Art in the Hills

During this autumn season, the fine arts continue to flourish, with numerous events taking place both within our classrooms and on our stages. In this edition of the Arts in Our Schools newsletter, I am delighted to highlight the production, “Hadestown” presented by the theater department of Northern High School. These performances showcase the remarkable creativity, dedication, and exceptional talent of our students.

John DeStefano

“To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” Kurt Vonnegut.

Laurie has been employed by Forest Hills for 25 years, but has been teaching in one capacity or another for 32 years. Currently, she teaches music to Kindergarten through 4th Grade. Laurie began her career as a Suzuki Violin Teacher and worked as a substitute instructor in both local private schools and Forest Hills Public Schools. Her first teaching position was with Calvin Christian and Grandville Christian Schools, where she taught beginning strings. During her tenure at Forest Hills, Laurie has served in a variety of teaching roles, including orchestra, band, choir, and general music, across grade levels ranging from Kindergarten through 6th Grade and High School. Laurie enjoys teaching because it allows her to pass on the lifelong joy and discipline that music has given her. Helping students experience the thrill of making music together, hearing their progress, and seeing their pride in performance reminds her daily why she chose this profession. Laurie’s favorite activities in her free time include spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, playing golf, and playing pickleball. Fun Fact: Laurie enjoys playing her violin with the Calvin Community Symphony Orchestra, gardening, and doing jigsaw puzzles by the fireplace during the winter months.

In her 38th year of teaching, Diane currently instructs 7th and 8th-grade art at Northern Hills Middle School. At just seven years old, Diane knew she wanted to be an art teacher. Remarkably, her dream has come true. Before her tenure at Northern Middle, she spent her first four years at Central High School, during which she also traveled to various elementary schools. Diane’s greatest satisfaction in teaching stems from the students. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to explore their own artistic expression are truly inspiring. In her free time, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Faye.

Michael is in his 32nd year in education. He is honored to be the director of this show. At its heart, Hadestown is a story as old as storytelling itself — a myth retold for our time. It’s about love and hope in the face of fear. It’s about how we keep singing even when the world seems dark. And it’s about the courage it takes to believe in something — or someone—when it would be easier not to. Michael is excited about his show because the students have poured their hearts into this production — not just learning the music and movement, but exploring the emotion, poetry, and humanity at its core. Their collaboration, creativity, and care remind us why theatre matters: it connects us, challenges us, and gives us space to imagine something better.

Anthony, a senior at Northern High School, has been a member of the school’s theater program for four years. He has been cast as Orpheus in the upcoming production of Hadestown. Orpheus is a destitute musician who works as a waiter when he encounters Eurydice and becomes deeply enamored with her upon seeing her. Anthony loves this production, asserting that it stands apart from any other show they have undertaken. The narrative is profoundly moving and inspiring, which fuels his excitement for performing. Additionally, he cherishes the collaborative experience of working with his directors and castmates to create a compelling theatrical experience.

Hana, a senior at Northern High School, has been a member of the school’s theater program for four years. She has been cast as Eurydice, a resilient and independent young woman who has been jaded by her difficult circumstances and initially experiences a sense of hopelessness during the harsh winter. Hana is particularly excited about this production because it allows her to portray a character significantly different from those she has played in the past. Typically, she has taken on more energetic and spirited roles, but in this production, she will have the opportunity to embody a more emotional and vulnerable character. Additionally, Hana is deeply enamored with the musical score of Hadestown. Each song tells a unique story, whether it be heartbreak or love, and it effectively connects with both the cast and audience. Hadestown is a profoundly moving narrative, and the opportunity to collaborate with such gifted castmates has made this production an absolute delight.

The show starts at 6:30 pm at Northern High School's Auditorium.

The show starts at 7 pm.

The show starts at 6:30 pm.