Teens energize Metropolis' 'Musical'

Stop the presses. What, real high school students in the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre's production of "Disney's High School Musical?"

What a concept.

It may sound obvious, but officials at the Arlington Heights theater say the energy provided by these talented teens, working side by side with professionals, makes their version, well, sing.

Lauren Rawitz of Buffalo Grove directs the cast in the show that opens at 7:30 p.m. tonight and extends for a 34-performance run -- including 12 that already are sold out -- on Thursdays through Sundays, through Nov. 10.

She's had a foot in both camps, as both a professional actress and director, as well experience with high school productions. She's a guest director at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, where she also teaches playwriting.

"We're thrilled to have 11 or 12 actual high school students in the cast," Rawitz said. "It definitely brings a level of reality to it."

Not that it was easy for these teens to make the cut. Metropolis casting director Robin Hughes has seen a huge increase in the numbers of actors who tried out for their productions, including a huge influx of child and teen actors.

So far, 475 actors have auditioned -- hoping for a part in any of their resident shows, but officials assume "High School Musical" was tops on their list -- and at least 140 of those were children or teens.

"It was a very competitive audition, but a lot of fun," Hughes said.

"High School Musical" eventually cast 30 actors, making it the largest cast ever at Metropolis, including its holiday "Christmas Carol" productions.

Professionals play the four primary leads, including Joel Gross as Troy, Katie Siri as Gabriella, Tiffany Trainer as Sharpay, and Mike Miserendino as Ryan, all of Chicago and all newcomers to Metropolis.

"I could not be happier with our cast -- and their voices," Hughes added. "We're really excited to see a lot of new faces."

One of those new faces is Michael DeMarco, 15, of Buffalo Grove, who is a sophomore at Buffalo Grove High School and member of its Expressions show choir. He plays the role of Jack Scott, written in as the announcer for the stage version of the show.

"It's a great experience, mostly because it's with professionals," said DeMarco, who last performed in the musical, "No, No, Nanette" at his high school.

Another featured high school student is Molly Farwell, 16, of Arlington Heights, a St. Viator High School junior who landed the role of Kelsi, who composed the show's musical and provides piano accompaniment for the cast.

Farwell last appeared as Anne Frank in the drama, "The Diary of Anne Frank" at her high school, and before that in "Bye, Bye, Birdie."

While she feels some pressure to deliver the same characterization audience members know from the Disney Channel original movie, she definitely has put her own stamp on it.

"I've tried to make her a little different," Farwell said. "but mostly I'm drawing from myself. I'm super clumsy and pretty goofy."

Other high school students in the cast include: Joey Hirsh and Stephanie Kerbis, both of Buffalo Grove and students at Stevenson; Mick LaRocca of Geneva High School; Kay Maratea of Park Ridge and Maine South High School; Dan Naylor of Mount Prospect and Prospect High School; Brian Pawlak of Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove High School; Jordan Service of Lake Zurich High School; Morgan Stumbras of Barrington High School; and Lauren Zadina of Glencoe and Loyola Academy.

While Rawitz concedes she is feeling some pressure herself, knowing that the show already is selling out, even before opening night, she stays grounded by remembering its message.

"The message of the show is that everyone should be accepted for the person they really are," Rawitz added, "and I'm really trying to gear the show that way."

If you go

What: Metropolis Performing Arts Production of "Disney's High School Musical"

When: Opens at 7:30 p.m. today and extends for a 34-performance run -- including 12 that already are sold out -- at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays, 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 10

Where: Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St. in Arlington Heights

Cost: $22-$42

Call: (847) 577-2121 or visit www.metropolisarts.com