Students from Briarcliff High School are breaking the traditional mold of high school musical performances with the first-ever U.S. high school production of the epic British musical The Hired Man. The musical, with its portrayal of a working class family affected by the brutal challenges of war and rural life, has special relevance this year, the 100th anniversary of World War I, which broke out in Europe in 1914.
“The Hired Man brings an exciting challenge to our student cast and crew as we pull out all stops to transport our audience to working class rural England during the physical and emotional strife of a world war,” explains director Ian Driver, himself a classically trained British actor. “We’ve brought in two dialect coaches from New York City to teach the students the Cumbrian accent, from the area of Northern England bordering Scotland where the story takes place.”
Mr. Driver added that the script calls for a number of young children, so local Briarcliff Manor elementary school children are eagerly participating. In addition, the story includes a racing dog, and a locally owned greyhound will join the cast for added authenticity.
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British Composer Provides Encouragement to U.S. High School Production
Howard Goodall was 26 in 1984 when he composed The Hired Man, which was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Best Musical and earned four Olivier Award nominations during its West End (London) run. Mr. Goodall has been an enthusiastic advocate for the Briarcliff High School production, saying: “If you had told me then that this show, The Hired Man, rather unusual for the time — a full year before Les Miserables opened in London and moved the goalposts somewhat of what a 'musical' might be — would one day be performed in a High School in Westchester, New York, by young people as yet unborn I would have laughed in disbelief. And yet this is where we are today, by some strange and delightful miracle.” He added, “The Hired Man was a heartfelt tribute to a generation who lost almost everything to provide for their children and children's children, a community whose sacrifice we are poignantly remembering in Europe this year with the anniversary of the 1914-18 Great War. I wish everyone involved, especially the cast and musicians, every best wish for a successful run of performances, and it is a great honor for me to know that The Hired Man should be marking its 30th year in your very capable hands and voices."
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“The Hired Man story is truly told through the music — the lyrics are rich, and the themes are haunting and emotional,” says vocal coach Regina Leon, a professionally trained soprano who is instructing the cast singers. “The students like to say that the audience will be on an emotional roller coaster.”
“Meet the Greyhound Star” Post-Show Opportunity
Children and dog lovers are invited backstage to meet cast member Hamhock the Greyhound, as well as other members of the cast and crew, after the show with a donation of $5, which goes to support the Briarcliff High School drama program. Hamhock was rescued after his racing tenure by Greyhound Rescue and Rehabilitation.
How to Purchase Tickets and Backstage Passes
The Hired Man performances will take place in the Frances G. Wills Auditorium at Briarcliff High School on March 7, 8 and 9 (times below).
March 7 at 7:30pm
March 8 at 7:30pm
March 9 at 3:00pm
All tickets are $15 online at www.showtix4u.com. Backstage passes are an additional $5 each and can be purchased on line or at the performances. Limited numbers of tickets will also be available at the door. For questions about tickets, contact briarcliffticketsales@gmail.com.
