The Walter Reade Jr. Theatre was transformed into a colorful Disney movie set for three days in May for the School’s recent spring production of High School Musical. Complete with varsity letters, authentic costumes, and outstanding song and dance routines, the performance kept the audience singing and clapping along.
According to Performing Arts Chair Anne Fulton, “The students who were in the cast were very excited about the choice of show. Many had seen the movie and were already familiar with the cast and the music. The dance routines, choreographed by Ms. Jacobson, were a major component of the production and everyone worked hard to be able to act, sing, and dance simultaneously.”
Disney’s High School Musical explores issues of friendship, first love, and acceptance through the blossoming relationship between Troy (played by Thomas C. ’23), a high school athlete, and Gabriella (Madison B. ’24), the new smart girl at school. The two meet on a family vacation and become attracted to each other while singing in a karaoke competition. Rediscovering each other at school, their relationship and their surprise decision to audition together for the school show are thwarted by the school’s current leading lady, Sharpay (Nina G. ’23), and Troy and Gabriella’s well-meaning friends. Finally, Gabriella and Troy find their way and are rewarded with the lead roles in the school show.
“Our cast members did a wonderful job. They brought a great deal of enthusiasm and talent to the rehearsal process and then delivered truly memorable performances. This was evident from all of the positive feedback we’ve received from the community. Our musicians and stage crew also went above and beyond to make our production of High School Musical a hit,” continued Mrs. Fulton.
High School Musical Cast
Troy Bolton: Thomas C. ’23
Gabriella Montez: Madison B. ’24
Sharpay Evans: Nina G. ’23
Ryan Evans: Fernando M. ’23
Taylor McKessie: Dana Xu ’24
Chad Danforth: Kenzo S. ’23
Zeke Baylor: Luke C. ’23
Kelsi Nielson: Laurel P. ’23
Jack Scott: Jasper L. ’24
Ms. Darbus: River T. ’24
Martha Cox: Ana Paula A. ’24
Coach Bolton: Patrick Fulton (faculty)
Susan: Andrea L. ’25
Cathy: Isabella B. ’26
Cyndra: Aitana G. ’24
Ripper: NaRae T. ’24
Monica: Kaitlyn M. ’27
Allie: Eniola K. ’23
Ms. Tenney: Joy L. ’23
Moderator: Viktorie M. ’24
Cheerleaders: Nyla A. ’25 , Richeal A. ’24, Roberta C. ’25, Uta F. ’25, Joy L. ’23,
Andrea L. ’25, Viktorie M. ’24
Skaters: Isabella B. ’26, Mac M. ’24
Jocks: Mohanad A. ’25, Tony B. ’24, Jaden C. ’23