We’re all in this Together! This year’s musical is going to be unlike any other musical you’ve seen. With an incredible cast, and incredible people helping to get this where it has to be, you’ll be dancing in your seats when you see what the drama club has to offer with High School Musical.  A new director and a choreographer add to the new dimension of the classic movie we grew up with.

This movie and musical is about “breaking down barriers, both seen and unseen. Cliques are everywhere, in every high school, and so often students let those labels define who they are and what they can be. And much like Grease, West Side Story, and Romeo and Juliet, last names and labels don’t determine our identity or our happiness; following our hearts frees us to be what and who we want to be. For teenagers, the age-old struggle can sometimes feel isolating, but the truth is “we’re all in this together,” said Mrs. Duda, the director of this year’s musical.

“The main characters are teenagers so I think it is easy for them to relate to being in a clique, having to make decisions based on others’ expectations and their own desires.  It is not far off from things these actors experience in real life, so it is probably a little easier to channel their ‘inner Troy [played by Michael Stanley]and Gabriella [played by Rachel Blissman]’  than a character in a another type of musical.  Our leads who are playing adults are inspired by teachers and coaches that they have had, so you may recognize a mannerism or two from the classroom,” said Duda.

Sarah Hennessy will play the harsh drama teacher Ms Darbus while Jarod Baughman-Stubbs will bring the determined basketball coach to life.

With Paige Lesko cast as one of the main leads, Sharpay Evans, she will not disappoint. The way that she gets into character, she transforms herself into the character that is Sharpay Evans. Her attitude portrays the snobby and dramatic character perfectly. She brings just the right amount of sass and attitude of Sharpay.“I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have had this year, but especially this one. I am so grateful to have been casted as Sharpay because I grew up watching High School Musical and Sharpay and it is so amazing to get to portray her! I am also super thankful for being casted as a lead as a sophomore. I couldn’t ask for a better way to start my high school career in drama and I have already learned so much and have met so many amazing people!,” said Paige

We need to know in the musical that we’re all in this together in the end and that no matter what we can’t let the labels of being “popular”, or “nerd”, or “jock” define who we are. No matter what we have to portray a sort of unity and being accepted into school and not feeling like we have to impress, because we know that we are all in this together.

Each member of the cast is excited to play characters that we grew up watching. This movie has always been a “soundtrack to our childhood,” and to be able to say that we got to dance in the gym and break out in song  in the middle of the cafeteria we are beyond thrilled.

“I am excited to see the students reach their potential.  So much work goes into a musical. When you are on stage, learning bits and pieces here and there, memorizing random scenes and dances, it is difficult to envision what the final product is going to look like when we “put it all together”.  I am looking forward to our actors and actresses finally getting a glimpse of the big picture and being really excited that their hard work has paid off. The show is going to be a lot of fun. I love this group of students- they are so kind and focused and hardworking.  I feel lucky to have had such a super group of kids to work with.”
“A soundtrack for their childhood.” The music is catchy and fun which means that everyone will have the time of their lives as they sit back, relax and watch the show. Come see the musical March 4th. 5th, and 6th and you will not be disappointed, in fact you will be amazed as to what we have in store for you!