Welcome to East High! You're now being transported to Albuquerque, NM in 2006....so, buckle UP! This show has been nothing short of a RIDE, y'all. The cast has truly given their 150% as we've challenged them with basketballs, pom poms, flip phones, difficult harmonies, a ton of choreography, and the GIANT topic of "understanding & acceptance". As you will see, it has been a huge undertaking!
To be honest, I was not extremely familiar with High School Musical upon accepting the job as director. "Oh, it's that pop Disney movie! Piece of cake, right?" (Um.....no.) This one has surprised all of us with its complexities. With the overall running question, "Is it ok to just be ME?", I think everyone involved has been challenged to dig a little deeper. If you're over the age of 18, High School Musical will potentially take you right on back to how you felt in high school. Who did you surround yourself with? Did they support or discourage you? Were YOU kind and understanding, or was it difficult for you to accept those that weren't running with your group of friends? Would you change any of it if you could go back?.......(I sure would.)
It's no newsflash that this theme of "understanding and acceptance" is still such a hot topic today, almost 20 years from when High School Musical was originally released on film. I think it always HAS been a hot topic. So, how do we get to a place where we can celebrate differences? It can be really hard to look at "different" without judgement or confusion or fear. My hope is that this production will help in continuing to change the narrative we've all gotten so used to. And with these catchy pop tunes, as well as moments of extreme hilarity and true "feels", I promise you're in for a treat!
We're Counting On You to Bop Bop Bop your head and cheer these Wildcats on LOUDLY! And as you Get'cha Head In The Game with us today, remember that it's ok to Break Free from the Status Quo, because We're All In This Together!
(This one's for Doc & Baba, who did everything they could to teach ME understanding & acceptance.) - Aly Cross
