Pops 'n Jazz 2024

Step into the dazzling world of Hall High School's acclaimed jazz bands, singers, dancers and actors as they hit the jackpot with the 66th annual production of Pops 'n Jazz, now transformed into a Vegas-themed extravaganza. The show lights up the stage on
March 15, with additional evening performances on March 16, 21, 22 and 23. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
each night, and the curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Pops 'n Jazz will also present an abridged, family-friendly
matinee on Sunday, March 17, at 2:00 pm. This 50-minute performance will feature a small sampling of
the dazzling entertainment featured at the evening performances. Get ready to experience the glitz and
glamour of Pops 'n Jazz – Vegas style!
Pops 'n Jazz 2024 features more than 100 student performers, including the school's Concert Jazz Band,
Jazz Band, Jazz Dancers, Choraliers (singers), and I Giovani Solisti (strings). The program offers an
array of American jazz classics from all eras, performed in big band settings, highly choreographed jazz
productions, and featured solo performances. The show is known for its eclectic blend of music, ranging
from traditional and progressive jazz, to pop-rock and Broadway. Take a gamble and attend multiple
times as the program varies slightly each night. Audiences will be treated to traditional jazz repertoire
such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, NY Voices, Horace Silver, Dizzy Gillespie, Thad Jones, Billy
Strayhorn, Jim McNeely, and Charles Mingus. Broadway-style selections from Lippa’s Wild Party and
Frankie Valli’s Beggin’, along with contemporary, cutting-edge artists such as Lawrence and David Davis
are included. And no trip under the neon would be complete without selections from today’s great Las
Vegas strip performers: Lady Gaga and Michael Bublé!
Pops 'n Jazz 2024 promises to once again thrill audiences with a glamorous “PnJ in Vegas” theme.
“Audiences will be knocked out with one of our most exciting musical offerings in the past ten years,
representing a great variety of jazz, Broadway, and contemporary artists encompassing our incredibly
strong 100+ student cast; this will only continue the amazing lineage of Hall’s 66-year tradition of Pops
'n Jazz,” noted Mr. James Antonucci, Hall High School’s Director of Bands and Jazz Bands.
Pops 'n Jazz is co-produced by Mr. Antonucci and Spencer Bazzano, Hall High School’s Theater Director
and StageCraft teacher. The Designer/Builder is Austen Lindberg, and the Audio Engineer/Designer is
Rob Treloar. The Choraliers are under the direction of Hall’s Director of Choirs Dr. Stuart Younse, and the
Jazz Dancers are under the direction of Choreographer Kate Morran, Dance Team Director. Sarah Avery
is the costume designer. Additional assistance is provided by Hall High parents, teachers, and staff.

Guest Artists Make Special Appearances
In addition to the student performers, invited guests from the ranks of professional musicians join them
on select evenings. This year, featured guest artists include Emily Bautista (March 15), Nicole Zuraitis
(March 16), Dion Tucker (March 21), and Zaccai Curtis (March 22). Participation of guest performers is
supported by the Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb Memorial Charitable Trust.

West Hartford Elementary and Middle School Students Share the Stage
Younger performers are also invited to share the stage with the high schoolers during select shows. Hall
Junior Artists from the district’s elementary schools will perform on March 16 (Norfeldt, Charter Oak,
Aiken, and Bugbee) and March 22 (Smith, Whiting Lane, and Morley). Middle school singers and
musicians will also join for special performances on March 15 (Bristow Middle School’s Big Band),
March 16 (King Philip Middle School’s KP Singers), March 21 (King Philip Middle School’s KP Jazz
Band), and March 23 (King Philip Middle School’s Sixth Dimension). The involvement of these
younger students with exemplary older students is part of the West Hartford Public School District’s effort
to inspire excellence and commitment to the arts.