MMS Musical 2022-23
by Maddy Amler, Naomi Halpern, Ayati Jend, Zainab Tehami, and Ela Zaim
8 December, 2022
by Maddy Amler, Naomi Halpern, Ayati Jend, Zainab Tehami, and Ela Zaim
8 December, 2022
The new school year has begun and thus this year's musical has been revealed. For those that aren’t aware of the iconic HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, this is a story following two high-schoolers driving their way through a chaotic school year. Gabriella is a science geek who has recently moved into town. Troy Bolton is an enthusiastic basketball player. As the two go through the year, they get closer as they overcome hurdle after hurdle. They both soon find out about their love for theater—that is, until their surrounding friend group shows them the wonders of sticking to the status quo. This musical follows the crazy journey of two new love interests trying to find their way through life with the help and the judgment of their friends, including basketball player Chad and Gabriella’s fellow geek Taylor; teachers, including Troy's father and the theater teacher; and everyone else in their school.
Our all-star cast is ready to give it all they got this year and won’t disappoint. There are also many other great actors in the ensemble, and be sure to congratulate your friends who tried out. Thank you to all of the prop designers,stage directors, and others working on this special production. They might not know fully what they’re going to do exactly to give it their all, but after interviewing our casting directors, we have high expectations and sure are excited.
The show dates are March 24, 25, and 26. We hope to see you there!
The Cast List for Leads:
Gabriella Monetz - Ava Bernstein
Troy Bolton - Ryan Hoh
Sharpay Evans - Jordyn Gulliford
Ryan Evans - Alex Ege
Chad Danforth - Rishaan Gorde
Taylor Mckessie - Malia Baumann
Kelsi Nielsen - Ela Zaim
Zeke Baylor - Caleb Longville
Jack Scott - Rian Chadha
Coach Bolton - Aayan Mehta
Ms. Darbus - Ari Crofton
Martha Cox - Chelsea Daxl
Mrs. Reilly Interview
Q: What about HSM made it a good option for this year’s musical?
A: Actually, I did not choose it. Ms. Saxton chose it, but I know that she really liked the music, and we feel like a lot of the students have already seen the movie and can make connections to it.
Q: Will it be 100% accurate to the original film/musical or will you be taking any creative liberties with production?
A: We aren't making many changes to the script [...] but the musical does have some extra characters who were not in the original, and some characters that were not featured much in the original.
Q: Do you believe that it could end up being better than the original?
A: Of course! We’re Millburn Middle School!
Q: Any additional information or thoughts you would like to share with us?
A: Just that I’m really looking forward to being in a new role this year. I’m actually being co-producer. [...] I’m not going to be making the props, which I have done for the last 5 years, but now my role is going to be more about working with the crew and the fundraising aspect a little bit more!
Cast Members Interview
How do you feel about the cast mates?
Ryan: “I'm super happy with the cast. So many people are in it this year that I was with last year. I made good friends, and one of my best friends is Gabriella.“
Ava: “I am so excited to work with this cast! A lot of my friends are in this cast and I’m so excited to be hanging with them. It’s super fun knowing people in the cast and especially that my best friend is playing Troy.”
Did you train for the auditions?
Ryan: “I didn’t get a vocal coach or anything, but I definitely practiced. I even invited Ava over to practice with me for extra help.”
Ava: “I didn’t really train, I practiced with Ryan Hoh, practiced in front of my family and friends, and just tried to memorize it.”
What do you have to say for the people who want to be a part of the musical next year?
Ryan: “It’s a huge commitment, but once you commit it’s totally worth it.”
Ava: “Try your best! It doesn’t matter how you look, it only matters if you try your best and know yourself. Audition for whatever character you like and make sure to practice. You've got this, and I have faith in everyone that they can do it!”