It was a “Thriller” of an evening for Transit Tech Career and Technical Education HS in Brooklyn on June 11, when a full auditorium of students, staff and family members was treated to a student performance of “Unstoppable: A Tribute to the Jackson Family.” About 40 students sang and danced in the show, which was written, produced and directed by drama teacher Michael Rice. Music teacher Michael Carlotto arranged the music, which featured hit songs by members of the Jackson family, including “Billie Jean” and “Beat It.” “What’s incredible is that this is the first year we have drama and music teachers at our school,” said Robert Martinez, an electronics teacher. “The kids have never done this before, so for them it was pretty awesome.” Students practiced after school and on weekends for two months. In addition to learning music and choreography for the show, they prepared their own costumes and props — including tombstones and elaborately ripped outfits for the grand finale featuring Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The audience rewarded the performers’ hard work with a standing ovation — and some students even clamored around Rice and Carlotto for autographs after the show. “Their techniques were perfect,” said Martinez of the performers. “It was like a Broadway show.”
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Miller Photography
Students designed their own elaborate costumes.
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Miller Photography
Drama teacher Michael Rice (left) and music teacher Michael Carlotto thank the students for their hard work.