The Westerville community is invited to this year’s production from Blendon Middle School’s Drama Club: “High School Musical JR,” a theatrical adaptation of the Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. March 17 and 18; 2 p.m. March 19 at Westerville South High School’s auditorium. Admission is $5 at the door.
Kathy Hayman, the registrar at WSHS, and Josh Ice, vocal music teacher — both of whom serve as co-Drama Club directors — selected “High School Musical JR” because of its large ensemble cast and students were familiar with “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” an American mockumentary musical drama television series created for Disney+ that was inspired by the film series.
The 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.
Westerville North High School freshman Shira Baumann, who was a Drama Club member at Blendon, choreographed the entire show.
Hayman said she hopes those who attend the production will see the camaraderie and bonds students formed.
“These kids become a family,” she said. “You see that on stage, how much they learn from each other.”