In a typical school year, Wantagh’s auditorium hosts three major theater productions, but this year students are set to stage a fourth show. The new Broadway Experience class, an eighth grade elective at Wantagh Middle School, is offering a free performance of “Beyond the Gates” on May 30.

Teacher Dr. Kimberly Davis explained that the Broadway Experience replaced an Introduction to Drama Class to offer a full immersion into all aspects of theater. Students explore acting, dancing and technical theater like costume and set design. The inaugural Broadway Experience class features 14 students, many with prior involvement in the middle school’s annual musical production.

Her initial plan was to select an existing show as the culminating performance, but her ambitious students decided to write their own show. Dr. Davis said they covered all aspects such as coming up with the plot, writing the script and songs, and recording musical tracks. They are also planning the costumes, using wardrobes from prior shows and clothing from home. 

“They have taken complete ownership over this show,” Dr. Davis said. “Every class, they are working from bell to bell on this and they’re so motivated. They had a vision and they’ve run with it. They went beyond my expectations.”

The eighth graders are only receiving minimal support from technical director Chris Cockren and a few high school students to assist with lighting and sound. Otherwise, the show is all their work. Of the 14 students in the class, 12 are in the cast, one is choreographer and the other is serving on the stage crew. 

“Beyond the Gates” is about two schools – a public school and private school – in which the students have different levels of freedom. Eventually, the two student bodies merge into one. 

Emily McHale, who plays Vera, said that creating a show from scratch was an experience she never envisioned.

“The fact that Wantagh gives us this opportunity is just so great,” Emily said, adding that she has learned about multiple facets of musical theater beyond her typical role as an actor. “We can’t wait to perform it and show how proud we are.”

Corinne Haubeil, who is cast as Evelyn and also made the promotional poster for the show, enjoys the opportunity to express her emotions through theater. 

“It’s a really fun, collaborative experience,” she said. “You get to see something that you’ve spent a whole year creating come to life and it’s really fulfilling.”

The free, hour-long performance will take place on Friday, May 30 at 7 p.m. in the Wantagh High School auditorium. Community members are invited to attend.