New World School of the Arts placed the spotlight on more than 200 students in the Broadway-style production, Rising Stars. The popular signature showcase is a professionally staged, energy packed, one-of-a-kind show which offers audiences of all ages a rich artistic program of carefully selected excerpts from dance, music, and theatre performances. The show opened with two powerhouse singing actors, one from NWSA high school and one from NWSA college in a duet that jump started the show. From the NWSA dance division, guests were treated to works by outstanding professional choreographers including Martha Graham’s powerful work, Prelude to Action, and Michelle Manzanales’ Paloma Querida, set to the music of Chavela Vargas. Under the baton of Dr. Hyunjee Chung, the music division beautifully interpreted the powerful Allegro-Presto from Symphony No. 5, one of Beethoven’s most famous works written between 1804 and 1808. Under the direction of NWSA faculty Jim Gasior, guests enjoyed the Grammy Award-winning song, First Circle, by Pat Metheny, a piece which jazz aficionados quickly recognized due to the transition to played music by the ensemble’s clapping of hands! The theatre division enthralled the audience with selected excerpts from the award-winning musical Once on This Island, directed by Jennifer de Castroverde, and The Book of Will, under the direction of Silas Hoover, among other performance offerings. Interspersed throughout the show were visual arts video projects, presented by the NWSA visual arts division, rounding out an evening of artistry in motion.

A highlight of the evening each year is the New World School of the Arts Rising Stars Alumni Awards, which recognizes a graduate who is successfully contributing to their art form. This year, the honor was presented on stage to nationally acclaimed, award-winning musician, Alex Lacamoire. Alex offered warm greetings and a heartfelt welcome message to guests, students, and faculty, reminiscent of his time at New World School of the Arts and the many relations he built as a student, which continue to enrich his life. Alex is a Tony, Grammy, Emmy and Olivier Award-winning orchestrator, music director, arranger, and composer. He is best known for his work on Broadway’s critically acclaimed shows Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, In The Heights and FX’s mini-series “Fosse/Verdon.”

Just before the 2024 Rising Stars Performance, special guests were invited to partake in a VIP reception in gratitude and celebration of the unwavering support New World School of the Arts receives each year from the NWSA Executive and Foundation Board members, Bank of America, educational partners Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College and the University of Florida, educators, community leaders, and friends of NWSA. The intimate soirée offered the VIPs the opportunity to network and connect with friends over a delectable spread of hors d’oeuvres, delicate desserts, and wine.