Lara Cruzado ‘23

Staff Writer

First Look At “High School Musical”

     Attention Wildcats! This year’s spring musical “High School Musical” is right around the corner and you don’t want to miss out on this amazing show. 

     Based on the hit Disney Channel Movie, “High School Musical” follows the story of “freaky genius girl” Gabriella Montez (Jessica Olexy 21’) and basketball star Troy Bolton (Riley Finn ‘22)  as they struggle to break the “Status Quo” held together by Sharpay Evans (Madeline Olexy ‘20) and her brother Ryan Evans (Alana Ferreria Botex ‘22) as they audition for the Spring Musical directed by their homeroom teacher, Ms. Darbus (Nicole Bagala ‘20).

     The book smart Brainiacs, led by Taylor Makessie (Marina Tonner ‘22) and Martha Cox (Minh Nguyen ‘20), befriend Gabriella Montez and try to recruit her to win a science decathlon while the Jocks, lead by Coach Bolton (Jack Boucher ‘22) and consist of Chad Danforth (Ethan Smith ‘22) and Zeke (Joe Bagala ‘20) try to get Troy ready to lead them to victory in their next big game. 

     The Thespians, which consist of shy playwright Kelsi Nielson (Jenny Wool ‘21) and hopeful auditionees Cyndra (Lara Cruzado ‘23), Alan (Shamus O’Grady ‘23), Cathy (Alison Mele ‘22), Susan (Julie Mazza ‘20) and Jamie (Laura Nilsen ‘20), befriend Troy and Gabriella and try to help them in their quest to audition for the musical and break the “Status Quo”.

     Other characters such as Jack Scott (Jake Ferris ‘21), Ripper (Ray Conway ‘20) and the featured dancers which consist of Diana-Eileen Toland Matos (‘20), Hannah McGuire (‘22), Kaela Herzog (‘21), Catie Rodriguez (‘20), Julie Mazza (‘20)  and Allison Mele (‘22) play vital roles in the vibrant storytelling of a musical that will have you “soaring and flying.”

     For more information visit the Bethel Theater Boosters website or follow @bhstheaterboosters on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.  The show will run on Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 21 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for students/seniors and $15 general admission. 

     In order to raise money for the program and show, there will be a “Broadway Open Mic” at J. Lawrance (located in Downtown Bethel) on February 5, a fundraiser where you can come and perform your favorite show tune or just come to eat and watch others perform! All proceeds go toward the musical! 

     If you are interested in singing a song, sign up by visiting: BIT.LY/2FNwDMI.