By Paulina Leskow and Norah Kelley, ’24

To kick off this school year for the music and drama departments, Hanover High School transformed the cafeteria into a Cabaret. The October 20 showcase featured 19 acts and was a great way to put the performing arts on center stage. The Cabaret included the HHS Band, Vox choral group and Jazz Ensemble as well as many acts proposed by the students themselves to show off their talents of singing, dancing, acting, comedy and playing instruments.

“From beginning to end, they showed individual initiative — especially through their creativity,” said Mr. Matt Harden, the chair of Hanover Schools’ Fine and Performing Arts who also leads instrumental music at HHS. Mr. Harden orchestrated the production, along with choral director Mr. Michael Wade and drama teacher Mr. Collin Fahey.

The event made an impact on the large audience as well as the performers and crew members who worked backstage. “I loved seeing how talented everyone was, especially people that I don’t usually get to see performing,” said junior Ella Nadeau, who sang “Girl Crush” by L. McKenna, H.Lindsey and L. Rose. 

After performing a dance routine, senior Owen Forrand said the reaction from the audience was the highlight of the night. “My favorite part was probably hearing how much people enjoyed my dance and how they thought I did well,” he said. “It was nice to hear that people didn’t notice the mistake I made and that the dance was fun to watch.” 

The Cabaret, which began last year as a way to continue live performances amid COVID-19 precautions, was also a great way for the new members of Hanover High School to be introduced to its impressive world of the arts. The schedule this year includes 13: The Musical in November, a drama fest and another play in the spring, and seasonal concerts by choral and instrumental performers. A districtwide festival showcasing fine and performing arts from students in grades k-12 debuted last year and is planned for the spring.

“The arts seem like such an amazing program,” said freshman Alana Cole, who sang “Don’t Rain on my Parade” by B. Merrill and J. Styne at the Cabaret. “It got me very excited to get involved in more activities!” 

By Jake Faghan, ’23

Staff Writer

HHS performing arts students are looking forward to their next production, 13: the Musical. As it grows closer to opening night on Nov. 18, word has been buzzing about this show, the only Broadway musical ever to feature a cast entirely of teens.

Created by Jason Robert Brown, Dan Elish and Robert Horn, 13 tells the story of a teen who moves from New York City to a small Midwestern town. In addition to having to make new friends, Evan Goldman must deal with his parents’ divorce and his upcoming Bar Mitzvah. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2008, and introduced the world to the young actress who would become pop star Ariana Grande. It also recently debuted as a movie on Netflix.

“This show is about growing up and using a little guess and check, maybe failing once in a while, to figure out who you are and where you fit in,” said HHS drama teacher Collin Fahey. “We all feel that at the age of 13, you think you know everything, but ultimately we all need a little more studying, a little more self-discovery and a little more homework.”

The show features contemporary music, humor and relatable characters — all of whom are about to turn 13, Mr. Fahey added. “I think it will be interesting for students to investigate what their middle school experience was like and how it can influence them.”

The musical stars Ella Nadeau as Evan Goldman, Ashley Stracco as Patrice, Baylor Speckmann as Brett, Addy Potter as Archie, Peyton Szymczak as Lucy, and Norah Kelley as Kendra. Mr. Matt Harden, who chairs the district’s Fine and Performing Arts department and leads instrumental music at HHS, will help shape the production, along with choral director Mr. Michael Wade.

Last summer, the Drama Department had chosen for its fall musical Little Women, based on the book by Louisa May Alcott and the Broadway show that debuted on Broadway in 2005. But because another company had already purchased the rights, HHS had to make a different choice, Mr. Fahey said. Mr. Harden suggested they try 13.

“It’s fun to work with because everyone’s been 13,” Mr. Fahey said. “I’ve been 13 and everyone involved has been 13. … It is a really upbeat, fun, hilarious show that I think people are really going to enjoy.”

13: The Musical, will come to life on the auditorium stage Nov. 18-20. Information on ticket sales will be posted on Hanover Schools’ social media soon. I personally think that everyone should give this show a shot, and support the performing arts. As you watch the characters in 13 grow, help nurture the HHS performing arts program as well.

“I am incredibly proud to be part of such a nurturing artistic community here,” Mr. Fahey said, “and I can’t wait to keep creating and keep succeeding.”

Featured image: http://jasonrobertbrown.com/press/13-big-screen/

The Hawk Staff

The HHS Drama Club received rave reviews for its performance in the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild’s Drama Festival at Duxbury High School on March 19. Presenting the one-act play Badger by Don Zolidis, the cast and crew performed brilliantly with individual awards going to stage manager Karen Bell, actors Ben Manning and Morgan Gentile, choreographer Callia Gilligan and musical composer Jacob Asnes. While the show will not be moving to the next round, the cast and crew did a fantastic job representing HHS.

The METG Drama Festival is an annual theatrical competition. Schools gather together and each presents a 40-minute one-act piece, with just 5 minutes to put together and strike, or take down, their sets. At the end of the day, each play is scored and three winners are named. Drama Festival is a wonderful and exciting day, an event that HHS Drama annually participates in. 

In the past, HHS has presented shows such as The Scheme of the Driftless Shifter, an over-the-top comedy. In 2019, the club advanced to the semi-finals with its production of At the Bottom of Lake Missoula. Last year, due to the pandemic, the festival was moved to a virtual presentation. Hanover still participated with 4 A.M. by Johnathon Dorf, submitting a video of the performance. 

This year’s play Badger focused on four women working in a munitions factory during World War II and the challenges they faced as women in the workforce. It is both a heartbreaking and uplifting story that paints a strong picture of the hardships of domestic life during the war. 

The cast was led by Sammy Burke (‘22) as Rose, Gentile (‘22) as Irene, Lauren Casey (‘22) as Grace, and Caris Mann (‘22) as Barbara. Manning (‘22) played Tim, another factory worker who takes an interest in Rose, and Rose Giordani (‘22) played Barbara’s husband, John, who is overseas fighting. The Chorus included Erin Shea (‘23), Kendall Sherwood (‘22), Mary Longueil (‘22), Paulina Leskow (‘24), Addy Potter (‘24), Bella MacDonald (‘24) and Kaya Biunculli (‘23). The Chorus is the backbone of the show, taking on various characters and roles within the factory. 

Rehearsals began before the fall musical was even complete, under the direction of Mr. Fahey and the stage management of Bell (‘22) and Paulina Leskow (‘24). Asnes (’25) composed original music for the play. A performance for the HHS community on March 17 served as a final rehearsal before competition.

By Callia Gilligan, ’22

Staff Writer

As winter rolls into spring here at Hanover High School, the mysterious disease known as “Senioritis” has officially fallen upon the Class of 2022. 

Scientists are unsure if Senioritis is a virus or infection, but common symptoms are lack of motivation, fallen grades, tiredness, and overall apathy for all things school-related. Usually, Senioritis falls around the spring and has been known to only increase in symptoms as Graduation comes closer. 

Senioritis can manifest in different ways. 

Tiana Wakefield said that she suffers most from a lack of motivation. “I can’t bring myself to do work anymore, and I think that’s everyone too.”

McKenzie Bottomley doubted the existence of the sickness when she was an underclassman, but now says, “Senioritis is real, I’m literally just staring at this paper right now. I literally can’t bring myself to even read my notes.”

Jack Dolan couldn’t even give me a quote because “that’s how little I care right now.” 

Even the projected valedictorian and class brainiac, Bella Kelley, has taken ill. “I feel like I’m feeling it,” she said. “I feel like I’m still keeping up with all my classes but we’re definitely getting closer to the end.” 

Senioritis, interestingly, seems to be in direct conflict with the work of teachers, who have frustratingly taken notice of the widespread symptoms plaguing the Class of 2022. 

“Late. Absent. Tardy. Missing. Is there anything else to say?” Mrs. Curtis stated. “Senioritis”

Mrs. Galotti noted in her sixth-period Calculus class that the disease was “definitely affecting this class” but stopped to tell talking students to “do some math.” She added, “this is not my favorite time of year.”

Even teachers who do not teach seniors like Mr. Perry said, “From what I’ve heard, Senioritis is a problem. It seems to start earlier every year.” 

Clearly many teachers are frustrated by the yearly apathy that strikes the Senior Class but some aren’t too concerned. 

“I think we should wait nine or so weeks and it will all blow over,” said Mr. Henderson. Coincidentally, in nine weeks, the seniors are done with school. 

Many are connecting the Senioritis plaguing the high school to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

“I’ve had senioritis since COVID started,” said Emma Talbot. 

Could Senioritis really be pandemic fatigue? Mr.Fahey doesn’t think so. “Senioritis is a disease that gets contracted by students the very first year they come to high school and meet their first senior,” he said.

If you find yourself feeling ill with Senioritis, doctors recommend prioritizing assignments that you might actually like, so you can bring some enjoyment back into your schoolwork.  If you feel yourself still struggling with motivation, doctors also recommend reminding yourself that colleges can revoke your offer of admission if you fail your classes. If even this doesn’t work, you should cut your losses and enjoy your nap. 

With college applications completed, Graduation looming on the horizon, and the weather warming up, can you really blame seniors for wanting to take a break? As Mr.Fahey put it, “Senioritis is earned.” Seniors have worked hard to get to this point, so as long as we keep up the good work (or at least some work), we deserve to slow down and enjoy this last stretch of our high school career. 

Featured image: https://www.scholarships.com/news/tips-for-curing-senioritis

By Norah Kelley, ’24

Staff Writer

Hilarious. Stunning cast. Amazing performance.

These were some of the comments from audience members who attended the HHS Drama Club presentation of Spamalot the Musical Feb. 11-13. For each of the three performances, the first live shows at HHS in two years, the theater was filled with family, friends, teachers, and students. 

Rehearsals began in November for the show, based on the 1975 movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Led by Mr. Fahey, Mr. Wade and Mr. Harden, the cast and crew put in many long hours to make the show a success.

“Spamalot was an incredible return to the stage for HHS Drama!” said Mr. Wade, the Vocal Director. “Students performed, ran tech, and played in the pit band, which showcased all of the talent and skill the performing arts has here at HHS.

“All together,” he added, “this was an amazing team effort that resulted in a creative, wacky and fun-filled production that our community greatly appreciated.”

Sammy Burke, a senior in the cast, said the experience was one she’ll never forget.

“I had so much fun in Spamalot,” she said. “The music was so much fun to learn and will be forever stuck in my head.”

Olivia Morin, a sophomore cast member, called her time spent on Spamalot “awesome.”

“After not being in a production for two years because of Covid, it was really nice to be a part of something so fun and exciting!” she said. “Not only did I have so much fun getting to act, sing, and dance, but the cast and crew made it even more memorable.”

New members of the club found out what makes it so special, and many are excited to be a part of upcoming productions. 

 “This musical was just great and a funny experience, becoming close to everyone,” said Paulina Leskow, a sophomore in the cast. “I can’t wait to do more plays in the future!” 

Seniors in the cast were very sad that this was their last high school musical, but they ended with a bang and finished with an amazing and funny show that kept the audience laughing the whole time. 

“I am so glad I got to be a part of Spamalot!” said senior cast member Bella Kelley. “It was a super fun experience and I loved being part of such a funny production!”

As Mr. Wade said, “We look forward to continuing our successes on the stage here in years to come. Kudos & congratulations to all involved!”