Fifteen years ago the executives at Disney had an idea for a movie that would become one of the most phenomenal sensations the company had seen in years. At the time the producers, director/choreographer and the stars had no idea what a nerve it would touch in audiences world-wide. However, fifteen years and two movie sequels (not to mention a version on ice and two stage versions) the film High School Musical is still connecting with audiences everywhere. In their notes to the stage version of this show David Simpatico and Bryan Louiselle wrote the first thing they did was to put on music from their high school days and sing at the top of their lungs – they’re idea was to bring everyone (even those who haven’t experienced it yet) into the world of high school life and the characters (and cliques) that we find in any typical school.
Although reviews you read about the musical are often mixed, the bottom line is that there is a universal truth to the show – people just naturally gravitate towards others of their “kind” and breaking that pattern is very hard to do. We see it everywhere around us – whether it be religious beliefs, politics, hair color, ideologies, fashion sense, or any of a number of things about which we have free choice, there are always others who share our ideas. It begins as early as the sandbox when we discover someone else likes the same kind of toys or comic books we do - we gravitate towards others like ourselves.
And yet the message of this show is that even though we can sometimes get stuck with a label and are expected to continue in lockstep with others of that type, we can (if we believe) break out of that mold and be what is inside of us. This is not to say that within each of us lies the heart and soul of a singer, but the answer is listen to that small quiet voice and it will tell us what we want to be inside. If we look around we’ll find that there are others like us who may also be yearning to “Break Free” and are just looking for the other “nonconformists” to join them.
We are currently living in a time of uncertainty, and none of us is completely sure what tomorrow will bring to the community that is our world. Everywhere we turn we are beset with images of violence and non-acceptance, anger and prejudice brought about by misunderstandings. For as long as there has been recorded history we have been aware of how one group’s lack of knowledge and understanding often leads to another person (or person’s) being labeled as an outcast – someone who doesn’t fit the mold, doesn’t “Stick to the Status Quo”. And though things have DEFINITELY gotten better, the pandemic still rages around us with the threat of new surges constantly looming. Now more than ever we need to realize that each of us can break away from what has been our “Status Quo” and that in the larger scheme of things what will save us all is the realization “We’re All in this Together”. Together we make each other strong.
Unfortunately, we can’t present this powerful message the way we wish we could. The pandemic still necessitates that we not congregate together to share these powerful moments. Yet, the power of theatre is it’s ability to bring together people who might not usually be able to talk to one another outside the theater but who suddenly find themselves laughing together, gasping in surprise together, and sometimes even dancing together unashamedly because in the dark they hear that others are laughing, gasping and dancing as well. Theatre does what many other fields of human endeavor struggle to do – it tries to bring people together for a new understanding, a new consciousness, a willingness to NOT “Stick with the Status Quo.”
There are so many people to thank for making this all possible. Firstly, to the students - especially my seniors - who took on the challenge of creating this show in the midst of the pandemic. Between the cast and crew they poured their hearts and souls into making this a production that meant something - a sign that they would not let this disease beat them, that the show WOULD go on. Thank you for trusting us and for making this a production unlike any other. Next, to all of the parents of the cast and crew. Not only did you trust us to treat your students with respect, you trusted us to care for them as we would our own and keep them safe. Not to mention all of the constant rides you provided for them to be able to make it to rehearsals, even on days they were virtual. And I'm so grateful to my production team - Paul, Kristin, Rona, Craig, Mike, Maria, Patrick and Pete - your dedication to the kids and helping them create their best work made all the difference! Finally, to our administration for trusting us to bring this project to fruition and giving us all of the support we could ask for to give this special gift to the Syosset community.
In the grand scheme of things we are all classmates, all members of the same huge school with the goal of finding out who we want to be when we grow up. For now, join us as we explore the halls of East High and if you feel like you want to get up and “Bop to the Top” or "Get'cha Head In the Game", even if it’s in the comfort of your own living room – go right ahead!
