
photos courtesy of the Ridgewood School System
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood, NJ — The New Players, Ridgewood High School’s celebrated student theater group, recently embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to London and Edinburgh, showcasing their talent on an international stage. Their journey included visits to iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London and Kensington Palace, with accommodations at the historic University of Edinburgh.
The highlight of the trip? Performing the beloved coming-of-age story Harriet the Spy for an international audience during their time abroad — all while attending up to 40 theater shows themselves as part of their cultural immersion.
A Timeless Story Brought to Life Abroad
In Harriet the Spy, sixth grader Harriet M. Welsch is a curious, determined young spy who writes down everything she observes — sometimes with brutally honest commentary. When her notebook falls into the wrong hands, Harriet faces the fallout from friends and classmates reading her unfiltered thoughts. The tale explores themes of truth, friendship, and self-discovery.
The New Players’ production brought this 1964 classic by Louise Fitzhugh to life with energy and authenticity, winning over audiences from around the globe. The work resonates not only for its humor and youthful spirit but also for its lessons about honesty, forgiveness, and resilience.
Honoring a 90s Film Favorite
Many will remember Harriet the Spy as the 1996 Nickelodeon film starring Michelle Trachtenberg, whose breakout performance earned her the 1997 Young Artist Award for Best Leading Young Actress. The RHS group’s staging served as both a tribute to the original novel and a nod to the movie’s enduring popularity.
An Opportunity of a Lifetime for Ridgewood’s Rising Stars
This UK adventure gave Ridgewood High School students and alumni more than just the thrill of performance. They were immersed in a rich cultural exchange — sharing their artistry while gaining inspiration from some of the world’s best theater productions at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The Ridgewood High School New Players Company is dedicated to offering students the highest caliber of theatre education by providing them with a wide range of experiences during their high school years. In continuous production for eleven months out of the year, New Players exposes students to plays and musicals of all genres and styles.
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