'High School Musical'

By Maya Moore
This spring, Kapaun Mt. Carmel audiences can anticipate a performance of “High School Musical,” based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movie. The two main characters of the musical are Troy Bolton, played by junior Jacob Boyzuck, and Gabriella Montez, played by senior Maddy Cartwright.
Director Gabriel Heffernan described the plot of the musical.
“Troy and Gabriella meet during Christmas break at a ski lodge, and then Troy sees Gabriella at his own high school,” Heffernan said. “She has just moved there for her mom’s job, and then it turns into them trying to convince each other about certain clubs and doing the show that they’re auditioning for, and supporting each other in the process.”
Heffernan expects teenage audiences to enjoy the show for its nostalgia, as the movie “High School Musical” was released in 2006.
“It’s very fun to direct, and adding choreography and music always just makes it more of a fun show,” Heffernan said. “I think the audience will like the nostalgic feel of it, because a lot of people have grown up with ‘High School Musical’ and also just the cheesy wholesomeness of it. It is a very cheesy show in the best way, and I think audiences will be entertained by that.”
Boyzuck explained why he loves the show.
“It’s a classic,” Boyzuck said. “I mean, I’ve watched it since my childhood, and I thought it was a really good opportunity for me to do a kind of show that I’ve never done before.”
Cartwright said she relates to the character of Montez, which helps her play the role.
“Gabriella Montez is a new student at this high school, and she’s kind of nervous, but she’s excited to be whoever she wants to be,” Cartwright said. “I like how similar we are, because I came to high school wanting to be a whole new person, and we both love singing and theater, so we just have a lot in common.
Boyzuck described his character, Bolton.
“I am the captain of the basketball team, and I find myself in a sticky situation when I meet the girl I really like, and end up finding my passion for singing,” Boyzuck said. “I have really never done anything this [cheesy]. I don’t want to say cheesy, but it is pretty cheesy. I’ve done mainly dramatic characters. This is a step outside of my comfort zone.”
“High School Musical” will be performed April 3-5 at 7 p.m. Students and seniors can buy tickets for $8. General admission is $10.