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 www.BeAFriendProject.org

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

1. 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 | Heritage Middle School Presents | It's Easy! The Friend Strong Musical
  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’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!