Curtain Up!: Pace Performers Return to the Stage

After a long hiatus, and with precautions still in place, live performances have returned to New York – and Pace Performing Arts students and alumni involved in ground-breaking on-campus productions and “spectacular” off-campus shows are rejoicing.

With theater doors shut for more than a year, the performing arts industry took a major hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many artists not only out of work, but unable to do what they love most. In recent months, while enforcing COVID precautions, theaters have reilluminated New York City as performers have returned to the stage.

This fall, the Pace School of Performing Arts (PPA) put on a hybrid production of Fugitive Songs, where performers were on stage in person while audiences watched through a live stream. And beginning in November, the Radio City Rockettes, an ensemble that features 14 Pace students and alumni, will dance back into the spotlight at the famed Radio City Music Hall for the return of the Christmas Spectacular, a New York City holiday tradition. Hear from nine current students who were members of the cast and crew of Fugitive Songs and two Rockettes – one current student and one alumna – on the excitement of getting back on stage.

Pace Cast of Fugitive Songs Featured at the Tony Awards

On Sunday, September 26, the Pace School of Performing Arts’s cast of Fugitive Songs was featured on the big screen at the Tony Awards, appearing in a “Broadway is Back” video, welcoming live theater back to the stage. Adjunct Professor Rebecca Aparicio, director of the Pace production of “Fugitive Songs,” received an invitation to have the cast participate in the video – which was shown to everyone in attendance that night at the Winter Garden – and jumped at the opportunity.

Members of the cast and crew reflected on the experience and on their return to live theater for the week-long run of Fugitive Songs in October, citing their joy to once again be surrounded by their fellow performers.

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RETURN OF THE ROCKETTES

JoJo Carmichael ’22
Commercial Dance

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What are you most excited about in your first season with the Rockettes?

I’m most excited to simply be a part of the biggest and most exciting production ever of the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes as we are performing more numbers in the show this year than ever before. I’m also so excited for my family to come and see the show as it will be their first time ever seeing the Christmas Spectacular.

How do you think your time at Pace has prepared you for this opportunity?

The Pace commercial dance program is very demanding physically and mentally in the best way possible and has always pushed me to be my best. And that is exactly what being a Rockette is. You are constantly aiming to be your best self every rehearsal and every show.

What does it mean to you to get to perform in front of live audiences again?

Being able to perform in front of a live audience again is incredible, and I am so grateful to have this opportunity to be a part of such a special legacy in New York City. The Christmas Spectacular is such an important part of the holidays in New York City, and being able to share this experience with so many families is truly a gift.

Pace has a tradition of having many dancers perform with the Rockettes. What is it like to have that connection with so many others in the group this year, especially as a first-year member?

It was great going into this job with some of my Pace family. It’s always exciting being able to create new memories with people you already feel connected to. It also gave me a sense of familiarity in new territory, which is always nice to have.

Sydney Mesher ’19
Commercial Dance

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What does it mean to you to get to perform in front of live audiences again?

I am elated to be performing in front of live audiences again! Live theater is not only such an important part of my life, but also so important to New York City. For the past year or so I have craved the excitement, as well as the nerves, of live theater. Being on stage, especially at the legendary Radio City Music Hall, fills my soul in such a unique way. I am so grateful to be able to feel that again.

How have you grown since your first season as a Rockette?

I have grown so much since my first season as a Rockette (in 2019; no performances were held in 2020). To start, I have a lot more confidence going into my second season because I know what to expect a bit. Knowing how much time I need in the dressing room to get ready and understanding the behind-the-scenes of the show allows me to feel more secure this year. I also am just so thankful to be back with the Rockettes after this past year. I’m grateful for any opportunity, as long as I just get the option to do what I love.

What are you most excited for this season?

This season I am most excited to perform the number “Snow.” It was first in the show a number of years ago, and we’re bringing it back this year. After seeing all our individualized costumes, which are uniquely designed to represent unique snowflakes, I couldn’t wait to get on stage for this beautiful number.

Pace has a tradition of having many dancers perform with the Rockettes. What is it like to have that connection with so many others in the group?

Performing with so many Pace alumni is such a gift. It is so special to have a unique bond within the Rockettes line. I truly believe that Pace was a key part in our training to get us all here. There is a lot of Pace pride!