STUDENTS ON STAGE
Charlottetown Rural’s production of ‘High School Musical’ which encourages young people to explore their passions, opens May 10 at Confederation Centre
When Richard Haines was looking for a musical for students at Charlottetown Rural High School, he didn’t have far to look.
“High School Musical” jumped out at him.
Written and created by Peter Barsocchini and David Simpatico, it’s a show that inspires audiences on different levels.
With its lively music and compelling choreography, it can be enjoyed purely for its entertainment value.
There’s also the nostalgia factor.
Because countless numbers of young people grew up watching “High School Musical” on television or listening to the CD, the musical became the soundtrack of many lives.
So, it was a natural choice for the student company – 60-70 students actively engaged as actors, dancers, musicians and stage crew and 24 students involved in set painting and other work behind-the-scenes.
“It’s a story that’s meant to resonate with students. That’s why it’s one of the best movies, why kids fell in love with it. And why we’re doing it,” says Haines, director of the musical that hits the boards of the Homburg Theatre at Confederation Centre of the Arts, May 10-12 at 7:30 p.m.
Based on a Disney Channel original movie, it’s a story about Troy Bolton the star athlete at a small-town high school, who falls for nerdy beauty Gabriella Montez at a holiday karaoke party. When they end up at the same campus, Troy and Gabriella audition for the upcoming school musical. Meanwhile, a jealous student, Sharpay Evans, schemes to squelch their chances. The two must struggle to make it to auditions while also meeting their existing obligations to the basketball team and the academic decathlon.
For Emma-Jane Webster-Lawrence, who plays Gabriella, the show is a slice of real life.
“In high school, there are cliques and popularity levels. And I think people feel pressured to hide what they’re super passionate about, especially if it’s something that their clique is not interested in,” says the Grade 10 student.
To counteract this, “High School Musical” encourages students to break out of their shell and their stereotype.
“In the show there’s a jock who likes to bake and it’s outrageous to the other jocks because it’s against their social norms. So, the show is about not sticking with the status quo and following your dreams and passions,” says Emma-Jane.
It’s also a reflection of real life for Julien Kitson.
Although he’s not a star
athlete like his character, Troy Bolton, he’s juggling his dream of becoming a full-time vocalist/musician with keeping up with the demands of school work.
“It’s definitely a lot to take in. It’s the busiest I’ve ever been in my life,” says Julien, a member of the Kitson Family, who opened for Rawlins Cross, last month, and a member of the CRHS band, who just returned from playing the Atlantic Band Festival in Halifax.
“It can definitely be stressful, at times. It can really get my heart going. But, in the end, I think it’s all going to be worth it,” says the Grade 10 student.
There’s also been a bit of stress as he transitions from performing with his sisters and his father, Joey Kitson, to sharing a microphone with a school mate. But he’s happy with the progress they’ve made.
“It’s something new and interesting to me. Emma-Jane has an amazing voice and I think that, in the show, Troy and Gabriella’s voices match together really well.”
Emma-Jane shares his excitement.
“It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s been worth it. I’m proud of the show.”
And, as she awaits opening night, she’s excited about sharing it with others.
“‘High School Musical’ is something people grew up watching and really loving. And now it’s something theatregoers will get to experience, in person, live.
“You’ll get to see the magic happen right in front of your eyes.”