Hijiri Nakamatsu
The cast of "High School Musical" rehearses in Robinson.
This year’s Spring Musical at EF Academy is “High School Musical,” and the show is almost ready to hit the stage. Students from different grades are working together to produce the show, which will premiere on Wednesday, May 7th in Robinson Center.
Under the creative direction of Mr. Johnson and Ms. Johnson, students are taking on a range of roles including acting, dancing, singing, stage design, costumes, makeup, lighting, and more. After weeks of rehearsals and preparation, everyone’s efforts are finally coming together. Whether it’s learning choreography, making props, or altering lighting cues, every step of the process is led by students, from planning to performing, with everyone doing something to help the show come together.
Aina, a 12th grader playing Gabriella, shared her thoughts about being part of the show: “I’ve been in a few shows before, but this one definitely feels different. It’s my senior year, so I just want to make the most of it. Rehearsals have been a lot, but honestly, it’s been really fun seeing everything start to come together.”
For many students, the best part of being in the musical is the atmosphere. There is always something going on, and just being around so much energy makes it exciting. With the mix of music, movement, and focus, the show creates a vibe that feels completely different from regular school life. It is not just about the final performance. The whole experience is what makes it special.
Mia, who’s also in 12th grade and working on costumes, talked about her role backstage: “I just try to make sure everyone has what they need and feels confident in what they’re wearing. Even though we’re not on stage, we still play a big part in how the whole thing looks and feels. It’s cool to be part of something bigger, and I like knowing the small details we work on actually make a difference.”
Backstage crews, such as Mia’s, are continuously checking costumes, assisting with quick changes, and ensuring that everything is in order prior to each scene. While the audience is focused on the stage, all kinds of preparations are happening backstage to keep things running smoothly. Everyone has their own role, and by working together, they bring one performance to life as a team.
Opening night is two weeks away, and the excitement on campus is building. With catchy songs and spectacular dance sequences, High School Musical is shaping up to be a joyous, feel-good production that reflects the spirit of EF Academy—and the students’ hard work that made it possible.
Performances will take place on May 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th at 7:30PM in Robinson. Students can sign up for tickets on Orah. Tickets for adults are available at EventBrite through this link.