By Kirsten Kruus, News Editor
It was just a few months ago that the River Hill Theatre Arts wrapped up the presentation of The Odd Couple, consisting of the two different casts, the male and female versions, back in October.
Now coming to River Hill Theaters this Spring is the production of the popular Disney movie, High School Musical. This play, an iconic musical and movie, was a part of many childhoods in this generation.
“Every show we do is ‘new and different’ because we have never repeated a show in 19 years and 42 productions,” stated Pam Land, director of Theatre Arts at River Hill.“We keep a running list of shows that we would like to do. This show was on the list.”
The cast consists of Patrick Gover as Troy Bolton, Amanda Yuan as Gabriella Montez, Jake Daly as Chad Danforth, Sam Ehrlich as Zeke Taylor, Carly Hirsh as Sharpay Evans, Kyle McKee as Ryan Evans, Nikoo Sarraf as Kelsi Nelson, Amanda Bachman as Taylor McKessie, and many other roles as well.
Although the cast has already gotten to work, Mrs. Land noted that, “For the cast–we begin rehearsals on January 5. We rehearse 6 days a week for 2-4 hours per day.” Practices continue to opening night in March.
Assisting Ms. Land are the student directors, Sarah Tossman, James Via, Josh Cohen, Thaddeus Harold, Brianna Costabile, and Colleen Clark. “We also follow along in the script during rehearsals and mark any notes or changes that Mrs. Land may make to the show” stated Thaddeus Harold, a sophomore here at River Hill.
The productions in the Spring are musicals while fall shows are not. Harold, a member of the cast as well, mentioned that “Lead actors must learn the choreography and the lyrics to the musical numbers as well as their lines. Although we work very hard, it is all worth it because of the great people we meet and the fun we have!”
Be sure to see the River Hill production of High School Musical March 5, 6, 7, or 8.