Chief Kanim students do ‘High School Musical’ Production teaches teamwork, acceptance Students create trail system

Troy is a jock. Gabriella is a brainiac. Will they ever get together? Do they deserve a chance to audition for the school musical? Can they beat out Ryan and Sharpay Evans, who have had the leads in every musical since birth?

April 30, 2008 6:00 am
About 160 students and 20 teachers from The Bush School in Seattle hauled wood chips to build walking trails at Meadowbrook Farm on Tuesday
About 160 students and 20 teachers from The Bush School in Seattle hauled wood chips to build walking trails at Meadowbrook Farm on Tuesday

Troy is a jock. Gabriella is a brainiac. Will they ever get together? Do they deserve a chance to audition for the school musical? Can they beat out Ryan and Sharpay Evans, who have had the leads in every musical since birth?

In addition to answering these burning questions, Disney’s High School Musical, currently in rehearsals at Chief Kanim Middle School, teaches important lessons of teamwork and accepting people for who they are, not by what their “clique” says they should be.

High School Musical is based on the popular Disney Channel movie of 2006, with some additional musical material. The Chief Kanim production, directed by Laurie Hancock and choreographed by Howie McOmber, includes over 60 students in acting, singing, dancing and technical roles. Dylan Shoup and Mackenzie Bradburn play the roles of Troy and Gabriella, trying to stay one step ahead of their rivals Ryan and Sharpay, played by Kellan McCann and Ariana Chriest. Chad and Taylor (Lucas Heflin and Emma Wright), friends of Troy and Gabriella, initially attempt to dissuade them from singing in the musical.

A dedicated group of parent and community volunteers are making the show come together behind the scenes. Performances will be held 7 p.m. May 29, 30, 31 and June 6 and 7, at Chief Kanim Middle School. Tickets are $8, or eight tickets for $50, and go on sale at the school office Monday, May 12. With the popularity of this show, tickets are sure to sell out quickly. For information, please call the school office at (425) 831-8225.