University High School’s spring musical, High School Musical, opens this weekend! ‘We’re all in this together’ to see one, two, or all three performances!
Performances are on Friday, Apr. 28 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Apr 29 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Apr. 30 at 2:30 p.m. in Andrews Hall. Purchase tickets at the door or in advance online.
Theatre Director Callie Hartz says this year’s production was chosen in part as a tribute to retiring Director of Admission Nancy Webster.
“It’s an homage to Nancy Webster because she was the first theatre teacher for University,” said Callie. “I kept brainstorming and thought, ‘What did Nancy do with her life?’ She made a high school…High School Musical!”
The show, which features one of the biggest casts in the school’s history, will be almost exclusively student-led – both onstage and off – by opening night.
“It’s just a really good show from start to finish. We have student musicians playing the music and all the technical elements will be student-run, as well,” said Callie. “I actually sit in the audience during the show. By ‘sit in the audience,’ I mean that I stand nervously in the back, but my goal is that I’m not doing anything by the time the show opens.”
Senior Vivian Suh serves as the show’s student director and has directed about 20% of the production herself.
“I got the opportunity to direct a scene in the fall play, Fools, and I enjoyed it so much that I also wanted to direct for the spring musical,” said Vivian. “I got the opportunity to direct a song, which I hadn’t ever done before, and this year’s production is especially important to me because I’m graduating this year.”
Also behind-the-scenes, senior Julia Poertner is the show’s Head Costumer. With the help of sophomore Brianna Dimond, Julia prepared the cast’s costumes using a variety of methods.
“For High School Musical specifically, there’s been a lot of thrifting. The majority of the costumes are everyday clothes, but there can also be sewing involved,” said Julia. “My favorite costumes are [the characters of] Sharpay [Evans] and Ryan [Evans], so I’m pretty excited for people to see those. I’m really looking forward to people just getting to see the finished product.”
The show’s iconic leads of Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez are played by senior Pierce Garino-Heisey and junior Kate Sampson, respectively.
Senior Audrey Priest returns to the UHS stage for her fourth and final musical to play Gabriella’s friend, Taylor McKessie.
“I’ve done all the musicals at University since I’ve been here and was definitely most excited for this one because, how can you miss out on High School Musical? I couldn’t think of a better senior year musical to do,” said Audrey. “I’m excited to perform ‘Stick to the Status Quo’ because that’s everyone’s classic favorite, and I’m excited for people to see [junior] Samriddhi [Patankar] as Sharpay because I think she’s awesome.”
Callie echoes the students’ sentiments that this year’s spring musical is something special.
“The senior class has taken so much ownership and leadership. The dances, like the ‘Get Your Head in the Game’ basketball dance – it’s fire!” said Callie. “I think people are going to be blown away by the kids.”
Performances are in Andrews Hall. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students. If you would like to attend all three performances, purchase a StageBlazer Pass at the discounted rate of $30 for adults and $25 for students. Attendees may purchase their tickets at the door.
Check out the cast list here.
VIEW PHOTOS FROM ‘HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL’ REHEARSAL
