English Valleys High School Prepares for Friday Musical

Despite COVID-19 limiting lots of fall events, the theater department at English Valleys High School in North English is going strong. 

Mrs. Burdick, the Drama Director, was kind enough to give a preview for Friday’s show. Ms. Parrish also shares her favorite part of the show later on in the below interview.

For those that aren't familiar with High School Musical, can you pass along a brief synopsis of the musical?

"Disney Channel's smash hit movie musical comes to life on your stage! Troy (Bryson Grove), Gabriella (Kristen Fisher) and the students of East High must deal with issues of first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities.

It's the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks (Myles Grove, Ty Ayers and Raif Axmear), Brainiacs (Madison Hanna, Teresa Fisher, and Liberty Lightfoot), Thespians (Katelyn Hofmaster, Teddy Wells, Dominic Garringer, Imigyn Stratton, Emily Allison, Hannah Grimm and Keegan Brudick) and Skater Dudes (Keegan Walker, Errett Van Dee and Jayson Rutherford) find their cliques, recount their vacations and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical that is being led by Ms. Darbus (Ashley Sherman). Although many students resent the threat posed to the "status quo," Troy and Gabriella's alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well." 

(Information courtesy of https://www.mtishows.com/disneys-high-school-musical)

How have practices been going in times of COVID-19? How is this musical being dealt with in terms of restrictions brought about by the aforementioned pandemic?

Covid definitely makes things a little more difficult, but we are committed to giving our cast and crew the best experience possible. We have been wearing masks. We also had to move our original performance date.

What is your favorite part (if it doesn't involve a spoiler) of this musical?

"My personal favorite part is the audition scene, it is just so funny." - Mrs. Burdick

"My favorite part of the musical is the last number, 'We're All In This Together.' The cast always has so much energy and it is such a fun number to perform. It's all about coming together, regardless of differences, and celebrating each other." - Ms. Parrish

How can family/friends/folk tune into this?

English Valleys High School will perform "High School Musical: On Stage" this Friday, Dec. 18th at 7:00pm.

Each student involved in the musical will be able to purchase 2 tickets for the in-person performance through the high school office. There will be no tickets sold at the door.  *We will honor tickets bought back in November*

All other tickets will be sold through the platform ShowTix4U to watch online. (at the same time as the in-person show)

https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/42696