NWCook Spotlight Youth Theater Presents “High School Musical”

Article by Jennifer Schneider

Photos by Marissa Fermin

FOR TICKETS - http://www.spotlight.org/nwcs1...

Disney’s smash hit musical comes to life on stage! When hoops star Troy and brainy Gabriella audition for the “Spring Musicale,” they turn their world – and their high school – upside down. Facing resistance from all sides, the most popular guy in school and the new girl in town learn to follow their dreams by being true to themselves. Performances run May 19-28 at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St. in Des Plaines.

“This is the best show for Spotlight Youth Theater, because the characters are teenagers … and so are the actors!” says the show’s director, Matthew Silar. “Plus, it is such a fun show. When a show is written to be escapism theater, we owe it to the piece to let it be what it is.”

“And, the stage version is better than the movie. The music is much more fleshed out, and the characters are more interesting,” adds Silar.

Kaylee Hayden is 15-years-old, and plays the show’s talented-but-sassy diva, Sharpay Evans. “She knows what she wants, and she’s not afraid to go get it. I really like that about her.”

Everyone knows, though, that high school isn’t easy. The students at the fictional East High are working through many of the same challenges as the actors who portray them.

“As much as she puts herself out there, deep down she’s really self-conscious and insecure,” says Hayden of the flashy Sharpay. “She goes her own way, but it is a way everyone has made for her already.”

Silar, who holds a BFA in Directing from Abilene Christian University in Texas, says the theme of the show is authenticity. “We want to keep our High School Musical authentic,” he says. “No one wants to come see HSM and have it not be the fun, ‘cheesy’ movie, so we are staying true to that. But we are also focusing on finding balance and keeping it authentic, and looking for the truth in what the characters are saying.”

Hayden adds, “There is realness to the show about how you are as a person, and not relying on others to tell you who you are, but discovering that for yourself. It’s about being your own person because you WANT to be your own person.”

High School Musical is a romantic comedy musical film, and the first installment in the High School Musical trilogy. The trilogy was directed by Kenny Ortega, who is also known for directing Hocus Pocus. Upon its release on January 20, 2006, HSM became the most successful film that Disney Channel Original Movie ever produced, with a television sequel, High School Musical 2, released in 2007, and the feature film, High School Musical 3: Senior Year, released theatrically in October 2008. The film's soundtrack was the best-selling album in the United States and reached number 1 on the American Charts for 2006. (Source: Wikipedia)

When asked why he thought the HSM films, and now the stage productions, are so popular, Silar states, “The message of ‘be yourself’ no matter who you are is universal. [The popularity] grew because everyone saw something familiar, something they could relate to.”

Both Silar and Hayden have done multiple shows for Spotlight Youth Theater. Silar performed in over 30 productions between the ages 8 and 18, and Hayden has been doing shows since the 6th grade.

“Spotlight is one of the few places that offers theater opportunities for students at such a HIGH level of production values,” says Silar. “I could invite people to come see the shows, and be proud of our work.”

Hayden echoes the HSM song “We’re All In This Together” when she speaks of her experiences with Spotlight. “All of my best friends are here, and everyone is always there for each other.”

An overnight sensation that rejuvenated the high school musical genre, this show features fun tunes, incredible dance moves, and a message about friendship and not being afraid to challenge the status quo. The score includes the hits “We’re Breaking Free,” “Get'cha Head in the Game,” “What I've Been Looking For,” and many more! Come see Troy and Gabriella, and the East High Wildcats Ryan, Sharpay, Chad, and Taylor as they romp through High School Musical! To purchase tickets, call 847-516-2298 or visit www.spotlight.org. Tickets are $11-$14 presale, + $2 at the door, and group, child, and senior prices available. The Prairie Lakes Theater seats only 300, so shows sell out very quickly.

THEATER: Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines, IL

DATES: May 19-28, 2017

PERFORMANCES:

Friday, May 19th - 9:30AM (school day)

Friday, May 19th - 11:45AM (school day)

Friday, May 19th - 7:00PM

Saturday, May 20th - 2:00PM

Saturday, May 20th - 6:00PM

Sunday, May 21st - 2:00PM

Sunday, May 21st - 6:00PM

Wednesday, May 24th - 9:30AM (school day) LIMITED

Wednesday, May 24th - 11:45AM (school day)

Friday, May 26th - 7:00PM

Saturday, May 27th - 2:00PM**

Saturday, May 27th - 6:00PM

Sunday, May 28th - 3:00PM

**Family Day – adult tickets are only $12!