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'High School Musical' is at Conant High School through next weekend

Posted February 25, 2016 2:00 pm

Submitted by Thad Gentry

Gabriella, played by Hannah Lullo, and Troy, played by Chase Fahy, sing "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You!" in the Conant production of the Disney show "High School Musical." Courtesy of Linda Patino

James B. Conant High School in Hoffman Estates brings to the live stage the smash hit Disney movie "High School Musical" the next two weekends.

It's 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 causes 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.

Under the direction of Tim Koll, more than 100 students and faculty have collaborated over a four-month period to create the 2016 Conant musical. Opening night is 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at the school's Plate Auditorium.

"High School Musical" began as a made-for-television movie. It quickly became one of the most watched events in TV history. In 2006, the show swept through the awards season, winning an Emmy, Teen Choice, American Music, TV Critics and Billboards Music Awards. Two sequels followed.

The show's infectious songs include: "Wildcat Cheer," "Start of Something New," "Get'cha Head in the Game," "Auditions," "What I've Been Looking For," "Cellular Fusion," "Stick to the Status Quo," "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," "We're Counting on You," "When There Was Me and You," "We're All in This Together," "Bop to the Top," "Breaking Free" and "High School Musical Megamix."

The cast is under the musical direction of choral director Tim Koll. The live orchestra of student musicians is conducted by director of bands Kreg Moorhouse. Conant alumna and Schaumburg On Stage choreographer Danielle Zyrkowski created the dance numbers.

The production stars Hannah Lullo as Gabriella Montez and Chase Fahy as Troy Bolton, Cassidy Murphy and Payton Kaye as the sister and brother theatrical duo, Sharpay and Ryan, Ben Hyde as Troy's best friend Chad and Cami Myers as Taylor, the leader of East High's Science Club who befriends Gabriella.

Also featured in the cast will be Tom Memmott as Coach Bolton and Sophie Nevel as Ms. Darbus. In addition, Molly Holcomb as Kelsey, Casey Fink as Martha, Khushal Shah as Zeke, Paige Knoll as Jackie Scott, Anne Stanislawski as Ms. Tenny/The Moderator, Nina Fank as Cathy, Brie Chahine as Susan, Brooke Peterson as Cyndra, Greta Gorsuch as Ripper, Billy Wright at James and Michael Tarchala as Alan.

Troy, played by Chase Fahy, practices with Coach Bolton, played by Tom Memmott, in the Conant production of the Disney show "High School Musical." Courtesy of Jacob Iwaniuk

Sharpay, played by Cassidy Murphy, tells her brother Ryan, played by Payton Kaye, what she's been looking for in the Conant production of the Disney show "High School Musical." Courtesy of Jacob Iwaniuk

Troy, played by Chase Fahy, and Gabriella, played by Hannah Lullo, are unimpressed by Ms. Darbus, played by Sophie Nevel, reading "Romeo and Juliet" in the Conant production of the Disney show "High School Musical." Courtesy of Jacob Iwaniuk

Troy, played by Chase Fahy, and Chad, played by Ben Hyde, practice, while Gabriella, played by Hannah Lullo, and Taylor, played by Cami Myers, check out their moves in the Conant production of the Disney show "High School Musical." Courtesy of Jacob Iwaniuk

Troy, played by Chase Fahy, and Gabriella, played by Hannah Lullo, discuss the finer points of basketball sing "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You!" in the Conant production of the Disney show "High School Musical." Courtesy of Linda Patino

If you go

What: "High School Musical"

Where: Plate Auditorium at James B. Conant High School, West Entrance #5, 700 E. Cougar Trail, Hoffman Estates

When: 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 26 through March 5 and 3 p.m. Saturday, March 5

Running time: Two hours

Tickets: $10 plus applicable service charges <a href="http://www.showtix4u.com/">www.ShowTix4U.com</a>, (866) 967-8167, or one hour prior to the show at the box office

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