Submitted by Yosemite High School
OAKHURST — Yosemite High School is proud to present Disney’s High School Musical live onstage for five performances starting Wednesday, Apr. 13 through Saturday, Apr. 16 at the YHS Theatre. The shows start at 7 p.m.
This stage version of the classic Disney movie shows us the cliques and clubs of East High School and how a beautiful, shy newcomer named Gabriella (Gianna DeFelice) can win the heart of East High’s basketball star and favorite jock Troy Bolton (Alex Williams).
Directed by YHS Theater Arts teacher Lars Thorson, the s how features all of the favorite songs from the musical including “Getcha Head in the Game,” “Stick to the Status Quo” and “We’re all in this Together.”
This stage version is based on the 2006 made for television movie which became a successful franchise and spawned two major movie sequels and launched the careers of Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens.
“The show is about a high school that is filled with its cliques and stereotypical teachers, about wanting to fit in yet remaining an individual,” says Thorson. The show features choreography by YHS alum Karen Urrutia and Golden Chain Theatre’s James Mierkey creating the musical tracks.
Thorson said that this is the fifth musical YHS has done since he started there in 2002 and the first time they are using recorded tracks instead of a live orchestra.
“I am very lucky that our community has such talents as James and Karen,” Thorson continues. “The old saying is that it takes a village to create a musical, and they have certainly been instrumental in getting this show on its feet.”
High School Musical is the largest show in terms of cast size that YHS has produced in recent memory. There are 38 performers and a backstage crew of six students needed to run the production.
On Friday, Apr. 8, the cast took a mini version of the show to all of the schools that feed into Yosemite High School. This 25 minute preview was performed at Wasuma, Oakhurst Elementary, Oak Creek Intermediate, Coarsegold School and Rivergold School.
Thorson adds, “I feel it’s important to get the show into the feeder schools to encourage the students to come and see the complete show and gives them a fun, cultural experience.”
YHS Senior Gianna DeFelice and Junior Alex Williams play the two leading roles. Other featured performers include YHS Seniors Mackenzie Behrens, Kevin Kirk and Juniors Elise Keeler and Dylan Thacker.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL will perform Wednesday, Apr. 13 through Saturday, Apr. 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for students without ASB and $5.00 for students with ASB or children under 14. For more information please call (559) 683-4667. Visit Yosemite High School online.
Photos courtesy of Yosemite High School and Gianna DeFelice
