The production features a cast of more than 40 students from grades 7 through 12 and is directed by Michael J. Koester.

“High School Musical: On Stage!” is a theatrical adaptation of the 2006 Disney Channel movie. The story follows Troy Bolton, a basketball captain, and Gabriella Montez, a new transfer student, as they audition for the school musical. Their decision disrupts the social order at East High and prompts classmates to reconsider long-held roles. The production includes ensemble numbers such as “We’re All in This Together” and “Stick to the Status Quo.”

“We started rehearsals in June,” Koester said. “Normally we don’t begin until mid-August. We would usually have our show in November, but when we had to book here, we moved it up to October. So they had to take some of their vacation time out.”

Logan Klawitter, who plays Troy Bolton, said, “I’ve never had a role like this before. It’s been a challenge, but a good one. I’ve learned a lot about stage presence and how to connect with the audience.” He added, “The stage is a bit different just because it’s bigger, it’s not right at school anymore. It takes a bit to get here, but it’s been difficult because we’ve had to practice in the gym so much instead of a stage.”

Members of the Drama Club in “High School Musical” show their enthusiasm. They are, Lucy Wyczawski, Molly Grossmann, Lane Ruch, Zander Larson, Levi Bailey, Mac Turvold, Addison Huls, Gavin Hillesheim, Jeremy Eckstein, Eli Zimmermann and Evelyn Lieder.

Alaina Blomberg, who plays Gabriella Montez, said, “We’ve all become really close. It’s cool to see how everyone brings something different to the show–and how it all fits together.” She added, “I’m so used to going to a school where I’ve known everyone for so long, and then I have to come into this role where I’m new to everyone in the whole school. So just pretending that I don’t know these people who I’ve been with since kindergarten has been a really hard part about it.” She continued, “Everyone’s just there. They’re always there to make me laugh. They always give me confidence, on and off the stage. They can laugh with me with inside jokes about things, so it really helps.”

Taylor Wyczawski, who plays Sharpay Evans, said, “I like acting just in general. It’s nice to be someone that I’m not. And it’s fun to work with other people, too.” She added, “I enjoy the company and connecting with other people who have a similar interest as I do. It feels nice.” She said, “Sharpay is so over-the-top, and that’s what makes her fun. I’ve had to push myself to be bold and expressive in ways I haven’t before.”

Emmett Gaalswyk, who plays Ryan Evans, said, “I always forget about time management to work on stuff on my own. It usually works out in the end, but memorizing lines, dances, and singing–those are fairly simple. Just putting it all together in a seamless and believable way is difficult, and I forget how important that is to the entire show.” He added, “I feel like our best song together is ‘Bop to the Top.’ It’s fast, has good singing and choreography, and incorporates most of the other cast too.”

Teresa Fischer, who plays Kelsi, said, “Being Kelsi has helped me see the other side of acting. I’m usually a loud person, but in the show, Kelsi is quieter and then becomes louder. Playing that character has helped me grow in the opposite direction of my usual acting.” She added, “I just love this cast. It’s fun to be an older classman and be part of a cast with so many more people than usual.” She said, “I really like ‘All in This Together,’ the first one, not the reprise. It’s about the class coming together and helping out our friends. It’s a bonding experience–different groups coming together. It’s fun to be part of that and see it all come together. That’s really the way theater should be.”

Choreographer Samarah Forster said, “It’s definitely a little more pop and hip hop style than most musicals. Most Broadway shows lean toward the jazzy, traditional style, and this one’s a little different–so it’s kind of fun.” She added, “I think this show is easier for high school students to connect to because they’re portraying high school students. It’s not a big stretch for them, so they’re able to get into character more easily.” Forster continued, “What I’ve been really surprised by are the younger kids. The seventh and eighth graders have really stepped up. It can be intimidating to share a stage with seniors, but they’re not intimidated at all–they just jump right in and give it their all.” She highlighted “Stick to the Status Quo” as one of the most complex numbers. “It’s five and a half minutes long and combines blocking and staging with choreography. You’ve got different cliques–jocks, bookworms, skater kids–and they all have their own way of expressing and moving. You have to make them look cohesive, then they stop dancing and start talking, and then start dancing again. It’s a complicated one.”

Tay-lor Wyczawski, Emmett Gaalswyk and Logan Klawitter. Troy, right, played by Logan Klawitter interrupted Ryan, played by Emmet Gaalswyk, center, and Sharpay’s, played by Taylor Wyczawski, rehearsal looking for Gabriella. Ryan assisted Troy much to Sharpay’s dismay.

Margaret Blomberg, costume designer, said, “We want each character’s look to feel authentic to who they are in the story, but also to make sure the whole cast feels like a cohesive East High.”