While some teenagers spent spring break in warm destinations or in bed watching Net ix, a group of Xavier High School students survived a state of emergency in the city that never sleeps.

“New York City o ers some of the best theater, history, and culture in the world,” Drama Director Ms. Sarah Hayes said.

On March 13, twenty-two students and ve chaperones set out on a journey to New York City for a four- day drama trip. The group explored Times Square, attended a clinic with a Broadway actress, and viewed iconic sights including Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the National September 11 Memorial Museum. They also viewed three Broadway productions: Aladdin, Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked.

“My favorite part of the trip was walking around Times Square and seeing all the theaters,” junior Nicole Hassenstab said. “There was so much to see and do.”

The students also went on a behind- the-scenes tour of the New Amsterdam Theatre, where they watched Aladdin.

“The New Amsterdam Theatre was so beautiful and old, and we got to go on the stage and try on costumes and props used in past shows,” Hassenstab said. “We were also told about Olive,

the ghost who haunts the theater.” Carefully laid out plans had to be set aside, however, when a blizzard struck New York on March 14. The snow fell so heavily that a state of emergency had to be called. “There was a blizzard in New York on our second day there, and although we missed one activity and had to reschedule another, no one complained about the sleet, the wind, the giant puddles of snow and slush at every

Left: Group enjoys seeing the Statue of Liberty. Above: Senior Sam Rohret tries on props from The Lion King. Below: Group explores The Majestic Theatre. Ms. Sarah Hayes Photos.

corner, or the freezing temperatures,” Ms. Hayes said. “They were determined to have fun, so they did, and that is the very best attitude to have.”

The group returned to Cedar Rapids on March 16 to enjoy the rest of their spring break

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