The differences between a Knight and a Wildcat will quickly disappear when the theatre students here at Loy Norrix High School hit the stage next month in their performance of “High School Musical.”
February 17th at 7 p.m. will be the opening show where Loy Norrix students who have spent hours practicing lines, blocking [movement during the musical], and singing will perform in a production of the hit film musical “High School Musical.”
This year’s musical takes place at modern East High School in Los Angeles. The storyline follows two completely different individuals, Troy Bolton the star basketball player and Gabriella Montez an academically focused student. Their friend groups are forced to merge when Troy and Gabriella landing lead roles in the musical production at their school. In 2006 when Disney released their movie, children and teens everywhere loved it, making it Disney Channel’s most watched film for the year.
Following the casting on November 18th, rehearsals have taken place everyday after school in order for the actors to perfect their roles under the guidance of director and drama teacher, Paige O’ Shea and music director Julie Pelligrino. On the first day of practice, all of the students sat together to do a cold read, where all the leads read through the script and listen to the music that will be used in the production.
Abigail Hauke, who will be playing Sharpay Evans, remembers the excitement she had from that first day.
“I was so ready to make new friends and strengthen friendships with others,” said Hauke.
The musical arts are something that members of Loy Norrix have taken a lot of pride in in past years. This musical, in particular, features returning actors, as well as many newcomers.
Giovani Diaz, a senior at Loy Norrix, is ready to join in on the skilled arts.
“Being that this is my first musical ever, I was honored to get the lead of Chad. Comparing all of the past musicals, there’s no doubt in my mind that this will top all the other musicals that we have done,” said Diaz.
Next month will be the last opportunity to support the seniors at Loy Norrix who will be graduating from the school as well as the arts program in June. These performances will also have roles filled by actors who will be at the school for years to come, growing in their abilities for some time after the seniors leave. Come witness the final product of the journey the arts program has gone through transforming Loy Norrix Knights into East High Wildcats on the stage.
Show Dates and Times:
Friday and Saturday, February 17 & 18 – 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 19 – 3 p.m.
Thursday, February 23 – 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, February 24 & 25 – 7 p.m.
As for the cast, here are our Knights who will be playing Wildcats:
Tristen Morales – TROY BOLTON
Reibekah Welch – GABRIELLA MONTEZ
Abigail Hauke – SHARPAY EVANS
Victor Moss – RYAN EVANS
Hannah Lee – MARTHA COX
Grace Erway – TAYLOR MCKESSIE
Tyler Johnson – ZEKE BAYLOR
Chris Aranda – COACH JACK BOLTON
Alex Courtney – MRS. DARBUS
Giovani Diaz – CHAD DANFORTH
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