The Gowanda Middle School Musical is a highly-regarded yearly music department event started by retired music educator, Mrs. Cynthia Ripley. Because of her love of musical theater and the creative approaches she was taking, Mrs. Ripley was approached by Music Theatre International to help originate the very first Broadway Junior Show, Annie Junior. Gowanda Middle School went down in history as one of the very first schools to ever develop, produce, and pilot a Broadway Junior musical! Mrs. Ripley was an integral part of forming what we know today as the Broadway Junior Collection. She is currently working for iTheatrics, teaching teachers all around the world how to put on musicals. 

Currently, under the direction of Mr. Adam Bett, the Gowanda Middle School Musical is continuing to thrive! With casts of no fewer than 120 actors, students tell a new story each year filled with exciting characters and incredible places, with meaningful messages and life lessons. Our GMS Musical cast is made up of students enrolled in the 5/6 chorus (these students are automatically included in the GMS musical as part of the choral curriculum). Students enrolled in the 7/8 chorus must sign up to audition in order to be cast in the show. Every actor must be a member of one of our choral ensembles to build the vocal skills needed to be in our productions.

We are also extremely proud of the fact that each of our productions are completely student-run! From sound and lightboards to the stage crew and student directors, our Gowanda High School and Middle School students take ownership of the show in every aspect of the show! 

It is our belief at Gowanda Middle School that our production would not be possible without the combined talents, efforts, and collaboration of our students, teachers, parents, administration, and community members. Perhaps this is why it is one of the most attended events in our entire K-12 District each year.