The Dartmouth High Theatre Company is back with yet another show, taking on High School Musical. Directed by Dennis Lawerence, Jr. and Shirley Byers, the story follows Troy Bolton, the star athlete of East High School, as he falls for nerdy girl Gabriella Montez. Seniors Raymond Gramlich and Olivia Crane play Troy and Gabriella respectively.
The show will be performed in the DHS auditorium on May 1, 2, and 3. The theater shows are always a highlight event for the school, being a moment where anybody can watch students put on an entertaining show. With this being the Theater Company’s last show of the school year, it will be an exciting goodbye to this year’s group.
Countless hours have been spent on making this show the best it can be. With the impressive sets and exciting performances, this show will no doubt be an enjoyable time for viewers. I attended one of their practices to get a better insight into the making of the show and how everything is crafted.
Depending on the day, actors are either running scenes, dances, or songs to get prepared for production week. During this practice, three different sections were working all at once. Singing was practiced in the chorus room, dancing was practiced in the gym, and the prop building was done in the auditorium.
Meanwhile, the actors were focusing on bringing their characters to life. Gramlich described his experience being the lead as “surreal.” He explained that, since the movie centers around a high school, “being in a show that we all relate to is a pretty cool feeling.”
Senior Nadia Franco said her experience dancing in the group has been “amazing,” adding, “I love it so much.”
This is Franco’s last year with the Theater Company. “It’s really emotional,” she said. “Theater’s been a big part of my life, and it’s going to be heartbreaking to say goodbye to something that’s meant so much to me.”
In the gym, the prop department was hard at work, with numerous theater parents volunteering. The main set consists of two red doors in the front, with stairs accompanying it at the side. The set also features many tables and other items to further enhance the experience for the viewers and actors.
During rehearsal, I was able to help seniors Abby Maxfield and Abigail Lima, as well as former tech dad Julio (a parent who had a kid in the Theatre Company and offers help), secure lights to the board that displays the current playing show. Maxfield is the assistant stage manager of the Theatre Company. She said her experience has “been a great opportunity to work on my leadership skills” and a way to “become more confident within myself and my abilities.” Maxfield stated that she is beyond grateful that she gets to work with her other officers and peers in theater.
Tickets are now available during lunch period and online. The price is $15 for students and seniors and $18 for general admission. Make sure to buy them and experience High School Musical.