On the early morning of May 2, 2026, students who participated in Walkersville’s production of Mamma Mia! gathered at the high school to await the charter bus that would bring them to New York City. It’s long been a tradition for the theater department to organize a day where the students involved get to experience a Broadway production, wander around NYC, and eat at destination restaurants like Ellen’s Stardust Diner. As everyone shuffled on with blankets and pillows, excitement for what the day would bring hung in the air.
After a five-hour drive, students hopped off the charter bus with enthusiasm and energy, as they were greeted by the sounds of car horns and shoes on pavement thrumming in the background. Everyone had napped on the way, especially those who were at prom the night before! As the whole group made their way to Ellen’s, and eventually found seating, they got to enjoy the performances given by the staff.
While Ellen’s was fun, most students were eager to explore on their own. Gavin Haines Barrios, a freshman who went on the trip says, “Through walking around, I got the time to talk to my friends and enjoy the amazing buildings that we passed by.” Megan Muncy, a sophomore, also enjoyed the chance to explore, especially the many exciting stores: “My group had one store in mind: a K-pop themed store. We spent almost the whole time there although we also went to the M&M store then we went to the show.”
There are many tourist destinations to find around New York, and there was never a dull moment. Lots of students banded together to go to the Nintendo and Lego stores. Mrs. VanGilder Martin took a group of students to Central Park, and others hung around Times Square. And while most students were excited to shop, one student shared, “I’ve been to New York before, so the city wasn’t really surprising, but it was fun going there with my friends.” This really highlights the atmosphere of the trip, as students got to enjoy their time with fellow classmates, both new and old friends.
Students finished the evening on Broadway. Ragtime took students through an emotional rollercoaster. It was packed with humor, tragedy, and an irrefutable message. “…because I love it and thought it was a show that my students needed to see,” says Mrs. VanGilder Martin, the theater director. VanGilder has seen Ragtime before, and thinks of it as an incredible show, and commended it’s historical significance. VanGilder explained her wish to take her students to a show that did more than just entertain, but hold meaning to them, “I didn’t want us to see a show just to see a show,”
It’s clear that this show has become an extremely memorable experience for the students and staff of Walkersville who saw it. “[My favorite was] definitely the play … The music to Ragtime was really good and the themes in the musical were very educational and interesting,” said Skye Grove. Felix Tashi, a freshman, shared a similar sentiment: “I thought it was very well made, and I thought it was very passionate and overall an amazing performance.” After the show, many students were emotional. Junior Iris Inskeep complimented the technical design — “the sets and lights were very elaborate, and the show made great use of the space on stage”. Jake McNeish, the senior stage manager, put it into words: “I loved seeing a show that made you feel the intense emotions. The set was incredible while also being minimalistic, and the Tony Nominated Cast and production was something we will never forget.”
Mrs. Van Gilder Martin, who said, “I love the New York experience,” believes this trip is a chance for students to experience professional theater as a reward for all their hard work throughout the year. At the end of the trip, most students were ready to go home. With the New York City sun setting behind the skyscrapers, and the streets just as busy as they were the morning they arrived, the WHS Drama Department boarded the bus drowsily sharing stories of their adventures and ready to come home.
