Every two years the intrepid minds at Howe Sound Secondary School bring us a new musical performance. Each time it's something unique, but no matter how different they are from each other, they're always linked by at least one common attribute: They're always well worth the money you've spent to see it. Whether you go to watch your little baby all grown up now in their first theatrical performance, or whether you go for the show itself, you're bound to leave the theatre satisfied. This year, the HSSS theatre department is putting on Disney's High School Musical. Few people haven't heard of this musical despite its short lifetime, it was a smash hit after its debut on the Disney Channel, and now it's being brought to the Eagle Eye Theatre on April 24 to 26 and May 1 to 3. But for those of you who don't know, it is about a high school's star basketball player, Troy, and Gabriella, a brainy new girl, attempting to audition for the musical together. But the stereotypical high school cliques attempt to stop them, creating what many describe as a modern-day Romeo and Juliet (but less tragic). This production is once again directed by Janice Carroll with help from musical director Melissa Bachert and assistant director Whitney Franklin. Together they have done a wonderful job of bringing a quality show to the stage, squeezing every last drop of talent from the very able cast. With 19 musical numbers, it's bound to be an entertaining show. And with an ensemble of over 30 cast members, it's big and it's energetic. Organizing all these eager bodies is choreographer Jen Carney. To say the least, the dance numbers are impressive and must be seen to be believed. But what are dance scenes without a little music? This year the production team has decided on having a live band, and talent abounds here as well. A trio consisting of Erik Musseau and Melissa Bachert on keyboards and Megan Bell (a student at HSSS) on drums, will accompany the performances. Shedding light on the situation is Michael Hewitt, a HSSS graduate, who also designed the set. Numerous volunteers from around the school also helped to build and paint the set. While there won't be any colossal medieval towers dominating the theatre this time around, it is impressive nonetheless. Dylan Ackerman will play Troy Bolton while Danielle Sweeney and Emma Pedersen will perform the part of Gabriella Montez on alternating nights. But be sure to watch out for Coach Bolton because, as one cast member jokingly put it, "We all know that Coach Bolton is the most important character, because, without him, there wouldn't be a Troy and the show wouldn't have come to be." All jokes aside, it promises to be a thoroughly enjoyable show, but make sure you get your tickets early from Billie's Bouquet (and don't forget to pick up some flowers for your favourite actor while you're at it) or the HSSS office.
