The Mount St. Michael musical production this year is Disney’s High School Musical on Stage in the Claremorris Town Hall Theatre on next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, October 22, 23 and 24, at 8pm nightly.
It centers on the blossoming relationship between Troy, a high school jock, and Gabriella, the new smart girl at school. They meet on a family vacation and become attracted to each other while singing in a karaoke competition on New Year’s eve. One week after Christmas break, Troy sees Gabriella in his homeroom, and she explains that she just moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and transferred to East High School over the break. Troy shows Gabriella around the school, and they pause in front of the sign-up sheet for the winter musical auditions. Drama Club president Sharpay Evans arrives, assuming that Gabriella is interested in auditioning. Wanting to eliminate competition, Sharpay investigates the new girl and has the scholastic decathlon captain, Taylor McKessie, find out about Gabriella's past academic achievements, which results in Taylor and Gabriella becoming great friends. Meanwhile, during basketball practice, Troy has trouble focusing because his thoughts are on Gabriella and the idea that he might enjoy singing more than basketball. Gabriella and Troy’s relationship and their surprise decision to audition together for the school show are thwarted by the school’s current leading lady, Sharpay, and Troy and Gabriella’s well-meaning friends. Finally, Gabriella and Troy find a way to be themselves and are rewarded with the lead roles in the school show. Full of catchy songs and exciting dance routines, Disney’s High School Musical on Stage! explores issues of friendship, first love, and acceptance.
The cast consisting of our 5th year students and the TY pit choir have been working incredibly hard, determined to make this Mount St. Michael’s best musical production yet and have been putting in countless hours rehearsing under the superb musical direction of Ms Mary Grealis. Vivienne Moran brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and panache as she once again takes on the dual role of director and choreographer. John Flatley is once again leading the musicians and playing the piano. Stage and props manager is Ms Emma Galligan, assisted by Mr Brendan Hession and Ms Edel Nolan. The costume department will be managed by Ms Aoife Boyle, Ms Aine Conneely, Ms Karen Mitchell and Ms Ashling Warde. Make up will be coordinated by Ms Laura McGarrigle. The Parents Association do an excellent job fundraising and preparing a monster raffle for each night of the show and will be on hand supervising the hall during the shows. School secretary Mary Kelly has all her tasks always under control. Front of house is being organised by Ms Frances Lyons, assisted by other teachers and parents. All the members of staff lend some help with the hosting of the annual school musical and Mrs Fionnghuala King and Ms Annmarie Concagh are instrumental in ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
This production would not be possible without the support of the parents’ association and the local community and special thanks must be given to the school's patrons:
Jeremiah Higgins' shop (Noreen Cunniffe)
The Food Store (Niall Heffernan)
Mace/Hilltop (Paul Hunt)
McHale's Engineering
Cummins and Cummins Contractor's (Gabriel Cummins)
Smyths Newsagent and Toys (Liam Smyth)
We're all in this together ! Go Wild Cats