This spring, theatregoers will have the chance to experience Disney’s movie High School Musical when it is brought to stage at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse for five weeks through May 30.
It is a story of two teenagers worlds apart – Troy, a popular high school basketball star, and Gabriella, a shy, but academically gifted newcomer – until they meet at a karaoke competition where they discover a shared passion for music, as well as each other.
When they decide to audition for the lead roles in the school musical, it threatens East High’s rigid social order and sends their peers into uproar. In a desperate attempt to maintain the status quo, the “jocks,” the “brainiacs,” and even the drama club kids, are soon hatching elaborate plots to separate the pair and keep them offstage.
Artistic director of Drayton Entertainment Alex Mustakas said, “High School Musical presents an incredible opportunity for a new generation to discover live theatre. It’s wonderful to see the vast interest that this Disney musical has sparked.”
Director and choreographer is David Connolly. Last summer, he was the performance director for the CBC reality series How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?
The cast is comprised of Canadian Idol winner Melissa O’Neil as Gabriella, and David Cotton, as Troy Bolton, alongside Ryan Adkins, Thomas Alderson, Michelle Black, Ken Chamberland, Dena Chiarcossi, Rachel Crowther, Stephan Dickson, Alison Jantzie, Susan Johnston Collins, Jeff Moulton, Tim Porter, Kiera Sangster, Erika Santillana, Jaz Sealey, Kent Sheridan, Amelia Sirianni, Liam Tobin, and Sarah Vance.
Drayton Entertainment also embarked on an ambitious community project by casting 60 of the best and brightest local high school students to perform alongside the professional cast. Hundreds of students from across the region auditioned at an open call in February for the spots; they will take turns performing in five pep squad groups.
“I continue to be impressed by the level of talent in our community,” said Mustakas.
Theatregoers are encouraged to plan ahead and call the box office today for tickets at 519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-888-449-4463.
