A huge congratulations to the talented members of the RJB Drama Club for their fantastic performances of The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever! Since the show was announced in November, these young thespians have poured their energy, creativity, and dedication into every aspect of the production—from auditions and casting to memorizing lines and mastering stage movement.
Their commitment to the craft reached a special milestone during an afternoon workshop with Bettina Hershey, one of the creators of the musical. The opportunity to learn directly from a professional artist added an inspiring and memorable touch to the journey.
The musical weaves together themes of family and responsibility in a fun, imaginative tale. When a birthday party takes a strange turn and all the adults suddenly disappear, Skyler, her older sister Charlie, and the rest of the party guests are left to fend for themselves in the backyard. As they attempt to build their own society, power struggles arise—especially when Charlie is elected ruler. What follows is a heartfelt story of leadership, growth, and sibling bonds, as the children learn what it really means to be responsible.
The student cast reflected deeply on the story and their experiences. “Part of the meaning of the musical is that all the characters in the end learn how to be responsible and how to deal with being alone,” said Kassidy, who played Skyler. Uli, who portrayed Charlie, added, “Skyler and Charlie have a fight because they both want control over a civilization of kids stranded in the backyard. Eventually, they work through their problems and find a resolution.”
Under the direction of Ms. Buckhout and with the support of RJB Drama Club Stage Manager Aimee, students performed two incredible shows last week — one for families and another for the entire school during RJB SEL Day.
For many cast members, this was their very first time performing on stage—a challenge they tackled with courage and enthusiasm. “It was kind of scary at first, but as you move on, you get more comfortable being on stage,” shared Allison, an ensemble member. Aubrey reflected on the excitement of trying something new: “The best part for me was getting to do something I’ve never done before.” Gabby summed it up beautifully: “It’s great to perform for others after putting in all the work.”