Written by: Ziqian “Natalie” Qi, AUSD Communications Intern
Bringing Greek mythology to life on stage, San Gabriel High School’s Drama Club performed Hadestown, a musical that intertwines the story of Orpheus and Eurydice with that of Hades and Persephone. The production drew in audiences with its compelling storytelling, music, and visuals.
Hundreds of students, parents, teachers, and families attended the five shows, applauding the wonderful singing and acting, along with the beautifully built set. The performance was especially meaningful for the seniors in the club, as it marked their final show as students at SGHS, with graduation just around the corner.
For senior Madeleine Rose Morales, who portrayed Persephone, the experience was one she will not forget. “I’m going to miss this show so much. It was an amazing experience to play the character. Even though it was stressful, it was all so rewarding and worth it,” Morales shared. The role of Persephone was a demanding one, but her dedication and preparation led to a performance that left a lasting impression on the audience.
Behind the scenes, the experience was just as impactful. Senior crew member Liam Askew reflected on his time working on the impressive set and being part of the drama program. “It was a fun experience, and I got to meet a lot of wonderful people I wouldn’t have gotten to know otherwise. Working on such a big project and seeing the culmination of the work was a fulfilling experience,” Askew said.
As the final performances approached, emotions ran high for many seniors. As the last show commenced, Denae Alyssa Diaz, a member of the dance ensemble, reflected on the memories she gained through drama. “I don’t want this to be over. I’m going to miss it a lot. A lot of the time we’d think, ‘I want this to be over, I’m so tired,’ but you never actually want it to end,” Diaz said. While the process could be challenging and exhausting at times, she and her fellow Drama Club members love performing and found joy in preparing for each show.
The end of the final performance felt bittersweet and especially significant. As the curtains closed, the cast and crew came together to celebrate, congratulating one another on a show well done.
