High School Musical: the Ending of an Era

High School Musical is a movie that many of us grew up watching. Its humor and not-at-all realistic high school experience endures even today as a Disney must-watch. Which made it so exciting when Lincoln Charter’s very own theater department decided to tackle their own version of the Disney classic.

The showing of High School Musical was one marked with struggles. The flu outbreak that plagued Lincoln Charter was especially prevalent in the theater department, with much of the cast and crew being absent from rehearsals and shows. Despite this, it was clear that the show would go on. Dedicated understudies—and even Ms. Miele playing as Gabriella in one showing—stepped up. The show went on to be a success and a great example of commitment and the love for theater.

Jazmin Garrido Paredes as Kelsi Nielsen, Mia Chaney as Gabriella Montez, and Nicolas Nadra as Troy Bolton.

One of the most endearing aspects of High School Musical is its catchy songs. Well-loved musical numbers such as “We’re All in This Together” and “Get’cha Head in the Game” were performed much to the excitement of the audience and with great performances from the cast as a whole.

The viewing was an amazing experience, with students, teachers, parents, and even past cast members coming to watch the musical each night. The audience could really feel the time and effort put into the performance by our school’s dedicated theater department. Even despite challenges and mishaps, such as Nicolas Nadra going 0-3 on basketball shots during the performance, it was a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

Sofia Pleasant as Sharpay, Mia Chaney as Gabriela, Nicolas Nadra as Troy, Ryan Morin as Ryan, Chail Amos as Chad, and Ben Giancola as Coach Bolton.

Behind the scenes are just as important when it comes to truly bringing a show to life. Lighting, sound, and backstage crew are all frequently forgotten but necessary to keep the show running smoothly.

Some of the leads in their own departments are Alfred Wang and Nicolas Miele who were co-stage managers, Sophie Chinn as prop table lead, and Jazmin Garrido Paredes as head of the makeup department. Additionally, acknowledgement must be given to the people who carried the giant wall on and off stage as it is known that was not easy or fun by any means. The show would not have been possible without all of these people working together to make the show as amazing as it was.

Nicolas Moreno, Harper Lingafeldt, and Wesley Deister were in charge of lighting and ensuring that audience members could actually see the stage. They did an amazing job with the lighting changes and spotlight on the main characters and Hayden Blackwell as Jack Scott.

Ryan and Sharpay plotting against their enemies.

It was very obvious the backstage team worked incredibly hard for this show and it clearly paid off. The theater department is lucky to have such an amazing backstage, lighting, and sound crew.