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Heritage Middle School Presents | It's Easy! The Friend Strong Musical
Heritage Middle School will be performing It's Easy! The Friend Strong Musical on April 19th and 20th at 6pm.
Director’s Notes
This powerful show has been a true work of heart for all of us. There were aspects of the show- and some language- that our students really struggled with. We had conversations about why it was necessary to say such mean and hurtful things even though we really didn’t want to- so that we could shine a light on an ugly and dark reality that some children (and even adults!) have to deal with.
I am so glad that our students are able to participate in both the Be A Friend Project friend mail program and the “It’s Easy” musical. We hope that everyone who watches this show leaves with a deeper understanding of just how impactful bullying can be on children, and will have a greater sense of empathy toward others and the world.
We also want to give a special “shout out” to our girl Piper. It was her story that inspired us to get involved with this project and it is because of her that we are all better people. Thank you, Piper, for being authentically and amazingly you!
Be a Friend Project
The show is part of the Be a Friend Project. The Be A Friend Project is an organization of student Upstanders (from kindergarten through college) working to save the lives of their bullied peers and build kinder communities using empathy, education and The Arts. Developed FOR KIDS and BY KIDS in 2015, our national Teen Kindness Board helps guide new initiatives and programming. The signature Friend Mail Program delivers surprise peer support with empathetic words and art to survivors of severe bullying to help them stay strong and know they are not alone. School and community-based Kindness Clubs celebrate and cultivate acts of bullying prevention and kindness activism.
The Music and Theatre students at Heritage Middle School have been Official Ambassadors of the Be A Friend Project since 2023 and have sent hundreds of letters and cards to students all over the country.
If you would like to know more about the Be A Friend Project and how you can get involved, visit their website at
CAST
Jed Travis………………………….. Sean Parisien
Stacey Emerson……………………. Isabella Luna
Ricky Palmer………….…….…. James Brueckner
Zoe Webb……………………..… Brenda Williams
Gabby ………………………….… Natalia Nazario
Taylor………………………………….. Stella Gaito
Monica ……………………………. MaiAhn Hoang
Vinny Abatino ………….……………Quinn Tracey
Zyla Lucas…………….…………… Jayna Reaves
Heather Harris………..………………Maeve Turso
Joy Montgomery…...……………Scarlett Staropoli
Dan Randazzo..……………………. Scott Owcarz
Benjamin…...…. Gianpierre Maldonado/Alae Dali
Hank Randazzo…………………… Joshua Mejias
CJ Lee……………………………. Hayden Ramos
Jaecina………………………. Kylessa Coddington
Avery…………………………….. Olivia Lanspery
Natalie……………………….….. Serenity Carter
Tina……………………………. Chloe Ann Brown
Nicole………………………….. Geralyn Santiago
Andrea……………..…………. Gabriella Nemorin
Carly………………….…………… Viktoria Bohler
Fatima……………….………….. Juliet Mamazza
Jade…….……………………….... Amaris James
Mr. A………………………………..…. Mr. Barnes
Adult Gabby……………………….. Kyrielle Keith
Adult Taylor……………………… Hendrix Eldred
Adult CJ Lee……………………… Laneya Hicklin
Adult Joy Montgomery…………….. Molly Porter
Adult Monica………………………. Sophia Tapia
Adult Heather Harris……………….. Bella Torres
Adult Hank Randazzo….…… Alina-Rose Bravo
Adult Stacey Emerson…………….… Ms. Toback
Adult Dan Randazzo…………..… Mr. Maldonado
VOICE-OVER CAST
ADULT JED TRAVIS: Larry Alexander
PRINCIPAL YOUNG: Jennifer Young
- KENNETT: January Akselrad
COACH STAN: Matt Noble
CREW
Student Director…… Aria Ortega, Zhamaya Williams
Lights……………..……………………. Alahna Wilson
Sound………………..… Jacob Ortiz, Jackson Packer
Set Crew…………………… Rilee Diaz, Sophie Frank
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT I
“It’s Easy”................................................................FULL CAST
“I Look Into the Future” ………...……………………..….….. Jed
“Once Friends”.................................................. Stacey, Monica
“In My Hands”.…………...………… Zoe, Taylor, Gabby, Monica
“Who Do They See?”……………………..………………. Monica
“No One’s Better” ……………………………..……. FULL CAST
“Look the Other Way” …………………………..……FULL CAST
“I Don’t Need Anyone” ………………………….………….. Vinny
“I Don’t Need Anyone” (Reprise) …………………………. Ricky
“I Look Into the Future” (Reprise)...................................... Mr. A
“Friend Strong” ……………… Soccer Girls, Bully Cheerleaders
“Pick Me” .……………………………………….…… FULL CAST
“Stepping Into Their Shoes” ……………………….. CJ, Heather
“Lunchroom Jungle” …………………………………FULL CAST
ACT II
“Middle School Musical”................................................. Adults
“I Looked Into the Future” (Reprise)................................ Ricky
“Who Do You See?” (Reprise) ...... Zoe, Taylor, Gabby, Monica
“Speak Up, Reach Out”...........................................FULL CAST (except Vinny, Zyla, Ricky)
“It’s Easy” (reprise).................................................FULL CAST
Photos were taken at a dress rehearsal prior to the show.
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We鈥檇 love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
