Bishop Shanahan High School’s Fine Arts Department will perform the Broadway musical, Disney’s High School Musical. Performances are open to the public and will take place on November 18, 19, and 20 at 7:30 PM and November 20 and 21 at 2:00 PM. The musical has over 200 students participating as cast and crew under the direction of the Fine Arts Department Chairperson Charles Keating and Director David Frantz. The lead roles of Troy Bolton, Gabriella Montez, Sharpay Evans, Ryan Evans, Chad Danforth, and Kelsi Nielsen will be played by Andrew Sisti, Lauren Peterson, Madeline Olivo, William Higgens-Benz, Alex Lemheney, and Gabriella Palmer. Tickets are available online at shanahan.org/artsnews.
Beginning in 2015, the BSHS student performers and musicians have a tradition of also putting on a modified show for children and adults who have special needs, as well as for their families and caregivers. Under advice from the Theater Development Fund, the lights in the auditorium do not go dark, but are only dimmed so that the guests are always aware of their surroundings. A full orchestra is not used, but rather a piano so the noise level remains low and calm. The cast, crew and audience will be warm, welcoming, and understanding of the special needs of those attending the show. Two special “break rooms” will be made available for any guest who feels the need to take a break from the activity. One of the rooms, the auxiliary gym, will have cushioned mats on the floor for anyone who feels the need to rest. This year, this free performance will take place on Wednesday, November 17 at 6:00 PM. Responses are being accepted at shanahan.org/artsnews.
Disney’s High School Musical centers on the blossoming relationship between Troy, a high school jock, and Gabriella, the new smart girl at school. They meet on a family vacation and become attracted to each other while singing in a karaoke competition. Rediscovering each other at school, their relationship and their surprise decision to audition together for the school show are thwarted by the school’s current leading lady, Sharpay, and Troy and Gabriella’s well-meaning friends. Finally, Gabriella and Troy find a way to be themselves and are rewarded with the lead roles in the school show. Full of catchy songs and exciting dance routines, Disney’s High School Musical explores issues of friendship, first love, and acceptance.
