YULA Girls Division’s production of the highly acclaimed musical, Hamilton, was enthusiastically received by the broader community. The production, directed by Margy Horowitz and featuring a cast consisting entirely of members of the school’s student body, was presented in three performances in December. Each performance drew a sizable (female-only) audience, and tickets were sold out the week prior to each respective show. Many cast members, who had little or no previous theatrical training, had spent several months preparing. The production triumphed in promoting arts and culture and adhered to Orthodox Jewish values.

Beyond the cast’s being well-prepared, many factors contributed to the success of the production namely, the choreography. Throughout production, the ensemble could be seen performing well-synchronized, detailed dances in the background. Additionally, the costume designers, Shira Cohn (‘22) and Orelle Maghen (‘22), worked tirelessly to ensure the actors’ clothing accurately represented the original musical’s wardrobe. Arieli Mahler (‘22), Chana Horowitz (‘23), and Nellie Javaherian (‘24) donned the iconic Schuyler Sisters’ gowns. Meanwhile, the backstage production members managed the lighting, sound, and props to ensure an optimal viewing experience for the audience. The show’s success, along with the collaborative efforts of the production’s cast and crew, has set the bar high for YULA productions going forward.