In December 2020, people were shocked with the news of a new musical, created on the popular social app, TikTok. A trend was started where creators wrote music, choreographed, made costumes and merchandise, and even made a Playbill for an adaption of Pixar’s 2007 hit film, Ratatouille. The show premiered on January 1 and viewers could see it until January 4. The tickets were available online for $5.

For the past 114 years, New York City has made it their priority to ring in the New Year in a fun and exciting way. Each year there is live entertainment in Times Square by the biggest musical artists of that year. People from all over the world have come to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New York. For some people, it is on their bucket list to visit and be part of the annual celebration.

As other methods of entertainment have staggered, such as Broadway, movie theaters, and concert, virtual modes of entertainment have taken center stage during the increased demand for isolation in light of the pandemic. In particular, podcasts are progressively becoming a normal part of everyday entertainment. 

Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and some new faces join together on the big screen for the epic spectacle Wonder Woman 1984. Three years after Patty Jenkins’ original blockbuster hit, the story about the Amazonian warrior Diana, born from the gods and royalty, continues - but this time it’s 1984. 

Due to Covid-19, several activities and entertainment performed at Nutley High School have been either delayed or cancelled. Mr. Vincent Vicchiariello , NHS music and band teacher, has been in charge of the winter concerts for the past several years. This year, several restrictions have been implemented, making these concerts not possible. As a result, Mr. V.

At Nutley High School, it is a key focus to maintain inclusive activities and clubs for students in all grades. With COVID-19 restrictions and virtual learning taking place, it is important to have certain guidelines implemented. Specific coordinators and administrators at NHS have been selected to run, organize, and manage the different activities for each club.  

During these difficult times, many businesses have been struggling to stay open. They are unable to open safely and are forced to stay closed or completely shut down. Many museums have struggled with this issue and nearly one third of all US museums have remained closed. Some in New York have offered virtual options to ensure their safety, but many have decided to reopen with limited occupance. How long will this last though?

Alex Trebek, the beloved host of Jeopardy!, peacefully passed away on November 8, 2020, following a year and a half long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 80 years old. 

With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, every corner of American life has undergone some variation of change. From businesses to schools to media, no aspect of society has been untouched by the influence of the pandemic. The entertainment industry is no exception.

American actress Ethel Merman once sang, “There’s no business like show business.” For many years Broadway has played such an important role not only in New York culture but also in American culture. On average, over 10 million people go to see shows on Broadway every year. From the tall buildings and lights to the people and the brightly-lit signs, Broadway holds a special place in the hearts of many people. 

The Coronavirus has caused life to be put on hold and with that comes isolation. School and work meetings have had to operate via Zoom. All restaurants and stores, throughout the United States, were closed down for months. The world going through a nationwide lockdown has made everyone feel hopeless. Nothing could ever prepare someone for this type of tragedy. Almost all of the American people have had to put their lives on hold for nine months.

Nutley High School’s annual fall play will continue to be performed and live-streamed on November 14th at 7:00PM. With the help of Julia Resnick, as director and NHS Senior, and Mr. Michael Gurrieri, as producer and advisor of the International Thespian Society, the show was able to be completely student run and produced. Tickets will be available to buy during the first week of November. 

On April 16, The Disney Family Singalong premiered on ABC, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, from the comfort of his own home in Los Angeles. Throughout the show, there were performances by celebrities of their favorite Disney songs, all from their homes. Their goal of the evening was to bring some magic to the homes during this strange time.

During a time of despair, music is able to unite people. As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to leave the world in a lockdown, people need something to keep them sane and their spirits up Music does that. The music industry has suffered greatly from this pandemic with cancellations of festivals, world tours and promotion for artists’ new music. However, artists and music companies are doing their best to maintain the industry and spread love through music. 

Fifteen years after the show Supernanny made its debut, the show is now back on and available on LifeTime TV. The show first aired on ABC on July 7, 2004, and ran until March 18, 2011.

The magical thing about musicals is that they are here forever. Shows that become iconic, grasp people for decades. West Side Story, one of those well-known musicals, is making its sixth Broadway Revival. 

Justin Bieber’s long awaited 10 episode documentary, Seasons, on Youtube was released Monday, January 27. The documentary shows a side of Justin that many have not seen before. During my viewing, three  episodes seem monumental.

On Saturday, March 7, Nutley’s 42nd Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade took over Franklin Avenue. The crowded sidewalk was filled with people of all cultural backgrounds, not just the Irish. The sound of bagpipes, laughing children, and horns filled the air on the beautiful, sunny afternoon. 

On May 30, 2020, Nutley Music Boosters’ Association, will host Cafe Night, at Nutley High School. “It is an event that involves instrumental students from elementary through high school and showcases student talents whether it is performing in a small ensemble, performing duets or trios, or even performing a solo,” says Mr. Vicchiariello, NHS music and band teacher.

Friends of Nutley Singers, better known as FONS, held its annual Cabaret Night on January 11, 2020, in the Nutley High School Gym. This event was run by Mrs. Polynice, Mr. Gurrieri, Mr. Gaines, Ms. Alamo, Ms. Milner, and Mrs. Moscaritola, as well as Rebecca Vigna, a NHS 2019 graduate. Together, the teachers and students involved were able to raise money for the Nutley Public School District’s choir and theatre programs. Students in grades 7 through 12 auditioned to be in the show in November and began rehearsing in December and January.