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Article on Principals in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
By Evan Smith
It's that time again, a time when the auditorium at Halifax County
High
School is filled with students working countless hours. These hours
are spent intricately piecing together the spring production of the
high school's drama department. Four of these students have the
privilege of bringing the lead roles to life for this season's show.
Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, directed by Becky Donner with musical
direction by Martha Stevens, tells the story of two love struck
strangers who meet on winter vacation; their lives are drastically
changed when Gabriella (Heather Blount-Elliott) transfers to the
same
high school as Troy Bolton (Macaulay Hammond). When they decide to
audition for the school's musical, drama club president Sharpay
Evans
(Yolanda Kent) and her twin brother and sidekick, Ryan (Churaqui
Mosley) are thrown into an uproar along with the rest of the
school's
cliques.
For two of these four performers, the stage is a second home.
Hammond
and Mosley have both been in several productions. Hammond's resume
includes appearances in Halifax County Little Theatre productions of
"Honk," "A Christmas Carol," "Bye, Bye Birdie," "Children of Eden"
and
many others, as well as last year's high school production of Arthur
Miller's "The Crucible."
Like Hammond, Mosley also has on-stage experience. Before moving to
Halifax County this past year, he has starred in productions of "The
Importance of Being Earnest" "Enter Pharaoh Nussbaum," "William's
Window," and "Alice in Wonderland."
For the ladies in the group, the stage is not a strange place
either.
Although neither has performed in theatre productions like this,
both
have performed. Blount-Elliott has shared her beautiful singing
voice
in talent shows and other public performances for many years. And
Kent
is in the SCA as well as senior class vice president; she has been a
cheerleader and spirited student since her high school years began.
About her involvement, Yolanda says, "I try to stay involved in many
activities. I enjoy singing and dancing, which have always been
passions of mine."
Those passions are definitely pluses for Yolanda in her role as
Sharpay
Evans, who according to the actress is "the fabulous president of
the
drama club." She continues, "Sharpay is a sassy Miss Know It All;
she
is a stylish and over-the-top leader." Others, especially her
brother,
follow her.
Ryan, Sharpay's brother, according to Churaqui, "is a star, and he
knows it!" But, there is a slight problemЦ.Sharpay. Because he is
always in her shadow, "Ryan never has the spotlight all for
himself."
The experience of being cast as one of the leads in Disney's HIGH
SCHOOL MUSICAL at Halifax County High School has, however, given
Churaqui his time in the spotlight. He enjoys singing, dancing, and
acting, and he says, "It is fun to see how you can make the show
your
own!"
Troy Bolton, Macaulay Hammond's character, is already in the
spotlight
at East High School. He is "a popular jock and captain of the
basketball team." Macaulay, who like his character enjoys playing
basketball, continues, "He is confident, but he doesn't let his
popularity go to his head. Instead, he is nice to everyone."
When a new girl arrives on the scene, it is Troy who befriends her.
About her character Gabriella Montez, Heather, who enjoys singing,
dancing, and hanging out with her friends, says, "She's a shy new
girl
who is not interested in being the лfreaky smart girl'; she just
wants
to fit in." In her attempt to fit in, Gabriella meets Troy and
together they decide to audition for the school's musical
production.
But the plan backfires. Or does it? Obviously, Sharpay always plays
the
leading role! Who is this new girl? And how dare she think the role
might be hers!
Come see who will be cast in the leading roles of East High School's
musical as Halifax County High School presents Disney's HIGH SCHOOL
MUSICAL. The show opens Friday, March 16 at 8:00 in the high school
auditorium.
Performances continue March 17, 23, and 24 at 8:00. Tickets are $5
and
may be purchased at the door or in advance at Triangle Florist,
Enchanted Surroundings, or Halifax County High School.
According to Heather, "It's a huge production, and I know it will
draw
a huge crowd!" You will want to be a part of that crowd! Don't miss
the opportunity to see Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL.