Autrey Mill Students To Present "High School Musical, Jr."

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Autrey Mill Middle School students are bringing another exciting production to the school’s stage.

High School Musical, Jr. will be presented on May 1-2 at the school, which is at 4110 Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek.

Come see how the students at Eastside High School react when basketball star Troy Bolton decides to try out for the school musical. Characters slated to make an appearance include Gabriella (played by student Aubriana Davis), Troy (played by student Luke Michaelis), Sharpay (played by student Juls Ayers), Ryan (played by student Bryan Penn), Chad (played by student Kevin Park) and Taylor (played by student Cece Crumbley).

Performances are 7 p.m. Friday, May 1 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 2. Tickets can be purchased at Autrey Mill Middle School between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. in the front rotunda beginning April 13 as well as at the door May 1-2.

Tickets are general admission and cost $10. All proceeds benefit the school’s Fine Arts Department.

High School Musical Jr. is based on the Disney Channel original movie written by Peter Barsocchini and adapted by David Simpatico for the stage. This one hour musical is perfect for the entire family with its fast paced storyline, catchy songs, plus several full cast dance numbers.

Under the direction of drama teacher Amy Creamer, musical direction of chorus teacher Vanessa Edwards and choreography of Allison Polaski, the students present timeless themes of friendship, integrity, and courage with their energetic performances.

The students at Autrey Mill have been working on the play since January, rehearsing scenes, painting scenery, collecting costumes, building props, creating publicity materials and more.

Roughly 70 students from three grade levels have been working together on the production. Involvement in the musical has been a fun way for them to work together on something they love, building lifelong friendships along the way.

“Because I’m in the drama program, I get to be a part of a community full of people who are really great,” said eighth-grade student Stephanie Forero, who has served as stage manager in past productions and is now one of the props mistresses for the show.

Echoing that sentiment is fellow eighth-grader Jaclyn Nelson who plays Kelsi Nielsen in the show. Jaclyn said “the musicals have given me a chance to make new friends.”

For many students, being involved in the plays and musicals has opened up a world that they plan to pursue beyond middle school.

Like most of the other eight grade students, they are excited to move up to high school theatre at Johns Creek.

The opportunities at Autrey Mill are not only limited to its oldest students. In fact, the lead of the show is sixth-grade student, Luke Michaelis, who plays character Troy Bolton.

Luke brings his talent, enthusiasm, and experience to the stellar cast having appeared in the fall production of “The Forgotten Door” as well as the Six Flags Over Georgia’s Holiday in the Park production of “Because It’s Christmas.”

“Performing the role of Troy Bolton in High School Musical has been so much fun,” Luke said. “I love getting to stay after school most afternoons to work with my friends and classmates. It is a lot of hard work learning our lines, choreography and songs but it is so great to perform and do what I love to do on stage.”

For Creamer, directing and designing the shows “feels less like a job and more like a joyful time together with the students.”

“I feel so lucky to be able to do what I love with the fantastic support of Dr. Zoll, our principal, the parents, the teachers, and of course the students behind me,” she said. “It is especially rewarding to see the impact being involved in the shows has on many of the students.”

Image via Shutterstock