Tim Herbert offers some direction to part of the cast mid-scene for the 2022 ETHS YAMO show. The three adults who guide the YAMO students were all participants in YAMO when they were ETHS students. It is essentially, however, student-driven. The YAMO team – writers, actors, dancers, stage crew, set design, costumes, makeup, lighting, musical orchestration, directors and more – is made up of approximately 100 students plus a few adults who oversee and provide some guidance. The 17-member YAMO Governing Board selects the theme each year. Essentially, it’s a love fest, an affectionate tribute to the people and places that make Evanston and ETHS special.

Now in its 65th year, it is an opportunity to see two hours of ideas brought to life by a bunch of energetic, bright and diverse teens. YAMO is “a musical sketch comedy revue” completely produced by students. (They are owned by the science department.)

There are two male African Spurred tortoises who live at ETHS.

A few years ago there was a DJ who wore a marshmallow head and outfit while he worked queuing music he was briefly popular.

The Trevian is New Trier High School’s mascot.

Some other scenes that especially shine: Locker Room Talk and Sherman Avenue Shuffle in Act I and Having a Good Time and Super in Act II.Īs an added bonus, here is a short “cheat sheet” you can refer to before, during or after the show if needed. The opening number is a knockout way to start the show.

That’s enough of a reason to watch and share in the fun. The students are funny, enthusiastic and totally committed to this work. But it is best to put those traditional expectations aside and enjoy the ride. You will not know the premise in advance unlike in most theater, and that might take the pressure off the audience in having to understand the performance. A scene from ETHS’s YAMO rehearsal on Wednesday afternoon.

Evanston township high school theatre