York Drama explores growing up in ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ song cycle
York Drama is putting on Drew Gasparini’s musical, “We Aren’t Kids Anymore,” this week in the school’s newly renovated Baker Auditorium.
The musical is currently being workshopped on the West End in London, making this production in Elmhurst the final of its kind.
The musical explores the collision of artistic expression and the realities of growing up.
How do we hold on to our childhood dreams and ideals as adult disillusionment sets in? How do we sustain life as artists without settling for others’ definitions of success? And how do we recover when we lose those battles?
This new theatrical song cycle was born of Drew Gasparini’s journey forging a creative path and navigating the world at large, and his desire to offer empathy and hope to everyone doing the same.
“Our program has been enamored with Drew Gasparini’s honest and empathetic storytelling for years,” said director Matt Bourke. “The beauty of this show, in particular, comes from its universal experiences: the simultaneous hope and fear of growing up, doing too much of one thing and not enough of another, being someone’s sibling or child. Each day we get older, and what Gasparini does so well is recognize all of the emotions, choices, and mistakes that go along with it.”
As an added bonus through the process, students were able to work with Gasparini for a one-day clinic.
During their time with the composer, students were able to engage in a Q&A session, gain new insight into his motivation behind songs, and even perform a run of the show for him.
“To have the writer of the show, one of extreme renown in the world of musical theater, no less, was an incredible gift for our students,” said director Rebecca Marianetti. “Not only is Gasparini a genius as a musician, his way of connecting with our students and strengthening their confidence is something I have always admired. Our students walked away from that day with a new sense of purpose and a renewed vigor for the collaborative process of theater.”
The musical, which tells an autobiographical account of Gasparini’s 20s, has given students the chance to explore their own lives and experiences in the context of his.
Students stressed the importance of process in this work, finding meaning for themselves and for others.
“What I love most about ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ is the sincerity in the writing,” said Alexa Klein, dance captain and ensemble member. “It allows the personal stories told in each song to hit home for everyone who listens. The process of creating this show has been so rewarding because the cast has had the opportunity to really dig in and discuss what each song means to us. These conversations have allowed us to truly connect and trust one another as an ensemble, which is so important in a show based around relationships and community.”
Being a song cycle means there is no traditional “book” or script for the musical, instead relying on the actors to transition the audience from one number to the next. Because of this, students had the opportunity to collaborate with one another and their directors to determine the direction of the piece.
“For me, the genius of ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ comes in unraveling the overarching themes the show as a whole finds, to find diverse fluctuating messages throughout every individual number,” said ensemble member Liam Shea. “The repertoire of songs are all so unique from one another that it allows the direction of each number to be taken to wider places. It’s incredibly expansive in the possibilities with themes that can be discovered, and it’s been increasingly rewarding to watch how these individual stories have grown to branch together into one cohesive ensemble piece with its own distinct story. It allows for both the directors and actors to shine in a way that I really haven’t seen before.”
“We Aren’t Kids Anymore” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, Jan. 23-25, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, in the Baker Auditorium at York High School, 355 W. St. Charles Road in Elmhurst. Recommended for ages 13 or older.
Tickets are $15 and available at www.YorkDrama.org.
“What makes this piece so meaningful is the relationships built throughout the show,” said ensemble member Eva Vitellaro. “They remind us that community and support are the most important things needed for personal recovery and growth.”
If you go
What: York Drama’s production of “We Aren’t Kids Anymore”
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, Jan. 23-25, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26
Where: Baker Auditorium at York High School, 355 W. St. Charles Road in Elmhurst. Recommended for ages 13 or older.
Tickets: $15, available via www.YorkDrama.org.