'High School Musical 2' will have audience singing, dancing in seats at Highlands

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Come Friday, it’ll be time for Highlands students to dazzle audiences by dancing across the stage to catchy, up-tempo songs made popular in Disney’s “High School Musical 2: On Stage!”

“Being on stage always feels exhilarating, akin to playing sports in a huge stadium in front of a big audience,” said Ian Love, 16, who landed the lead role of basketball star Chad Danforth.

“I think the audience will really enjoy the energy that the show will have.”

Performances will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The wildly popular Disney show marks 35 years of consecutive theater productions in the district.

“We truly have a long-lasting tradition of excellence, showcasing golden stars,” teacher and musical director Michael Zeiler said.

“From HHS musical alumni to now an educator and director in the district, it’s an absolute blessing and dream come true.”

The plot of the 2007 movie follows themes of believing in yourself, working hard and seizing the moment.

It was a perfect choice in post-­pandemic times, Zeiler said.

“The theme of the series has always been about unity,” he said. “The show requires an enormous amount of staging work, storyline integrity, characterization, high-energy choreography, mesmerizing lighting design and a production aspect that is beyond a typical high school musical. Each of these students are dedicated individuals that make us all proud.”

Junior Helena Vasey, 16, will be strutting her stuff in the lead role of Gabriella Montez. A longtime participant of musical theater, Vasey said she enjoys being part of the family that a show establishes.

“I love working with my friends,” she said. “I think the audience will enjoy the lighthearted, high-energy nature of the show. We’ve all been through a tough couple of years, and I think it will be very refreshing.”

Senior Maria Fabregas, 18, plays the lead role of Taylor McKessie, a sophisticated teen with a strong personality and a fiery temper. Fabregas said it’s inspiring to share the stage with schoolmates who have a similar passion for music.

“I love the supportive environment and the ability to be myself,” she said. “The energy I get and fulfillment I get when I perform is why I enjoy it so much.”

In all, there are more than 70 students, including actors, crew and pit musicians, working to bring this year’s production to the stage. It’s part of the reason Zeiler chose the Disney production for the celebratory year.

He considered only shows with multiple lead opportunities, those with ensemble numbers and energetic choreography, and those that appeal to families with young children.

“The musical must be used as a form of recruitment,” he said. “We have to create excitement within a newer generation.”

Zeiler said the cast, production staff and creative team have worked tirelessly and that the volunteer spirit from the community is unmatched.

Noah Kessler, 17, is one of 10 students who joined the crew, preferring to shine off stage. Kessler serves as the stage manager and spends his time scurrying behind the scenes to make sure the show is flowing smoothly.

“The urgency of it is honestly thrilling, and being a part of a large project is very enjoyable,” Kessler said.

He is eager for the audience to fill the seats Friday.

“I think everyone will enjoy the music and the humor,” he said. “The songs have been stuck in my head, and the nonstop jokes are hilarious.”

Classmate Xander Vivirito, 18, has served since middle school on the tech crew but this year stepped outside his comfort zone and onto the stage as lead supporting character Zeke Baylor.

“While I love doing the technical aspects of it, performing is a completely life-changing experience,” Vivirito said. “I enjoy how I feel on stage. I feel very proud to have put in all of this work, to put on the best show possible.”