School News

Grab a seat for ‘High School Musical’

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Seaford Middle School students may have a little time before they enter high school, but a group of about 50 actors will be exploring the next chapter of their lives with this weekend’s production of “High School Musical Jr.”

Based on the hit 2006 Disney Channel movie, the show centers on two characters from rival cliques — Gabrielle Montez and Troy Bolton — who both try out for lead roles in their school musical. Despite pressure from other students, they become friends.

Eighth-grader Katie Crawford plays Gabriella, a transfer student at East High School who is initially very shy. She soon discovers her passion for singing and acting. Crawford said she can relate to her character. “I’ve definitely faced shyness,” she said, “and drama helped me come out of my shell, and that’s what it’s helping Gabriella to do.”

Crawford said she has watched “High School Musical” many times and will be playing the part first portrayed by Vanessa Hudgens. Last year, Crawford was Wendy Darling in “Peter Pan Jr.”

Max Newman, a seventh-grader, will star as Troy, who was played by Zac Efron in the movie. Troy is captain of the school basketball team, but finds that he loves singing and tries out for the school play. Newman said that like Troy, he is interested in both acting and athletics.

Crawford and Newman both said their favorite moment in the play is the musical number, “Breaking Free,” and they are excited for their family and friends to see the show. “I love the big cast numbers,” Crawford said, “because you feel all the energy and excitement.”

Newman noted the popularity of “High School Musical,” which has been seen by hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide. “I think it will be very fun,” he said. “People can connect to the songs.”

Seventh-grader Carly Corsitto plays Sharpay, the president of the East High Drama Club and Gabriella’s chief rival. Corsitto described her character as the diva of the school. “She thinks the world revolves around her,” she said.

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