Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life on stage in the North Central High School Auditorium on April 25-27 when the NCHS Drama Troupe presents Disney’s High School Musical. In this much loved show created from the TV movie of 2006, Troy (Cole Clark), his best buddies and teammates Chad (Alex Proper) and Zeke J.S. (Brady Cogswell) along with new found love Gabriella (Shea Livensparger), and her new friend Taylor (Nicky Myers) learn how to deal with the many ups and downs of teen life. One major issue throughout the story surrounds the antics of drama diva Sharpay (Abbey Litzenberg) and her twin brother Ryan (Branden Turner).
The story begins the first day after winter break when students have returned to find their cliques, recount their vacations, and look forward to the new year and an upcoming championship basketball game. East High School is the home of Wildcat basketball, led by Troy’s father, Coach Bolton (Hunter Forry). Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, whom he met singing karaoke on his vacation ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause quite an upheaval when they decide to audition for the upcoming high school musical, directed by Ms. Darbus (Jaclyn Kinsman) and written by their shy classmate, Kelsi (Reese Cogswell).
The cliques of Jocks (Dylan Hutchison, Jordan Bailey, Josh Sawyer, Jordan Reeves, Brady Zuver, Kaleb Geiser, Josh Roesener), Cheerleaders (Captain Brooklyn Sheffer, Rachel Oxender, Julia Rhinard, Macayla Wildrick, Alyssa Swank), Brainiacs (Jazmine Becker, Kaylie Brouse, Zandra Vassar), Thespians (Jessica Echler, Jakub Grodi, Heather McConnaughey, Allyson Hutchison, Makayla Hayes) and Skater Dudes of East High must learn how to deal with issues of first love, friends, and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities. Although many of these students resent the threat posed to the “status quo,” and their cliques, Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine and find compassion and acceptance for all.
Those who help make this show a success off stage include a large crew of very talented and dedicated students: Dylan Hutchison, Adam Knepper, Jordan Bailey, Josh Sawyer, Jordan Reeves, Brady Zuver, Colton Pilmore, Kaylie Brouse, Jazmine Becker, Samantha Vassar, Dakota Pitts, Brittany Keller, Allyson Hutchison, Jessica Cheesbro, Makayla Rizor, Rachel Shipman, Aleea Lonabarger, Megan Laney. Student director is Tessa Newsome with assistant Dakota Wiseman.
Many adults have also given generously of their time. Assistant director is Dustin Campbell with technical director Travis Creek. Set design and construction was covered by David Deetz, Alan Cogswell, Layne Cogswell and Rich Meyers. The pit band includes Sharon Deetz, Joe House, and Paul and Joy Gruetter. Concessions and tickets are being handled by Marcia Geiser, Linda Cochran, Julie Taylor, and Tomi Zuver. Ashley Kimpel and Jaymie Lashaway are doing hair and makeup.
Disney’s High School Musical is fun for the whole family. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on April 25-26 and 2:30 p.m. on April 27. Tickets are on sale now for $4 (students including college), $6 (senior citizens 55+) and $8 (adults). Children age 6 and under are free. Call 419-737-3403, 737-2366 at ext. 5212, 737-2581 or email DebMeyers@NorthCentralSchool.org for details.