Lights up, and dozens of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders are already running down the aisles. In costume as archetypal “thespians” jocks” and “brainiacs,” the cast of nearly 90 middle schoolers plunges the audience into the world of “High School Musical.” It’s a crowd favorite, and smiles are visible throughout the audience as the ensemble opens with “We’re All In This Together.”

Middle School music teacher Robert Denien – the Producer and Musical Director – knew how broadly the musical is loved. He said the show originally appealed to the production team because of the powerful ensemble members (like the cast’s opening rendition of “We’re All In This Together”), but also because “it kind of speaks to some things that middle schoolers go through,” Denien said. “Cliques and how to navigate that, how to do something that your friends might not be doing and feeling alright with that, and how to feel comfortable with yourself.”

Technical Director Tom Moster estimates around around 20 sixth graders, 25 seventh graders, and 35 eighth graders make up the cast, but with the crew it’s “like a hundred and something,” he said.

Planning for the musical has been long in the works. “We’d thrown around different ideas at the end of last school year,” Moster said.

“Yeah, right after the last show ends, basically,” Denien said.

Then the team met in the summer and narrowed down the options. By the time school started, they had selected the show. They revealed it the first week of November, which was quickly followed by a workshop where students could learn the songs with which they would audition. Auditions took place the second week back from Thanksgiving break, which gave students a chance to look over their new lines over Winter Break.

“In January, we really hit the ground running,” said Denien. Throughout January and February, the cast had rehearsal around three times a week, and often more, depending on each student’s role. Starting after February break and into March, rehearsals took place four to five times a week, with lead roles rehearsing nearly every day.

There are roughly 20 lead roles in the show, because the musical is double cast. Eighth graders Lucas Daskal and Akeem Griffin play Troy while seventh grader Wren Dudney and eighth grader Rania Jones play Gabriella.

“Double casting works out nicely because they can help each other. It’s not really seen as a competition,” Denien said. “If a kid gets sick, you know, we always know we have somebody. And I think it’s more appropriate in terms of shouldering responsibility––otherwise it’s a big pressure to be the only Troy, the only Gabriella, in a cast of 80.”

The double casting didn’t preclude the leads from some nervousness. “The night before I performed I was really nervous to go onstage,” said Daskal. “Especially because we had a dress rehearsal that was, uh…”

“Terrible,” Jones chimed in. “Mr. Denien sent us an email with the subject: ‘Up Your Game tomorrow.’”

Despite some anxiety, the cast remained enthusiastic. “I’ve never even had a line before, in any of the plays,” said eighth grader Avery Ellis, who plays Gabriella’s best friend Taylor. “I’m really, really excited to actually have a part this year.”

Eighth grader Kai Contractor, who plays Troy’s best friend Chad, pointed out that play practice has a social element. “I’m always really excited to be with m friends,” he said. “I really like the social aspect of it, it’s really fun to learn the new songs and stuff.”

The students noted that the play was an opportunity for them to make friends that they wouldn’t otherwise know. However, the massive cast also provided some difficculties for the production team. “Sheer
numbers have been challenging,” said Moster. “We had a big swing in just how many kids auditioned, which was a surprise to us.”

“It’s been both great and challenging,” said Denien, “because the energy from that amount of kids has been amazing.”

The strength in numbers came through onstage, in cast-wide renditions of “Start of Something New” and elaborate ball-throwing-routines to “Get’cha Head In The Game.” Ending with a powerful finale composed of excerpts from “We’re All In This Together,” “Status Quo,” Breaking Free,” and “Bop To The Top,” the cast received a standing ovation.

“A lot of adults think of middle school as the worst time, a time that they hated,” said Denien. “And I mean, me too! But that we have 90 kids, that they’re singing in beautiful three-part-harmonies, and putting themselves out there, is really impressive.”