Mr. Harriton is one of the most exciting events each year at Harriton. Always sold out a week before, the show attracts students, parents and teachers alike who cram into the auditorium to watch junior and senior boys dance and risk embarrassment onstage.

This year’s theme is “Mr Harriton: Once Upon A Time,” and the group of nine boys is eclectic, jovial and will definitely be fun to watch. The Banner had the chance to interview each contestant so that Harriton has the chance to get to know the boys before they step onstage.

Below is the first interview with junior, Jacob Eiseman (The Three Little Pigs), and seniors, Markee Marshall (Goldilocks) and Alex Wu (The Gingerbread Man).

HB: Why did you decide to try out for Mr. Harriton?

Jacob: My brother (a sophomore in college) wanted me to do it, and I decided I had to sign up as soon as possible.

Markee: A lot of people freshman year told me to do it, so I’m like, Imma do it!

Alex: I chose to try out for Mr. Harriton because I love everything Mr. Harriton stands for: advocating for charitable groups on behalf of an organization that enjoys helping all and bringing people together. I also figured it would be nice to perform for the school at least once before I graduate.

HB: Who’s your biggest competition?

Jacob: For talent, Wu. Dance, Chang. My video is the best, and was professionally done (apparently by some Harriton students); it’s amazing.

Markee: Chang.

Alex: Based on pure talent, Jacob Eiseman for sure. Based on everything else, Nicky Kotler.

HB: Describe yourself in one word.

Jacob: [Eds: could not think of one, but Lauren Levy (Sergeant at Arms) suggested a word and he agreed] Vivacious.

Markee: I don’t even know. [Eds: after suggestion from fellow contestant, Alex Chang…] Slippery.

Alex: Compassionate

HB: If you had to have an actor play you in the movie of your life, who would you choose?

Jacob: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson — He’s my favorite actor.

Markee: Will Smith.

Alex: Daniel Dae Kim. That man can pull off some suave smiles.

HB: What makes you the next Mr. Harriton?

Jacob: I’m more talented than everybody except Alex Wu. Well, from a skill perspective, I am second to only Wu. [Eds: both are said to be performing instrumental talents] My talent is going to be very fun and exciting to watch, but with a risk of embarrassment.

Markee: Because like, I just feel like, I’m different, you know? I bring something else to the table. Me coming in gives the taste of another side, and that makes me unique from the other contestants.

Alex: What makes me the next Mr. Harriton is that I am an underdog. And we saw how that turned out for the Eagles.