How would you describe the experience of being part of Dr. Harriton?
Personally it’s a combination that is both very difficult but equally extraordinary. It is always going to be difficult as the only Black female in the show, but it hasn’t stopped me from being part of this experience. And despite any adversity, I still had so much fun with the contestants and my act, whether that’s dancing the Macarena to Just Dance or the Cotton Eye Joe to Timber.
What would you say your favorite memory has been so far?
Gosh this is a hard one. I mean, if we are talking about in general, I’d have to say I would never forget Russell’s incessant energy and zest. Like, brother does NOT play. You will never catch him frowning, acting nonchalant, or lazing around. He is built to deliver that zest and sass. And did I mention, boy has got some pipes.
Why did you want to be part of Dr. Harriton?
Throughout my four years of being at Harriton, I always wondered what it would be like to be in the show, and, if I am being for real, why there are like, never or rarely any females nor people of color. This year, I thought to not only showcase my talents but also break barriers and show students who look like me that they can do anything they want to achieve. I also wanted to show the school that I am not as quiet as I am reputed to be, for when I want to make a change or exhibit something, I WILL do it. I never thought to see myself doing it considering that, if I am being honest, I had never attended a single show nor showed any interest or liking towards the show, nor was I a sociable person but in fact one of the shyest taciturn freshmen you’d come across in the hallways.
What would you say is your all time favorite Dr. Harriton act?
I think I gotta say, when the show was formally “Mr. Harriton,” I really enjoyed this guy’s act, Alex Chang, where he played the electric violin (which I aspire to play in the near future, when I have the funds) and concluded with, well… quite the Habanera. It delivered a flawless balance of talent and zest, which I adore. It was certainly…um… a “way” to represent, I should say.
If someone who is thinking of doing Dr. Harriton next year is reading this article, what advice would you give to them?
As one of the only females of color (and the first Black female) to ever star as a contestant of Dr. Harriton, I would definitely recommend any person of every background and identity to partake in this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Like I had mentioned before, being part of the show has taught me how to really overcome adversity. I realized the lack of representation there has been in the past years of Dr. Harriton, which is why I had to fight my way into and throughout the show. It is always hard being a “first,” and definitely an “only,” but that is the only way to make change or attain what you really want to attain. So to anyone out there who is looking to participate in this, please, please don’t let anything or anyone stop you!!!!
What do you think will make this year’s Dr. Harriton unique?
I hate to sound redundant, but the diversity. Half of the cast are students of color, and three of us are female, which I have never seen in Dr. Harriton before. This is definitely a milestone for Dr. Harriton and Harriton overall, and I certainly evolve to exhibit representation in all ways like this. Dr. Harriton should hold up to its name, representing Harriton, and it, without a doubt, succeeds so far in doing that this year.
Could you share any funny rehearsal stories?
Musa is probably one of the funniest contestants this year, even when he doesn’t know it. Like, I have to give it to him. From vocab he deems to be “big a** words,” making fashionably late entrances to rehearsals all because of a drive-thru mishap at McDonald’s (if I had a penny for everytime he’s showed up late, I’d raise over 20,000 for my Dr. H fundraiser), or failing constantly to land on his butt and say his Mario lines, literally (I beg for this to be in the blooper-take). From East to West, it’s gotta be Musa Kahn all the way.
What have you learned from the experience so far?
What have I learned? I didn’t know we had to prepare as if we were performing for the Super Bowl Halftime show. Oh. and to smile. Smile. SMILE like there’s no tomorrow.
What is one past Dr. Harriton performance that you will always remember?
See, the thing is… it’s one that will forever be stained in my brain the same way it had stained the poor stage last year. Palmer’s fountain fiasco definitely touched everyone’s hearts and gripped at my eyeballs. Like, I never knew a guy who gave me a presentation on descriptive analysis would, well… yeah. But I’ve gotta say, I can descriptively analyze that his use of situational irony and motif of water really encapsulated the notion of purity, freshness, and the washing away of my utmost view of IB alumni.
