illness will see themselves in the story, but so will any teen facing the decision about what to do after high school. Choosing a college or a career to pursue can be scary, confusing or ripe for comedy. Other books that cover the same transition include Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertelli and When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Entertainment, Opinion

Wish Honors Disney Classics, But Likely Won’t Become One

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By Billy Hersey, ’27

Staff Writer

I didn’t have high hopes for Wish, Disney’s latest animated film, mainly because of the negative press around it. After watching it, I can say that while it’s far from Disney’s best, it isn’t awful. The film’s message and soundtrack make it worth watching, at least if you’re a fan of Disney.

The creators wanted to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Disney and the company’s legacy, so they designed a whole new art style combining methods from the classics like Pinocchio and Snow White, but also using present-day technology. They wanted to prevent the film from feeling old while paying homage to the many films made through the years. Being so used to the recent animation style of films like Moana, I was originally surprised and skeptical of the art in Wish, finding it a little “off.” But after seeing the making of the movie and learning more about the creators’ vision, I started to understand and found the new style a nice change of scenery. 

This aspiration to honor Disney’s many classics led the filmmakers to include references or nods throughout the film. Some say there were too many “Easter eggs,” and in some cases I agree. But the nods also remind viewers of their favorite films and add to their appreciation, which I feel is just what the architects of the movie wanted. 

Critics of Wish have said that the plot is basic and the movie is too fast paced, and I have to agree. I feel there was a need for more character development which could have slowed the movie and made the writing and story more complex. Some also longed for the classic Disney villain and felt the “bad guy” in Wish was barely evil and his reasons for turning evil were valid. I also felt the villain was missing something and I feel that adding more background especially with the father would have been nice especially since the filmmakers are trying to show he and Asha, the main character, had a close relationship. We barely know anything about Asha’s friends or how they met, especially Dahlia, who she seems closest to. I think perhaps the film could have benefitted from more of a background behind their friendship especially when thinking about all the things Dahlia did for Asha and the trust they have for each other.

Since this is a movie whose intended audience is mainly children, there were many reviews from adults seeing it with their young children and loving it. A simple story that is easy to follow is probably better for kids who may not be able to follow a more complex plot preferred by adult viewers. Lots of people love the character Star, who has lots of personality and a strong connection with Asha even though he doesn’t speak. But they noted the missed opportunity to add more after reading or hearing about the different ideas that arose during the character’s development.

One thing that really added to the film was the creative and beautiful soundtrack, especially the song “This Wish” because of its hopeful lyrics and sound. Something else that redeems the movie’s flaws is its theme. The creators try to convey to viewers that it is never too late to try to make a dream come true, and that if you want your wishes to come true, you have to work for them.

While this is far from my favorite movie, I would recommend that Disney fans watch it at least once to experience the beautiful art, hear the songs and feel the message. The movie has its issues, but I feel its goal to celebrate a century of classics created by the company has been achieved.