Junior Zane Buckner plays Troy Bolton in East’s production of “High School Musical.” Photo by Hammond Cole Sherouse/The ECHO
For the first time, the East Chapel Hill Wildcats will put on their version of the iconic early 2000’s film series, “High School Musical.” With the same name and mascot as the original fan favorite, it’s about time East, “Home of the Wildcats,” made a rendition. After a year behind screens, this show is an opportunity to be a part of live performances again, whether it’s as an actor or member of the audience.
“This show in general is really fun,” said junior Micah Hughes, who will play the female leading role as Gabriella. “I know a lot of people grew up watching ‘High School Musical,’ so it’s like a blast to the past a little bit.”
Theater director Hope Love said the experience of a musical is wildly unique.
“It’s the idea that you go into an auditorium with everybody, the lights go low, and for two hours you all decide to be in the same imaginary space together. That’s the power of theater,” Love said.
As for now, rehearsals remain socially distanced, with strictly enforced mask requirements. Shortly after auditions, requirements to either double mask or wear a KN95 were put in place. The dates for the show are set to be March 3-5, which will likely maintain the same safety measures. Tickets will be sold beginning Feb. 14, and will also be sold at the door beginning March 3.
Each rehearsal is recorded live for students that may be quarantined and can’t afford to miss a practice. Both the choreography and auditions were also recorded, a process introduced this year in order to ensure everyone had an equal chance at participating in the show.
Rehearsals take place after school until 7 p.m. nearly every weekday in the auditorium.
“Our first two weeks of rehearsals were just learning music, not doing scenes or anything like that,” Hughes said. “We get there, and we warm up singing wise. Ms. [Desiree] Davis leads us through songs; we usually do two songs a day.”
Nearly every step in the musical making process is hands-on and intimate, making it difficult to work around social distancing restrictions. Love said that, “changing COVID protocols, which we had planned for, certainly have had an impact but they are not an overwhelming obstacle because we’ve constructed the rehearsal environment in a way to address those protocols.”
Changes such as moving from the chorus room to the auditorium, only eating and drinking outside, and masking 24/7 have been made for rehearsals and auditions. The set crew, props crew, and paint crew have staggered schedules to limit the number of people in the space at once.
The most physical aspect of the show—the kiss—will have to be replaced. However, “there are certainly conventions we can borrow from. There’s beautiful music, or a dance instead of intimacy,” Love said.
“I used to think musicals were about the actual story you told, and I think that is an element, but it’s the gathering of people together to create an imaginary world,” Love said. “It’s a process that is uniquely human, one where we can project ourselves into a space that our body is not.”
From choosing a musical that would allow every student an opportunity to showcase their talent, to committing to four days of the week spent singing, going over lines, and perfecting lighting, the show truly is a work of art.
“I’m personally really excited, and I know [the other leads] are really excited for how the show is going to turn out,” Hughes said. “We’re working really hard right now, and I encourage everyone to come see it because I think it’s going to be amazing.”
