Harrison High School Drama Club Brings Bubble Boy to Life

The Harrison High School Drama Club is set to take the stage with its spring musical, Bubble Boy, running Thursday through Saturday, April 10–12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in the Harrison High School Auditorium located at 401 Kingsland Avenue, Harrison, NJ.

This year’s production promises to be an eye-popping and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages. Under the direction of Colin Shields, who also serves as set designer, lighting and costume coordinator, the Drama Club has pulled out all the stops to bring this visually rich and emotionally engaging story to life. With the setting grounded in the late 1980s, Shields and his team have used advanced garment printing technology to recreate the bold, vivid patterns of the era, all while handcrafting each costume with meticulous care.

Bubble Boy tells the story of Jimmy Livingston, a boy born without an immune system who has spent his entire life sealed inside a protective bubble. But everything changes when he falls in love with the girl next door, Chloe. When she leaves town to marry someone else, Jimmy sets off on a heartwarming cross-country adventure in a homemade bubble suit to win her back. Along the way, he encounters a string of eccentric characters — including a cult, a biker gang, a dead cow, and a relentless mother determined to keep him safely inside his bubble.

Musical Direction: Danny Conde

Musical direction is provided by Danny Conde, and the production is backed by a dedicated support staff, including longtime producer Mary Pat Shields. She credits volunteers like Celina and Pedro Pereira and the generous backing of the local business community for making this show possible. The club remains committed to keeping live theater accessible for the community, with ticket prices unchanged for over a decade.

Friday, April 11, is designated as Family Night, with special "pay what you can" pricing — an initiative designed to ensure that every Harrison family can experience the magic of live theater together. Regular ticket pricing for other performances is $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens, with all tickets available for purchase at the door.

The Harrison High School Drama Club has consistently raised the bar for high school theater, earning numerous accolades from the prestigious Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards, including 13 nominations and eight wins. These honors highlight the exceptional talent and dedication of the students and staff involved in the productions. It also highlights the importance of the Paper Mill Playhouse’s outreach to communities who have talent just waiting to be discovered if given the opportunity. Thank you Paper Mill Playhouse.

This spring’s performance of Bubble Boy continues the club’s tradition of excellence while bringing the community together through laughter, music, and a heartfelt story of love and courage. It’s a must-see event that showcases the creative spirit thriving in Harrison.

For three nights only, the bubble opens — don’t miss your chance to step inside.

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