High Hopes for High School Musical

This year, Grand Prairie High School’s most anticipated event is the High School Musical play. Students, staff, and performers are hopeful of the outcome of this production which is set for January 19-21, 2018 in Chambers Auditorium.

One of the directors, Ms. Post, said that there were many people who tried out for the characters Troy Bolton, Gabriella Montez and Sharpay Evans which went to senior Wilson Villalta, senior Sheyla Castrezana and senior Macarena Martinez.

“I feel honored that the directors picked me to portray this character and a little bit pressured because I want to meet the high expectations,” Castrezana said when being asked how she felt on having a major role in the play.

Macarena’s response was similar and considering she got the part for the most auditioned character, Sharpay Evans, it’s not hard to imagine the kind of pressure she may be under.

“I didn’t go in with an exact person in mind, I just went in and auditioned as whoever they saw me as. I got such a rush from being a part of something like this that I wanted to do it again,” Macarena said.

But despite their worries, the directors’ hopes are high and positive.

“I think it’s going to be really fun! The students are going to have a great time doing it and bringing it to life,” Post said.

In addition to being fun, the theater department is ready to bring back this Disney Channel movie, which originally aired in January 20, 2006.

“We picked this one because the students were kids when it came out so it's very exciting for them to see this from their childhood. That and when it came out, many schools were doing it and it's been a while since any have done it.”

The directors are hoping that everything will go as planned. Ms. Post said that even though these productions are fun, there are still negative sides to it.

”It is a very time consuming and is a big commitment for students,” Post said. “We lose some students that can’t manage their schedule, but it is rewarding at the end to look back on all that's been accomplished.”

The performers are more than ready to get this show on the road and can’t wait to bring their best to the stage. For some this is just a show, a role they want to play, but for others, it is more important than that.

“Now that I’m a senior, I want to do something over the top. I want to go out with a bang,” Villalta said.

#theater #choir