'High School Musical' Debuts in SLV

Over 45 San Lorenzo Valley seventh and eighth graders will be bringing Disney Channel's most viewed musical to the stage for its SLV debut.

According to Director Will Guilford, “High School Musical is much like a tame Grease ... the same story line of boy meets girl during school break and they then wind up at the same school together. This story, however, reflects how our youth are sometimes pigeon holed into belonging to certain cliques. The message, beautifully played out by our actors singing ‘We're All in This Together,’ is that we can all reach for the stars in our own way.”

All roles at minimum have been double cast, some triple, and a couple quadruple cast. This allows more of the young thespians an opportunity to shine on the stage and before the valley community.

The show is being produced with the financial backing and support of parent volunteers. Over the past 20 years, parents and local merchants have found the time, expertise, and budget to assist the valley youth.

Along with veteran director Will Guilford, Ben Lomond resident Karen Pajak-Stanley is handling the musical direction, former professional dancer Curtis Caudill is crafting the choreography, and Cabrillo stage director and production manager Dustin Leonard is providing the set and light design. In addition, Lisa Holland is the costume designer, with San Lorenzo Valley High and San Lorenzo Valley Middle School students and their parents volunteering behind the scenes.

The show opens Thursday, Dec. 8 and runs two weekends through Dec. 18. Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. at the San Lorenzo Valley High School Performing Arts Center, 7105 Highway 9, Felton.

Tickets are available at the door: $13 adults; $10 seniors; and $8 students. Checks are accepted.