{"id":17006,"date":"2025-05-27T19:00:40","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T19:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cognita.network\/stgis\/?post_type=school_news&p=17006"},"modified":"2025-05-28T07:01:22","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T07:01:22","slug":"laughs-lyrics-and-wireless-mic-magic-inside-iszns-when-in-rome-with-kristin-jones","status":"publish","type":"school_news","link":"https:\/\/cognita.network\/stgis\/school-news\/laughs-lyrics-and-wireless-mic-magic-inside-iszns-when-in-rome-with-kristin-jones\/","title":{"rendered":"Laughs, Lyrics and Wireless Mic Magic: Inside ISZN\u2019s \u201cWhen in Rome\u2026\u201d with Kristin Jones"},"content":{"rendered":"
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On 23 and 24 May 2025, the International School Zurich North transformed its auditorium into Ancient Rome for a riotous, toe-tapping production of When in Rome\u2026<\/em>. Directed by Kristin Jones, this musical comedy showcased 15 talented secondary students (Grades 6\u201311) alongside a dedicated three-student tech crew. Between brand-new wireless headmics, dazzling dance routines and a costume collection curated from a Swiss theatre fundus, When in Rome\u2026<\/em> blended high-energy laughs with moments of musical beauty. We sat down with Kristin to learn how this ambitious show came together\u2014and what\u2019s next for ISZN\u2019s thriving drama program.<\/p>\n

Interview with Kristin Jones<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Q: So tell us Kristin, what\u2019s When in Rome\u2026<\/em> all about?
\n<\/strong>A: When in Rome\u2026<\/em> is, at its heart, a comedy\u2014but there are real moments of sincerity, and in particular, musical beauty.<\/p>\n

Q: Who\u2019s on stage – and behind the scenes?<\/strong>
A: Fifteen secondary students, ranging in age from Grades 6\u201311, plus a three-student crew handling lights, sound and backstage management.<\/p>\n

Q: Why this play?<\/strong>
A: Because it\u2019s hilarious, light-hearted and packed with amazing song and dance numbers from a huge variety of genres. It allowed us to spotlight our students\u2019 talents and show everyone at their best.<\/p>\n

Q: How was the preparation?<\/strong>
A: Preparation was intense. Auditions kicked off in January right after Winter Break, and we rehearsed twice a week all semester\u2014about five hours per week\u2014plus full-day Saturday sessions. This was ISZN\u2019s first show with our new wireless headmics, so the performers and our student sound engineer all upskilled together. The result was a polished production capable of handling multiple musical styles seamlessly.<\/p>\n

Q: What were the highlights?<\/strong>
A: Definitely the musical numbers. We have strong singers and really great dancers\u2014and choreographer Hannah Harpole, a former professional dancer on staff, volunteered to take us to a new level.<\/p>\n

Q: Any special features in set design or costumes?<\/strong>
A: Many costumes came from a Swiss theatre fundus in Zug clearing out old stock. I altered and embellished these high-quality pieces, and repurposed some of my old curtains into peasant garb. It was a sustainable, cost-effective way to build our wardrobe\u2014and I happen to love sewing!<\/p>\n

Q: What\u2019s next?<\/strong>
A: Hmmm. Ask me in July\u2014I’ll be reading scripts then! We\u2019ll definitely stage a straight play in the fall and a musical in the spring, in keeping with ISZN tradition. Titles are still TBA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Thank you, Kristin. We can\u2019t wait to see what next season has in store!<\/strong><\/p>\n