ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—On May 10 and 11, Disney’s smash hit “High School Musical” came alive on the stage in a scintillating performance by students of the Janis E. Dismus Middle School in Englewood.
“High School Musical” tells the story of students Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez and their schoolmates at East High who have to deal with love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extra-curricular activities.
The play opens on the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes all find their cliques. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. The couple cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical. Although many students resent the threat posed to the “status quo,” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.
Over a dozen songs and 18 scenes brought this Disney story to life on the stage of the Dizzy Gillespie Theater. The show’s infectious, danceable songs engaged the audiences as well as the performers and the show’s production team.
Christopher Tisdale, Dismus School English teacher, directed the production.
“I wanted to be an actor growing up, but a conversation with my mother changed my mind,” he said. “I believe the arts bring people together and change lives. It’s rewarding to see students embrace the opportunity to flourish as they push the boundaries of their potential. It’s an amazing experience watching the children transform from caterpillars to butterflies, emerging more confident, believing anything is possible by the end of a production.”
Nikki Felice, the drama coach for the production, and Dismus School music teacher Craig Dickert, who was in charge of all the musical numbers, agreed.
“Everyone worked very hard rehearsing three to four times a week since December. But we all had a lot of fun!” Felice said.
Some of the most upbeat appraisals of the show came from the young thespians.
Lloyd Field, who played the lead role of Troy, was delighted with the experience of this production.
“We were like a big family,” Lloyd said.
Munashe Mutambo, a 13-year-old eighth-grader, found learning all the dances was the most difficult aspect of the production.
“But I loved it!” Munashe said.
Eleven-year-old Daniela Matallona said, “The other performers helped me a lot and they gave me confidence. I learned so much!”
Angleica Esperijo, an eighth-grader, remarked, “I am so glad that I got into this play, because it gave me a chance to put myself out there and to be with my friends.”
Judith Chicas, who played Kelsi Nielson in the play, said, “I particularly like this story because it has comedy as well as heart-touching moments. It’s a story that promotes being unique and diverse and that’s what our community is all about!”