Shirland School To Present Disney’s High School Musical Jr.

MARIANNE MUELLER PHOTO The Herald
Shirland School’s Music Department practices for the upcoming production of Disney’s High School Musical Jr., showtime is on April 25 at 7 p.m.

Shirland School to present Disney’s High School Musical Jr.
By Marianne Mueller
REPORTER
Directed by Ms. Dawn Heavilin, Shirland School is presenting Disney’s High School Musical Jr., and they are inviting everyone along for a story that never grows old.
Bring your family and friends to Shirland School on Thursday evening, April 25 with a 7 p.m. Showtime.
Follow the action, which starts the day after winter break at East High located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Jocks, Brainiac’s, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations, and look forward to a 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.
Although many students resent this threat posed to the “status quo” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just help cliques dissolve, bringing new love together and uninviting East High as they break free from bullying, labels and rivalries.
This shows timeless message is one to take to heart. High School Musical’s original release date was Jan. 20, 2006.
In his first lead is Fifth grader, Teagan Way who is playing the lead character Troy Bolton. Previously Way has appeared with CYT- Christian Youth Theater in a production of Aladdin and in another show at Shirland School.
“My favorite musical number in High School Musical is “Get your head in the game,” Way shares.
“I love being on stage and in productions. You can pretend that you are someone else, and it is a lot of fun,” Way said.
Playing alongside of Way is sixth grader, Adia Van who is stepping into the role of Gabriella Montez. “I am having a blast in this part,” Van said.
Her Mother adds, “They are setting these kids up for a theatrical future.”
Both Way and Van are fan favorites of the number, “We are all in this together.”
Cast mates Layla Quillen, (Taylor), Ally Gabbard, (Sharpay), Braydon Beck, (Ryan), Marshall Shockley, (Zeke) Olivia Carlson,(Kelsi), Urias Vogel, (Chad), Melanie Widmar,(Martha), Jack Allen,(Jack Scott) Cora Whiteman, (Ms.Darbus), and T.J. Silva as Coach Bolton will all be displaying their talents as well.
Working alongside Director Heavilin is: Student Directors: Sophi Stout and Braydon Beck. Assisting with different production aspects are: Ciara Fisher-James, Mrs. Heather Dobnick, Mrs. Monica Way, Marina Way and Maddy Dobnick.
Fun, cool costumes are made possible through the efforts of Ms. Kimmie Hounsell, Mrs. Bev Velmers, and Mrs. Sarah Wilson. Mr. Jamie Wilson is serving as the Sound Operator.
There is no charge to join the fun at High School Musical Jr. at Shirland School but donations are gladly accepted. All are invited to enjoy a slice of cheesecake from a cheesecake fundraiser after the show!
“I love to see how excited my music students are when they are getting ready to perform,” said Director Heavilin. “I am very blessed to have staff members, members of the community, and former students helping me with our productions year after year. The spring musical is truly a labor of love for me!