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The student news site of Brimmer and May School | Chestnut Hill, MA

The Gator

The student news site of Brimmer and May School | Chestnut Hill, MA

The Gator

The student news site of Brimmer and May School | Chestnut Hill, MA

The Gator

Marlie Kass

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor

Marlie is thrilled to be on the staff of The Gator. A Lifer at Brimmer, she’s been attending the school since Kindergarten. Marlie loves all things creative arts and looks forward to lifting up the community and exploring new ideas through her writing.

All content by Marlie Kass
Infographic: The Powerful Psychology of Arts Education

Infographic: The Powerful Psychology of Arts Education

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
April 13, 2023
Arts education has significant developmental impacts that can shape successful, confident, and happy students.
An abstract generated illustration of “playwright.” I'm still not impressed or threatened.

Op-Ed: I’m an Artist, AI Doesn’t Scare Me

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
February 9, 2023
I’m a writer—a playwright, specifically, and I’ve found that has allowed for a unique perspective on what I’m calling my newest competition.
The festival.

Photos: Community Celebrates Year of the Rabbit with Temple Fair

Grace Papas and Marlie Kass
January 26, 2023
The annual fair was a huge success.
Marlie Kass '23 awaits the start of the play. Photo courtesy of Kass.

‘Preludes’ by Dave Malloy is Genius in the Key of C♯ Minor

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
January 12, 2023
Creative genius or not, it’s an extremely inspiring, and eventually comforting, journey to watch. 
A "Some Like it Hot" playbill. Photo courtesy of Marlie Kass.

Review: ‘Some Like it Hot’ Takes Time to Warm Up

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
January 11, 2023
The story follows two musicians who accidentally witness a murder by a powerful gangster.
Photo courtesy of David Barron.

New Faculty Profile: Alex Ostergard

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
January 9, 2023
Music teacher Alex Ostergard discusses their first semester at the School.
Review: 'The School for Good and Evil' Fails Fairytale Expectations

Review: ‘The School for Good and Evil’ Fails Fairytale Expectations

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
January 5, 2023
The book was better than the movie—and much better at that. 
Poster art By Amelia Dmytruk

‘Captain Fantastic!’ Promises to Live Up to Its Name

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
November 29, 2022
At the end of this week, middle school performers will be taking the stage to share the super-powered story of Captain Fantastic!
Image courtesy of Marlie Kass ‘23.

Small Joys: Mochi Squishy Review

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
October 25, 2022
These Mochi Squishies from Amazon are a good pick-me-up.
Members of the Class of 2023 pose at Larz Anderson Park.

Class of 2023 Enjoys “Senior Sunrise”

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
October 18, 2022
All 47 12th-grade students were invited to the Larz Anderson Park to enjoy the early morning together, a tradition started last year. 
Some private schools have made changes to combat grade inflation, now including here.

School Moves to Remove A+ From Grading System

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
September 28, 2022
Effective immediately, the School is shifting away from this previous academic norm and will no longer include A+s in its grading system.
Photo taken by Marlie Kass '23

Review: ‘Suffs’ Impresses at Public Theater

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
May 26, 2022
There are a few “wow” moments but the majority of the show was carried solely by the actors and the text. 
Poster design by Ema Gurevich '26.

Middle School Theatre to Return with ‘Beauty and the Beast, Jr.’

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
May 24, 2022
The cast and crew promise a lively, exciting, and enchanting production. 
School Nurse Beth Escobar takes care of students and adults alike here. She hands a COVID-19 test to second grade teacher Angela Park.

School Sees Uptick in COVID-19 Cases

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
May 2, 2022
Face masks will remain optional, though the CRT urges vigilance. “I think that our community is still very proactive and safe,” School Nurse Beth Escobar said.

Digital Cinema Teacher to Premiere War Film

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
April 13, 2022
The feature documentary will premiere as part of the Boston International Film Festival. Tickets available for Sunday at 3:00 p.m. showing.
Adiele '23 Wins Limbo at Carnival

Adiele ’23 Wins Limbo at Carnival

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
April 12, 2022
Saturday's classic carnival delights included a bouncy house, field games, BBQ, and more.
Photo illustration purchased at BigStock.com

Op-Ed: COVID-19’s Impact on Teenagers is Deeper Than You Think

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
March 12, 2022
From the beginning, I've believed that the pandemic will hit teenagers the hardest. Recent events have confirmed my thoughts.
Kass performs as Heche in 'Trap' last fall. Photo by Oxygen Group Photography

Theatre Is My Sport

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
March 1, 2022
Despite the mental and physical stamina it requires, theatre is overlooked in comparison to traditional physical activities.
Head of Middle School Carl Rapisarda-Vallely addresses students during the opening of the 2020-2021 year, at the height of the pandemic.

Rapisarda-Vallely Promoted to Assistant Head of School

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
February 11, 2022
His new responsibilities will include working with faculty recruitment and serving as a connection between different divisions.
School Nurse Beth Escobar takes care of students and adults alike here. She hands a COVID-19 test to second grade teacher Angela Park.

Q&A: “All Things COVID” With School Nurse Beth Escobar

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
January 28, 2022
In the midst of the Omicron variant's surge, Director of Health Services Beth Escobar is dedicated to keeping the community safe.
Tick Tick…BOOM provides an emotional punch followed by a hope-filled encouragement to just take the leap and create something great. Promotional poster courtesy of Netflix Studios.

Movie Review: ‘Tick Tick… BOOM!’ Stuns on Netflix

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
January 5, 2022
Johnathan Larson's autobiographical musical is filled with emotional performances and energetic music.
Anja Westhues '20 sings at Coffee House 2019 with her father, Jukka Westhues.

Omicron Variant Derails Return to In-Person Coffee House

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
January 5, 2022
Only performers will be allowed to attend for a live-streamed event.
L-R: Elizabeth Taylor, Carmen Guitterez, Marilyn Cooper, and Carol Lawrence from the original Broadway cast sing "I Feel Pretty" (1957).

Op-Ed: Remembering Stephen Sondheim

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
December 3, 2021
Not only did Sondheim shape the theatre world of today through the art he created, he changed it through the people he inspired.  
Middle School Play Promises Magic

Middle School Play Promises Magic

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
November 30, 2021
The production is set for Thursday 2 at 6:30 p.m, and Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Harvestfest Returns to Campus

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
November 4, 2021
After last year's absence, Harvestfest was held to bring the School together for fall-themed festivities.
Photo courtesy of Marlie Kass '23

CAP Visits Harvard Square for ‘The Rocky Horror Show’

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
October 29, 2021
On Thursday, CAP visited Harvard Square for 'The Rocky Horror Show.'
School Counselor Emily Luckett.

School Counselor on Managing Stress and Anxiety

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
October 29, 2021
Developing resilience, that’s the key, and that’s all about learning about yourself.
The Addams Family being performed in 2014. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Op-Ed: Theatre Presents Great Spooky Entertainment

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
October 27, 2021
For your next scare, consider turning to the stage.
Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Review: ‘Hadestown’ Dazzles Broadway in Stunning Return

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
October 15, 2021
The show encapsulates the spirit of Broadway in 80 minutes of genuine hope and talent.
Elizabeth Fitzgerald '22, Zakkai Mares-Van Praag '22, Kyle Terino '24, and Jerry Dong '23 attend a play rehearsal.

Photo | Upper School Fall Play Returns In Person

Amelia Bowman, Editor-in-Chief
October 5, 2021

Elizabeth Fitzgerald '22, Zakkai Mares-Van Praag '22, Kyle Terino '24, and Jerry Dong '23 attend a play rehearsal.

Andrea Underhill-Curtain is the new MS English and Drama teacher.

Faculty Profile: English, Drama Teacher Andrea Underhill-Curtin

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
September 30, 2021
The new drama teacher has many things in store for the Middle School drama program.
The show's ultimate message is that at the end of the day life is not a game to be won, but a ride to be enjoyed through all its ups and downs.

‘Ride the Cyclone,’ a Musical Journey You Won’t Forget

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
May 26, 2021
The show reminds us that at the end of the day life is not a game to be won, but a ride to be enjoyed through all its ups and downs.
Poster design by Ady Jaeckel '25.

MS Musical Tackles Performing Theater During Pandemic

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
May 13, 2021
Tune in on May 27 at 7.pm. to watch students perform "The Show Must Go On(Line)," a show set during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Last May, the School attended a WorldBoston virtual discussion on Zoom.

Students Attend WorldBoston Discussion of Armenian Genocide

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
May 11, 2021
Students in Global Studies courses watched Armenian Ambassador Varzhan Nerseyan speak at the WorldBoston event.
Priya Mallidi '23 and Alison Rimas '23 talk outside after school.

Statewide Mask Guidelines Spark Debate

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
April 29, 2021
Community members weigh in on Massachusetts' decision to allow people to forgo wearing masks when outside.
Poster by Marlie Kass '23.

Photo | Environmental Club to Host Earth Day Events

Evan Michaeli, Outgoing Editor
April 21, 2021

Poster by Marlie Kass '23.

Using reusable water bottles can help reduce your plastic waste. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Op-Ed: Easy Actions For Environmental Impact

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
April 14, 2021
Here are some of my favorite "small-changes-with-bigger-impacts" decisions that I have made over the past year.
In Upper School classrooms, students sit at desks six feet apart.

School Moves To Full-Time In-Person Learning

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
April 5, 2021
For the first time in over a year, campus is open five days a week for Upper School classes.
Op-Ed: Performing Theater in the Age of COVID-19

Op-Ed: Performing Theater in the Age of COVID-19

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
March 9, 2021
When I received a text from a friend nearly a year ago that, due to the worsening pandemic,Broadway had closed for the foreseeable future, it didn’t seem real.
Poster by Michelle Xu '21.

The Show Must Go On(Line)

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
March 2, 2021
After the success of the virtual fall play, the School is venturing into digital theater yet again.
Cars parked in the gym parking lot. Photo illustration by Edan Zinn '23.

Op-Ed: Learning to Drive During COVID-19

Marlie Kass, Outgoing Arts Editor
January 29, 2021
Learning to drive looks different this year, but I am still excited to get behind the wheel.
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Marlie Kass