As part of the scenery committee, it was amazing to see our creations come alive as the lighting changed colors. I liked how we were able to capture Tim Burton’s creepy style by using muted colors with pops of bright, energetic tones, as portrayed by the underworld. I would like to thank co-directors, Gabriella and Jordana Lumerman, for all of the time and dedication they put into perfecting the scenery.

Other actors included Rebecca Alenick as Lady Maudline Everglot, Evan Margolis as Lord Finnis Everglot, Hannah Chaikin as Mrs. Nell Van Dort, Russell Charnoff as Mr. William Van Dort, Jacob Hoffman as Pastor Galswells, Elliot Fuchs as Elder Gutknecht, Justin Lish as Maggot, Briana Feirstein as Mrs. Plum, Dana Shamama as The Black Widow, Mikayla Fuchs as Hildegarde, Jason Geller as Emil, Nary Braver as Mayhew, David Ratz as Bonejangles, and Arye Lifshitz as the Town Crier.

A special thanks to Jennifer Winkler, the director of the drama department. Without her tireless dedication, as well as the combined efforts of student directors Zoey Glaubach and Aliza Duftler, and assistant directors Joanna Greenberg, Jaqui Korff, and Rayna Kaufman, none of this would have been possible. The HAFTR Players would also like to thank the makeup crew, the playbill sales team, lighting and sound committees, business managers, and, of course, principals Naomi Lippman and Rabbi Gedaliah Oppen, who have supported us from the beginning.

Mrs. Winkler is very proud of all of the HAFTR Players for working so hard. “A creative collaboration of this proportion was both challenging and rewarding in ways none of us had anticipated or experienced before. Adapting a stop-motion animated movie to the stage forced us to push ourselves harder than ever. But why stay in your comfort zone? That’s never been what the HAFTR Players are about,” Winkler said. “And, wow, did this cast and crew exceed any expectations I had! They are incredible people. I hope that long after the applause ends, the lessons, memories, and friendships will endure.”