Red and Gold is just around the corner, with the first performances kicking off tomorrow, Friday the 8th! The sheer excitement on campus has been insane during this past week as both teams patch up last-minute details, rally for their finale rehearsals, and gather in nervous groups to try and predict how their performances will go.
Although nerve-wracking if dwelled on too much, these predictions provide an outlet for Royals to channel their nervous energy and excitement, as well as hype up their fellow teammates for the upcoming performances. Plus, it’s really fun to see if your predictions will come to fruition – Red and Gold have friend groups betting on commendations like dads drafting up their perfect rosters for March Madness.
So, the Royal Reporter sent out Gold Drama Captain Gigi Coo ‘24 and Red Drama cast member Kit Hayward ‘24 to hunt for some insight on Royals’ commendation predictions going into Red and Gold, featuring choice interviews from each team and the acclaimed producers themselves!
Now, let’s talk about what Gold has to offer this weekend and what some of its team members are expecting:
Gold Team Producer Izzy Walker ‘24 explains, “I think Gold has a Script commendation in the bag! I know it’s really close, but seeing how hard everyone works, it could be anyone’s game. Whatever happens, I’m so proud of my team!”
Senior Makayla Rodriguez, one of Gold Dance’s talented dancers, highlights, “I think it’s more entertaining when the win goes back and forth instead of there being a two-year color streak…so it’s Gold’s year because of how good Gold Drama is this time.”
Senior Siena Lopez admits, “Being on Gold Drama this year, I’ve never had more fun in any other team. I think captains Gigi and Ellie have been giving incredible direction, and Drama has a great shot at getting a commendation. Red has great actresses, but I believe the family environment we’ve created on Gold Drama can lead us to victory.”
On the other side of things, Kit reconvened with the Red Team to see what they thought about potential commendations:
Red Team Producer Ava Fishman ‘24 was eager to offer up a category for a commendation prediction: “I think Red Fashion is amazing. Each costume is so creative and really fits the theme, and I think that it’ll get a commendation.”
Senior Mandy Puga, one of Red team’s star actresses, shares her semi-biased opinion on her own team’s projected success: “I will admit I am a bit biased, but I really think Red Drama deserves a commendation. However, I am confident that either Red Dance or Drill will 100% get a commendation. They’re just too good!”
Mikayla Hayward ‘26, returning to Red Drill for her second year, offers up a prediction for a potential Gold commendation: “This year is going to be extra exciting because I know the performances will be super close, but I have a feeling that Gold will receive a Dance commendation. I love their high energy during flex!”
And to round out the commendation predictions, unbiased and adored Mr. Clough offered up his stellar opinion on what will stand out in this weekend’s show: “Red will have best finale. Gold will have best story.” Clearly Mr. Clough is ahead of the judges here – launching his Royals into victory by creating two new commendation categories: best finale and best story! Thanks, Mr. Clough!
As far as the Royal Reporter staff is concerned, we know it will be a close year. With Captains working since Christmas break, Dance and Drill girls sweating after each flex, and all the categories fighting to test how loud they can scream during finale prep, there’s no denying that everyone has been working hard to make their show the best. We’re so excited to see which commendations go to which categories!
Just remember that no matter what happens, the Royal Reporter will always be proud of everyone.
Happy Red and Gold, Royals!!