Home-Grown Middle School Musical Plays Off History Curriculum

Two Hamden Hall theatre and music educators have adapted the timeless lessons of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the seventh-grade history curriculum into a home-grown musical comedy created explicitly for their Middle School students.

Mr. Thmick is the story of an empathetically challenged boss who overworks his employees and has no appreciation for their dire circumstances. Set amid the Great Depression, the musical incorporates 16 songs, some madcap dialogue and a heartwarming ending.

“The serious content of the Great Depression and Charles Dickens’ story juxtaposed to the silly tone that I chose for the dialogue has made this project interesting and fun to work on with this cast,” said Karl Gasteyer, theatre teacher and director.

Mr. Gasteyer collaborated with Middle and Upper School music teacher Matt Harrison on the production, which involves nearly 50 Middle School students on the stage and behind the scenes.

“Karl and I have a long history of collaboration prior to our appointments to the Hamden Hall faculty,” said Mr. Harrison. “We were able to use many ideas that we had developed over the years and tailor those to fit the strengths of our students here at Hamden Hall.”

Mr. Harrison further noted that creating original material affords students unique opportunities with regard to their performances and future aspirations.

“This was a great opportunity to highlight the talents of each student involved in the production. Composing and arranging the show allowed us to fit the music to the students rather than fit the students to the music,” he said.

Discussions between the playwright and lyricist began last school year. Because it’s original, Mr. Gasteyer and Mr. Harrison had to provide scores for the students, which they did using professional notation and recording industry-standard software.

Both men noted that students have been able to make the characters their own and not just replicate the performances of actors who have previously taken on the roles. The creative process has also served as a mentoring lesson for those students who may someday want to write their own plays and music.

Tickets are now on sale for Hamden Hall’s Middle School production of Mr. Thmick, with performances on Dec. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. in the Taylor Performing Arts Center on Hamden Hall’s 1108 Whitney Ave. campus. Click here to purchase tickets online.