THE CAST OF The Hudson Area High School musical "High School Musical" clowns around at dress rehearsal Monday. The play is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:00 in the middle school gym. 

What is this year’s high school musical?  High School Musical.  This may sound like the age-old question, “Who’s on first?”  But, if you know a pre-teen person living anywhere near you, chances are you have heard of the popular made-for-Disney Channel movie, High School Musical.  The story of high school students Breaking Free from the Status Quo trying new ventures and falling in love on the way. 

While on a winter break ski trip, the captain of  the basketball team, Troy Bolton played by junior Zach Warner, meets shy brainiac, Gabriella Montez played by senior Brittany Hephner.  When school resumes, Troy and Gabriella are surprised to find that Gabriella’s family has moved to Troy’s hometown of . . . Hudson, Michigan!  The two of them are thrilled to see each other again, but the same cannot be said of Troy’s friends-the jocks led by his best friend, Chad Danforth played by junior Joe Rodriquez.  Gabriella soon connects with the science club and other brainiacs who do not take kindly to their new hope of winning the science decathlon being squashed by Gabriella’s interest in basketball boy, Troy.  Taylor McKessie, played by senior Samantha Tennis, leads the group to join forces with Chad and the other jocks encouraging their friends to Getcha Head in the Game. 

Mrs. Darbus, the quirky drama teacher played by senior Kari Stoyk, encourages Troy and Gabriella to audition for the spring musical after hearing the two sing with “red-hot composer babe, Kelsi Nielson,” played by newcomer, senior Krissey McCaskey.  The two perform beautifully and earn a call-back for the pairs audition.  This sends the school into an uproar.  Nobody is more upset than perennial leads Sharpay Evans (another newcomer-junior Sydney Foreman) and her twin brother Ryan, played by Zach Pearce.  Sharpay will stop at nothing to make sure that she and Ryan will get the parts they deserve once again. 

Coach Bolton, Troy’s dad, played by senior Derrick Welton, confronts Darbus and her wacky musical business when it begins to interfere with basketball practice.  Dealing with broken dreams from his own glory days, the coach can only see the championship possibilities for his son.  He wants nothing, including the musical or that girl, to stand in the way of Troy’s chance at the championship.

Meanwhile, jock Zeke Baylor, played by junior Sabin Enerson strives for only two things:  to bake and to win Sharpay’s affection.  Will he get the girl in the end, or will he just end up with pie on his face?  Martha Cox,  played by Katie Gibson, tries to break free from the books long enough to “pop, and lock, break and jam” to hip-hop music.  Will she dance the night away or go back to the books? Ripper, played by junior Andrew Osborne, shocks his skater buddies when he confesses to wearing a coat and tie for his cello performances. 

There is a lot going on as we follow this lively bunch through four days of high school, but don’t worry, “the velvet fog of Hudson High,” Jack Scott (Jesse Webster) will keep you informed with announcements throughout the school days.  Watch for local references in the play along with a cameo performance by well-known retired teacher Brian Evenson.

This is one of the largest casts ever on the Hudson stage with 57 students making an appearance plus eight members of the technical crew and the student-led make-up crew.  It is an exciting time to watch all our efforts come together into an energetic show for people of all ages.  

Don’t miss all the excitement this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday beginning at 7:00 in the middle school gym.  Tickets are $6.00 for  adults and $4.00 for children and students.  A limited number of reserved front row and second row tickets may still be available at the door and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.  Concessions by Hudson varsity softball team will be available before the show and during intermission.  Carnations will also be available for purchase Friday and Saturday night.   

                                 Dave Rickard to be honored

Dave Rickard spent many years serving Hudson schools in a variety of areas.  For at least twenty years, he directed the all-school play and gained a reputation of producing high-quality entertainment for the community and a rewarding experience for the students involved.  Those involved in the all-school play would like to honor him with a reception immediately following the Friday night, March 23,  performance of this year's production of High School Musical. The play begins at 7:00 in the middle school gym.  The dessert reception will follow in the school cafeteria.

 If you have enjoyed the shows over the years or have had the privilege of working under Mr. Rickard's direction, please stop by to visit for a few minutes and perhaps leave a card in the basket to express your gratitude or share a memory.