The EF Academy Theater Club, under the leadership of dedicated Ms. Dora Johnson, is preparing for an exciting new production.
This year’s spring production is a thriller rendition of the 2006 Disney hit High School Musical. The story is about Troy Bolton, the star basketball team captain and charismatic leader, and Gabriella Montez, a shy but genius new student. The two share a chance connection in their shared passion for singing over winter break. When they return to school, they discover that they have been cast in the school play, which causes tension in their own peer groups. Troy’s athletic teammates are urging him to take athletics more seriously, while Gabriella’s peers pressure her to focus on studies. Sharpay Evans, the star of the drama club, wants to keep her starring role, adding to the complication for the two. The play simply boils down to the importance of staying true to oneself and loving one’s hobbies despite external influence.
Asked how closely the script matched the actual film, Mr. Johnson responded: “I haven’t seen the movie in a while, but the script will be close enough.”
To produce the show, the play will make use of a real high school setting, with the gym floor in Robinson acting as the centerpiece. Side curtains will be employed to seamlessly shift from scene to scene while maintaining the play’s immersive feature.
The process of creating sets began with brainstorming sessions where students and teachers drew inspiration from past productions. Mr. Johnson spoke about the importance of having a stage that is both visually pleasing and functional, and one that the operations behind the scenes are obscured from sight.
The play will be performed the week prior to graduation, with dress rehearsals scheduled for May 7th. As opening night approaches, the set will be completed and performances honed to perfection.
One of the logistical challenges the team faces is moving the set. This year, they are constructing it outside at the Robinson Center before transferring it to the dance studio. Whereas sets for past productions had to be rented, this year’s experience has been smoother with the prior knowledge and organization of the team.
Currently, about six stagecraft students are working on the set, with additional members joining as the production comes to a close. Furthermore, the play involves about “70 members”, which include actors, cheerleaders, and members of the basketball team, all contributing to make the show vibrant with energy.
Apart from the building of the sets, the students are busy rehearsing and perfecting their performances. One of the student actors, Kira, an 11th grader, discussed what she had found most challenging while rehearsing for her character. “I don’t have a lead role now,” she said, “but I have a few small roles. We are still quite much in production stages, so memorizing the songs and dances has been challenging. The hardest part is figuring out how I want to stage my characters.”
As for how this stage production will be different from the original movie, she went on: “The play is being performed at the Robinson Center, where we are building a stage. Mr. Johnson’s crew has made a 3D model of the set, and I don’t want to spoil it too much, but I think it’s going to be really cool.” We will be creating a basketball court, as well, and school and dance scenes, so Robinson would be the perfect place.
Kira’s favorite rehearsal time has been the large group dance scenes: “It is such a big show with approximately 50 people on and off stage. We even have parts of the basketball team and cheer team participating in the dances. My favorite moment is when we’re all dancing together it’s so much fun!”
“It can be tough balancing rehearsals with school and other things,” Kira said, but she has found a way to balance it. “I’m going part-time right now, doing theater three days a week and another club on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Since we’re early in the season, we do get cut sometimes before it even starts, so that gives me time to focus on my school work. But I imagine things will start ramping up as opening night approaches.”
With its thrilling storyline, high-energy choreography, and industrious cast and crew, this year’s High School Musical production will be something not to miss. The careful work being done off-stage ensures a night to remember that preserves the spirit of high school, collaboration, and following one’s dreams.
