Hawthorne High School presented the first day of their newest theater show, High School Musical, on Thursday, April 28, 2022. This was Hawthorne High School’s second show of the year, and it did not disappoint. The show featured students from various grades, as well as a large number of eager students who were able to live out their High School Musical fantasies.

Natalie Poma, who plays main character Gabriella Montez, and Daniel Sokolski, who plays Troy Bolton, have spent the last three months honing their lines and getting into character while keeping their heads in the game. But they aren’t the only ones who shine in the spectacle. Sharpay and Ryan Evans, the legendary sibling combination, will be played by Isabella Puluse and Estella Barbieri. Taylor Mckessie is played by Leah Schell, Chad Danforth is played by Colin Hoffman, Kelsie Nielsen is played by Sasha Ortiz-Kalina, Jackie Scott is played by Vanessa Moore, Coach Bolton is played by Adrian Pani, and Ms Darbus is played by Sophia Basilone.

The cast of High School Musical performed in our high school auditorium for all 5th graders from the three public elementary schools on Wednesday, April 27. The show was a hit with the kids, and several of the cast members enjoyed it as well. The frequent standing and dancing that many of the actors and stage personnel did was a drawback of performing all day. “I’ve been standing for five hours and now feel broken,” said Jillian Wesseldyke, a member of the backstage crew.

There’s no need to worry if you can’t make it to the show tonight. You can come watch on the next three days. The performances are on April 29 at 7:30 p.m., April 30 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and May 1 at 2:00 p.m. In addition, The Clarion was able to interview several of the cast as well as some of the backstage workers in order to learn more about the play.

HHS Clarion: What were some of the of your favorite memories leading up to High School Musical?

Jillian Wesseldyke: There’s not really one particular memory that comes to mind, it’s really the whole rehearsal process. Everyone is so fun to be around, and I consider all of them family. Even when the work is boring and all of us are tired, there is never a dull moment being around everyone.

HHS Clarion: What part did you play? And if you didn’t play a certain cast member, what did you do to contribute to the play?

Jillian Wesseldyke: I am a part of the crew doing backstage lights.

HHS Clarion: What should the audience expect from the play?

Jillian Wesseldyke: The audience should expect drama, and over the top musical numbers.

HHS Clarion: What were some of your favorite memories leading up to High School Musical?

Ashley Roughgarden: Some of my favorite memories include my first rehearsal, and our first performance in front of the fifth graders from different schools

HHS Clarion: What part did you play? And if you didn’t play a certain cast member, what did you do to contribute to the play?

Ashley Roughgarden: I didn’t play a certain main character, but I am Jamie, who is a skater/theater kid

HHS Clarion: What should the audience expect from the play?

Ashley Roughgarden: The audience should expect a fun take on the classic Disney musical, filled with love, angst, and Disney magic

HHS Clarion: What were some of your favorite memories leading up to High School Musical?

Sasha Ortiz-Kalina: My favorite memories were definitely with the cast, they were all so amazing and friendly. If I had to choose a specific one, I would say when some of us started singing We Don’t Talk About Bruno after hearing the words “we don’t talk about-” I feel like the ability to break out in song whenever is something I wouldn’t put past theater kids and it was definitely a funny moment.

HHS Clarion: What part did you play? And if you didn’t play a certain cast member, what did you do to contribute to the play?

Sasha Ortiz-Kalina: I play the role of Kelsi Nielsen, or as you’ll hear announcer Jackie Scott says, “the red-hot composer babe.”

HHS Clarion: What should the audience expect from the play?

Sasha Ortiz-kalina: Hmmm should I reveal that? I hope the audience will enjoy the performance that we put together. Expect it to be very Disney-esque nonetheless because we try and deliver whether it to be purposefully cheesy lines or energetic dances.

All in all, come watch the Hawthorne High Schools production of High School Musical because it will most definitely not disappoint.