The 68th annual Pops ‘N Jazz show will be on stage at West Hartford’s Hall High School for two weekends, beginning March 13, 2026.

By Kei Caudle and Liv Varellas. Photos by Craig Rosenberg and John Mrakovcich

It’s that time of year where Hall High’s talents come together, an opportunity to showcasing their work this year together over the course of two weekends in a major extravaganza.

Every year, the Pops ‘N Jazz show at Hall High School brings together singers, dancers, musicians, and tech enthusiasts for a production that has a decades-long legacy, plays to sell-out audiences, and has become famous in the West Hartford community and beyond.

While audiences get the chance to see the various performances on stage, the real story lies behind the scenes with the long rehearsals, teamwork, and dedication it takes to bring the show to the stage – and that led to the theme of this year’s show: “Putting It Together.”

For sophomore Anaya Lal and junior Sophie Clark, Pops ‘N Jazz has always been something to look forward to.

Sophie’s interest was sparked after seeing older dancers from her studio perform in the show. “Girls at my dance studio did it, and I used to go watch the shows,” she told We-Ha.com. Sophie said she knew from the moment she stepped out of the auditorium after seeing that first show that she would audition her freshman year.

Anaya says performing has always been a passion of hers. “I’ve always loved performing and taking any opportunity to be part of the community, and well, Pops ‘N Jazz is the best community.”

Such experiences also come with challenges, as dancers and full-time students, Anaya and Sophie say they constantly push themselves during rehearsals, and it’s important to take care of their bodies to perform through the entire show. But this eventful time of year is so worth it as Sophie said, “It’s not just about the show we’re putting on, it’s also about the story it tells.”

The history between Pops ’N jazz and senior Julia Wickless has been a long time coming. She first got involved in seventh grade through her middle school jazz band and has continued participating through her senior year at Hall.

“Even being part of one song back then made me want to be part of it in high school,” she said.

Like dancers, musicians face many challenges too. Julia shared that keeping up with the large amount of music seems to be difficult. She explained that students learn around 30 songs in a single rehearsal cycle, yet the repertoire changes depending on the day.

Despite the workload and demanding hours, the incredible experience makes up for any complaints. “Even when you’re tired and don’t want to play, you remember how special this is,” she shared. “As a senior, it’s one of the best bands I’ll ever get to play in, and especially with all my friends.”

Senior David Shilansky is a co-president of the Choraliers, and helps coordinate such a massive production.

David shared one of the moments he is most proud of for this show is the opening number, because it features everyone involved.

“It’s a great way to open the show because we are all part of it,” he said. “And looking back at videos of rehearsals really helps remind me how rewarding it is to see everything come together.”

In addition to what happens in the spotlight, there is a group of students responsible for making the production possible. This is where the tech crew is introduced.

Sophomore Will McDermott joined stage crew after working on theater productions at King Philip Middle School,

“Mrs. Hopkins got me doing tech for plays last year, and here I am doing stagecraft,” he said.

One of the biggest challenges faced is time, Will shared. The tech crew begins full rehearsal days just two weeks before the show opens, leaving only a short window to prepare transitions, lighting, sets, and much more.

“Tech goes beyond lighting and sound design. There are about 18 kids working on tech this year, and everyone helps manage the elements to help the show run smoothly,” Will said.

When the curtain finally rises for the premiere on Friday night, the audience may only see the finished product, but for the students involved, it’s a chance to prove why they push themselves so hard, practice music so late, and see everything come together live.

Not only did the students put their time and effort in, but key to “Putting It Together” are the dedicated and talented directors, Kate Morran and Phil Giampietro, who deserve many thanks for bringing the show to life. Describing this year’s show as “collaborative” and “intriguing” brings the community backstage to see the process it takes to put on such a great show. Across the board, each team leader expressed their demand for an energized show.

“It’s such a privilege, an honor to do what we do … I want people to take away the unity and hard work,” said stage manager Gisselle Santa. As a senior, she has seen her fair share of production and went on to share the unique qualities behind this particular performance. “I’m really excited for the songs we chose, and ever since I’ve stepped foot into a PNJ [Pops ‘N Jazz] performance, the jazz dancers have been my favorite.” Her most anticipated song is that of Michael Jackson, an artist she’s been “dying to hear” covered by Hall’s performers.

 

Music is an instrument to convey unspoken words and feelings. In a large group setting such as Pops ‘N Jazz, it has a way of blending both cast and audience as one, allowing everyone to feel the community within.

“We’re showing the audience how Pops ‘N Jazz gets put together,” Maddie Kates, a prominent Jazz Dancer, said, paraphrasing the title of the show. “Everyone has such an innate talent for what they do,” she added, perfectly encapsulating the talent Hall offers.

“There’s so much about our rehearsal process and our creative process that makes this show what it is,” exclaimed Giampietro, who is Hall’s band director and co-producer of the production. He said these students share a common trait of passion, and it’s the role of the directors to spur that on. It takes hours of dedicated time, most often during busy exam seasons, to achieve their goal: a fantastic show waiting for you.

Pops ‘N Jazz is an experience unlike any other, unique to West Hartford in its efforts and talent. With tickets selling rapidly, it’s an honor and a pleasure to watch the much-awaited show.

For two weekends, March 13-15 and March 19-21, Hall High presents the results of their dedication both in rhythm and blues.

Evening performances are scheduled for March 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21, at 7 p.m. with doors opening 30 minutes before the curtain rises. In addition, a more family-friendly 50-minute matinee will highlight selected moments from the evening shows on Sunday, March 15, beginning at 1 p.m.

Tickets to Pops ‘n Jazz, which does have assigned seats, are available online here. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students; tickets to the Sunday matinee are $10. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Hall High School box office (call 860- 929-5151 for hours) and on show nights beginning at 6 p.m.

To stay up-to-date with Pops ‘n Jazz, follow the show on Facebook and Instagram (@popsnjazz). For more information, call the box office at 860- 929-5151 or visit hallhighbands.com.

A preview of the show, created by Craig Diamond of West Hartford Public Schools, can be seen on YouTube below.

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