GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) - The City High Middle Theater Program is bringing audiences to East High this week with its middle school production of High School Musical Jr.
Directed by Jamie Bott, with music direction by Kara Degenhardt, the production showcases not only student talent on stage, but also the collaboration and mentorship that make the show possible. Approximately 40 middle school students make up the cast, while another 50 students have worked behind the scenes as part of the crew. High school students from City High Middle School also played an important mentoring role, assisting younger performers with choreography and technical theater elements during production.
“We had a lot of fun putting this particular production together,” said Bott. “This was an energetic group, full of ideas and enthusiasm.”
Bringing High School Musical Jr. to the stage also required several creative adjustments. Because the production uses the abbreviated “Jr.” version of the musical, students and staff worked to streamline portions of the storyline while still preserving the spirit of the original show. Costume changes and other production challenges required the cast and crew to think quickly and solve problems throughout the rehearsal process. This flexibility became an important part of how the production came together.
Many cast and crew members were already familiar with High School Musical, so they focused on making the production feel personal rather than simply recreating what they had seen before. Through rehearsals and discussion, students explored new ways to interpret familiar material and bring their own ideas to the story. This approach encouraged ownership and helped shape a performance that reflected their voices both on stage and behind the scenes.
Student leads include Judah Biber as basketball star turned singer Troy Bolton; Lux Iwuagwu as Gabriella Montez, the shy transfer student who discovers her voice; Charlie Dionne as the dramatic and determined Sharpay Evans; and Auguste Uren as Sharpay’s loyal brother, Ryan. Ben Kilpatrick (as Chad), Evie Kornoelje (as Kelsi), Micah Thomspon (as Zeke), Luke Troast (as Coach Bolton), Frances Heethuis (as Taylor), and Alaia Carrigan (as Mrs. Darbus) round out key supporting roles.
Thursday’s daytime student performance drew audiences from across the district, including students from City High Middle School and the Center for Economicology, as well as more than 150 students from Palmer Elementary. Audience members cheered throughout the show, responding enthusiastically to the cast and musical numbers. For many younger students, it also served as an introduction to live theater performed by their peers. That shared experience reflected the production’s central message of “we’re all in this together,” a spirit that has carried throughout rehearsals and will continue into this weekend’s shows.
Upcoming performances of High School Musical Jr. will take place at City High Middle School at the following times:
- Friday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 p.m.
