Broadway star visits Alma Mater Haslett High School

HASLETT Mich. (WLNS) – A full circle moment at Haslett High School this month.

Former student Nick Rehberger, who is now a Broadway star, spoke with current students about his journey. He graduated from Haslett in 2009 and is now touring around the country with a role in Les Miserables. He attributes being in band and choir to coming out of his shell and he gives credit to Haslett for what he has achieved. He showed students that they can do it too.

“I wouldn’t be doing this without Haslett High School. Without the middle school and high school programs,” Rehberger said.

Rehberger plays Inspector Javert in the Broadway musical Les Mis and he is performing near his hometown at the Wharton Center. While in the area, he gave Haslett students some insight into the industry, at the same stage where it all began for him.

“To get to do what I do in my hometown is just kind of the best thing I could have imagined,” Rehberger said.

He said it’s cool to know that the teachers who helped him reach his success are still at Haslett High School and can help these kids reach their goals as well. teachers like Samara Valla, one of Haslett’s choir directors.

“Kids from Haslett can go do this like that’s a really exciting prospect, to not have it feel so far off.” Valla continued, ” But also I think it’s great to see that he’s a normal person who does everyday things and still has to check his mail or mow the lawn.”

Students agree, they say Rehberger’s visit reminds them that they can accomplish what he has. Rosalind Biscette is a senior and spoke about the impact Rehberger’s advice had on her.

“It’s cool seeing what where we are now can lead to later, and hearing the actual process. I feel like a lot of the time it’s a dream and we are thinking about it as such. But there are actual steps to get there,” Biscette said.

The students now have some new tips to keep in mind ahead of the High school’s musical coming up, “Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat”. Another senior, Mateo Salazar, reflected on his love for theatre.

“It’s a great thing to do to keep you happy. I’m very passionate about theatre and it’s what keeps me happy, so as long as I keep doing it and having fun I’m going to live a great life,” Salazar said.

The cast of Les Miserables was at the Wharton Center for multiple days. After Rehberger spoke to students they all took a selfie together. you could feel the excitement in the auditorium. Rehberger shared what he hopes the kids took away from the conversation.

“I hope that everybody who is doing theatre now sticks with it in some way.” Rehberger continued, “Even if it’s not a full-time career, I hope there is some artistic endeavor in their lives that carries them through.”

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