This article was written by BenitoLink intern Ashlyn Manninen. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
The San Benito Stage Company has started their final production of the 2024 season with the teen production of Disney’s High School Musical. Based on the popular Disney channel movie, the musical focuses on East High students Troy and Gabriella, their love story, and the challenges all students are often faced with in high school.
According to vocal director Jula Prak, the musical is one that will absolutely appeal to everyone. “Iconic songs like “Stick to the status quo,” and “All in this together,” will make anyone want to clap and sing along,” said Prak. “Especially those from my generation, who were teenagers when the film came out.”
The musical also includes a script with humor that both adults and kids will understand, and a strong theme of school spirit, something that ties in with the town’s own Haybalers. Typical lessons of high school can be learned through the play, “it’s cheesy but true, we are all in this together,” said Prak. “You don’t have to stick to the status quo. You don’t have to stay a jock because you’re a jock.”
There are 30 teens performing in the musical, and for more than half of them it is their first time performing on stage. Rehearsals for the play lasted 8 weeks, and Prak mentioned how, “the kids were more than willing to work inside and outside of rehearsal, and made her job as director easy.”
When asked how bad of a need there was for a permanent performing arts facility Prak said, “Crucial. Critical. Dire,” and that because there is no sort of facility, “so much talent within the community doesn’t get showcased.”
The musical already completed its first weekend, but is still being held the following dates and times at the Hollister High School auditorium:
Friday Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
Saturday Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.
Friday Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.
Saturday Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.
Saturday Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the San Benito Stage Company website.
The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour, United Way, Taylor Farms and the Emma Bowen Foundation.
The post San Benito Stage Company presents Disney’s High School Musical appeared first on BenitoLink.