It’s happened! Auditions for High School Musical Jr. took place on November 1 and 2, 2023. The music room of Patrick M. Villano School was packed with students trying out for a part in the upcoming school play.
“I tried out for Gabriella,” Josheau Feingold, a sixth-grade student, stated. “I chose her because she has a lot in common with me. She is kind and caring, and I think I could be a good actor for her in this play. This is my first play, and I am super excited!”
Gabriella is one of the main characters in the High School Musical series, along with Troy Bolton, Sharpay Evans, Ryan Evans, and Taylor McKessie. More than 50 students tried out for these parts.
“I tried out for a cheerleader,” Ife Awosanya, a fifth-grade student, said. “I chose this part because I wanted to play somebody that had not too big of a role in the storyline.”
The school’s band teacher, Joseph Gibbs; the music teacher, Allison Beckley; and the guidance counselor, Amanda Binetti, are in charge of the show.
“There were a lot of strong performers and amazing talent, and I believe it will be pretty hard to cast this show,”chorus director Joseph Gibbs said on the performances during the auditions.
High School Musical is a popular Disney movie. High School Musical Jr. is a shortened version available for school productions. According to Music Theater International online, “Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extra curricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs are sure to engage performers and audiences alike.”
