FHS Theatre goes retro with ‘Disney’s High School Musical’

Featuring the well-loved characters and popular songs from Disney’s original smash-hit musical, Flathead High School Theatre will present “Disney’s High School Musical: On Stage” Nov. 10, 11 and 12 at 6:27 p.m. in the David M. Hashley Theater at FHS. There will also be a special matinee performance Nov.12 at 1 p.m.

Tickets, which are $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens, are available at the FHS Main Office and Photo Video Plus. Tickets are expected to sell out early so purchasing early is recommended.

On the first day of school after winter break, Troy, one of East High’s star athletes, reconnects with the brainy and beautiful Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his recent ski trip. The reunited couple decides to audition for the upcoming school musical. Not wanting to be left out, the jealous Sharpay Evans, who has always starred in the school performances, conspires with her brother, Ryan, to derail the couple’s chances. But, these two are not the only threats as the blossoming couple tries to balance their existing obligations to the basketball team and the academic decathlon and the expectations and overcome the exploits of their friend-groups.

Although many students at East High resent the threat posed to the status quo where kids “stay in their lane,” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to step out and shine as well.

“’Disney’s High School Musical: On Stage’ is the ultimate musical for teenagers; it is written for high schoolers about the high school experience. However, it’s also about the importance of teamwork instead of being ‘the star,’ and having the courage to try new things — both of which are easy to forget when you are a teenager trying to be cool or popular,” said co-directors, Liz Sykora and Luke Johnson.

“It has been over 15 years since the original movie was released, making it retro and nostalgic. We have over 60 students involved, over 19 scenes and 20 songs … all of which include some familiar and difficult choreography!” Johnson said. “The audience is along for a fun ride.”

“We really took the iconic song lyric, ‘We’re All in This Together’ to heart,” Sykora said. “We hoped to … encourage students to create new, meaningful connections … breaking from their cliques and joining a large team with a common goal: to put on a great show!

FHS basketball coach Sam Tudor and cheer coaches Jennifer Baker and Caitlyn Heuscher helped the cast learn the basketball and cheerleading skills needed for the choreography. Theater staff also combined their efforts: Kacie Bray serves as the choreographer and musical director and the stage and technical crew is led by Micah Horneman, Wendy Putzler and Jen Stebbins.

The cast is led by head stage manager, Madisyn Hall, with the assistance of Connor Adcox and Cassie Cattron. The cast includes Lily Amundson, Sophia Bennett, Peyton Bicha, Lander Busse, Olivia Clark, Lou Corbett, Bayliss Cummings, Hadley Dennison, Emmary Faerber, Adisen Haag, Samara Hackley, Sophie Hebert, Zoe Jacobson, Gracyne Johnson, Cole Knutson, Mia Lamantia, Danica Leuhr, Ian Lawson-Sanderlin, Dyson Linden, Meagan Lindsay, Adina Lockwood, Michael Manning, Fallon Maas, Hudson Mills, Benjamin Moore, Keelan Moore, Mackenzie Murray, Bethany Nairn, Collin Olson, Kara Ort, Katelyn Thompson, Olivia Wagoner, Priscilla Wagoner and Grant Westover

The technical crew includes Iris Bruce, Dawson Chambers, Kennedy Dortch, Natalie Haag, Sophie Himsl, Andrew Johnson, Axel Jones, Ada Milner, AJ Murphy, Simon Ort, Michael Palmer, Brooklyn Plum, Ali Putzler, Tovar Rodriguez, Antonio Rojo, Jaxson Stebbins-Han, Gray Steindorf and Nina Sullivan.