Northwest Cook Spotlight Youth Theater to stage 'High School Musical'
When hoops star Troy and brainy Gabriella audition for the "Spring Musical," they turn their world - and their high school - upside down.
Facing resistance from all sides, the most popular guy in school and the new girl in town learn to follow their dreams by being true to themselves in the Northwest Cook Spotlight Youth Theater's spring show, "High School Musical." Performances are May 19-28 at Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines.
"This is the best show for Spotlight Youth Theater, because the characters are teenagers … and so are the actors," said the show's director, Matthew Silar. "Plus, it is such a fun show. When a show is written to be escapism theater, we owe it to the piece to let it be what it is."
"And, the stage version is better than the movie. The music is much more fleshed out, and the characters are more interesting," Silar added.
Kaylee Hayden, 15, plays the show's talented-but-sassy diva, Sharpay Evans.
"She knows what she wants, and she's not afraid to go get it," Hayden said of her character. "I really like that about her."
Everyone knows, though, that high school isn't easy. The students at the fictional East High are working through many of the same challenges as the actors who portray them.
"As much as she puts herself out there, deep down she's really self-conscious and insecure," Hayden said of the flashy Sharpay. "She goes her own way, but it is a way everyone has made for her already."
Silar, who holds a degree in directing from Abilene Christian University in Texas, said the theme of the show is authenticity.
"We want to keep our 'High School Musical' authentic," he said. "No one wants to come see H.S.M. and have it not be the fun, 'cheesy' movie, so we are staying true to that. But we are also focusing on finding balance and keeping it authentic, and looking for the truth in what the characters are saying."
Hayden adds, "There is realness to the show, about how you are as a person, and not relying on others to tell you who you are, but discovering that for yourself. It's about being your own person because you want to be your own person."
"High School Musical" is a romantic comedy musical film released in January 2006, and it was the first installment in the "High School Musical" trilogy. The trilogy was directed by Kenny Ortega, who is also known for directing "Hocus Pocus."
"The message of 'be yourself' no matter who you are is universal," Silar said.
Silar and Hayden have done multiple shows for Spotlight Youth Theater. Silar performed in more than 30 productions between the ages 8 and 18, and Hayden has been doing shows since the sixth grade.
An overnight sensation that rejuvenated the high school musical genre, this show features fun tunes, incredible dance moves, and a message about friendship and not being afraid to challenge the status quo. The score includes the hits "We're Breaking Free," "Get'cha Head in the Game," "What I've Been Looking For," and many more.
To purchase tickets, call (847) 516-2298 or visit www.spotlight.org. Tickets are $11-$14 presale, $2 extra at the door, and group, child, and senior prices available. The Prairie Lakes Theater seats 300, so shows sell out quickly.