Seneca High School will present its spring musical “High School Musical” this weekend. No, this is not the beginning of an Abbott and Costello routine, the high school’s musical is named “High School Musical.”
Parents may remember the show when it took the world bystorm in 2006 as a Disney Channel original movie, becoming the network’s most popular feature. In this contemporary musical comedy, a popular high school basketball star, played by a then unknown Zac Efron, and a shy, academically gifted newcomer discover they share a secret passion for singing. When they sign up together to audition for the lead roles in the school musical, it threatens East High’s rigid social order and sends their peers into an uproar.
“I was excited,” said junior Nathan Butler, who plays the lead of Troy. “It was a different show than I’ve seen a lot of other schools do.”
Senior Abby Moore had a different reaction upon finding out which production the school would perform this
spring.
“I dreaded it,” Moore said with a laugh. “I thought it was an immature show but it’s actually been a lot of fun.”
Moore has been a part of Seneca’s spring musicals since her freshman year and the group’s last two fall productions. Each season’s show provides its challenges.
“The spring show being a musical is a much bigger production. Having to focus on singing
and acting and dancing adds a layer to it,” Moore said. “It’s fun and hectic. The fall show is more tightly knit I think since it’s smaller.”
Andrew Snellen, a senior, has been a part of the school’s productions since his freshman year. The work he’s done at Seneca has inspired him to pursue acting after graduation.
“All in all, they’ve been great experiences. Seeing the productions and working on them the last four years actually gave me the drive to do it,” Snellen said. “Now I want to pursue acting as a major.”
Tracy Betts is directing this year’s show after serving as the assistant director on past productions.
“I was nervous with a new director but she’s been doing a pretty good job handling all the parts of it,” Snellen said.
Freshman Ally Lardner was drawn to the stage initially by the excitement of performing “High School Musical.”
“I thought it would be a really fun show to be a part of and do with my friends,” Lardner said.
The fun does come with a lot of work, though.
“It’s been pretty intense pounding everything in during rehearsals,” Lardner said. “But it’s been great, and I definitely want to continue being a part of the productions.”
All four performances: Thursday, May 1, 7 p.m., Friday May 2, 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 3 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. are at the Seneca High School auditorium, 110 Carranza Road. Tickets can be purchased at the door, $12 for adults and $10 for students as well as seniors.
