This year’s Middle School Musical is High School Musical JR., based on the 2006 Disney Channel Original Movie starring Zac Efron as Troy Bolton, the captain of East High School’s basketball team, and Vanessa Hudgens as Gabriella Montez, who’s at the top of her class. Both try out for the lead roles in the spring musical and end up drawn to each other, despite encountering some obstacles along the way.
The leads for D-E’s production include Ella G. ’30, Owen L. ’29, Brooke C. ’29, and Austin T. ’30. Owen describes his character, Troy, as an athlete who “wants something new” but doesn’t let his friends or family know because he’s worried how they will react.
“We were commenting on the themes of togetherness and community woven through the show and thought it would be a good fit for the Middle School production here at D-E.”
According to Eileen Lynch, MS Theater Director and Drama Teacher, the idea to put on this show came about after a casual lunchroom conversation between her and MS Principal Jonathan Davis last spring. “We both had the experience of having one of our own children perform in the show as students,” she says. “We were commenting on the themes of togetherness and community woven through the show and thought it would be a good fit for the Middle School production here at D-E.”
Lower School Music Teacher Lisa Dove is the Music Director, and John John Tarrayo of “So You Think You Can Dance” fame and Bella Savas choreographed this dance-centric show, assisted by student Dance Captain Arianna C. ’30.
“As Dance Captain, I help people catch up on choreography if they missed anything, and I also help clean up numbers that are a little messy or confusing,” says Arianna. “I think the choreography in this show is… well put together with moves that match the music and emotion.”
The number that Arianna is most excited about is “Stick to the Status Quo,” she explains, “because it’s fast paced and I love seeing everyone totally in it and having fun… I also really like ‘Start of Something New’ and ‘Breaking Free.’ Those songs have this message about new beginnings and being true to yourself, and I think that’s something a lot of us relate to right now.”
“I think the choreography in this show is well put together with moves that match the music and emotion.”
The MS Musical is a beloved tradition at the School. “Theater is such a collaborative effort,” remarks Ms. Lynch, who has directed these shows for many years. “It takes many people with different talents, skills, and abilities to make it happen.”
For each show, Ms. Lynch says she likes to highlight student talent in a short preshow spotlight. “Last year before the Wizard of Oz, a student played a beautiful violin solo of ‘Over the Rainbow,’” she notes. “This year, we have a member of our cast, Ava M. ’29, who is performing a DJ set of music that was popular during the era that High School Musical was first developed. That means she will be taking us on a musical journey through the mid-2000s!”
“When the community comes out to support our student artists, it is so exciting for them,” adds Ms. Lynch. “I remember last year the electricity that was in the room at our opening performance was incredible. I know the kids felt so supported by the whole community and that was really special.”
“I honestly think it’s helped some of us discover sides of ourselves we didn’t even know were there,” remarks Arianna. “It’s been a fun ride!”
Ms. Lynch relays she looks forward to seeing all the pieces come together for High School Musical JR., with students showcasing their talent, heart, and hard work.
“Overall, this show has been a mix of stressful, exciting, and emotional, but I honestly think it’s helped some of us discover sides of ourselves we didn’t even know were there,” remarks Arianna. “It’s been a fun ride!”
