Apollo-Ridge to bring 'High School Musical' to life
A wildly popular Disney Channel movie has gone from screen to stage.
Apollo-Ridge High School presents “High School Musical” March 5-7, based on the Disney Channel original movie “High School Musical.”
Bethany Greenlee, in her 11th season as musical director, began her professional career working at Radio Disney and said the show was “all the rage” then.
“I picked ‘High School Musical’ because the students and myself have a personal connection to the show,” Greenlee said. “They grew up with the songs and story.”
“High School Musical” involves an eclectic mix of teens singing and bonding over their differences while performing in a high school musical at East High School.
Family friendly and wholesome, Greenlee said the audience can expect a high energy and fun show.
“Anyone can come and enjoy a Disney show,” Greenlee said. “The music is always great, and there’s lots of dancing and a good message.”
Greenlee stressed the musical message resonates with universal challenges facing teens.
“The show is about the high school struggle of defining yourself and developing your own person,” Greenlee said.
Student lead roles include Brandon Kimmel as Troy Bolton, Ashley Dunmire as Gabriella Montez, Madison Galinac as Sharpay Evans, Aaron Worst as Ryan Evans, Robert Harkleroad as Chad Danforth, Elliott Weigand as Zeke Baylor, Kate Myers as Taylor McKessie, Ally Enciso as Martha Cox, Victoria Querry as Kelsi Neilson, Cole Rearick as Jack Scott, Brianna Bicker as Ms. Darbus and Greg Klingensmith as Coach Bolton.
New to the production team this year is Leanne Zelonka as assistant director and choreographer.
The plot centers around new student Gabriella, a bookish, serious gal, and Troy, a handsome, popular jock.
They meet on vacation and share an attraction while singing in a karaoke competition.
Landing the lead role of Gabriella may have been in the cards for Dunmire, a junior.
When she was 6 years old, Dunmire dressed up as Gabriella for Halloween.
“When I got the lead as Gabriella, it was a dream come true. I know the show. I got this,” Dunmire said.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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