Spring Musical

High School Musical: On Stage!

Written by Madison Murphy 

On March 20th, 28th, and 29th, 2026, the Yough High School Drama Department presented Disney’s High School Musical: On Stage! The show follows the story of two high school students who met on a winter trip and how they fought against the status quo to be together in the school musical. Head of the basketball team, Troy Bolton, was played by Jacob Booher (senior). His team included his friends Chad Danforth, who was played by Caleb Richardson (senior), and Zeke Baylor, who was played by Rowan Taylor (sophomore). Their team coach is Troy’s dad, Coach Bolton, who was played by Billy Spell (senior). New girl, and Troy’s crush, Gabriella Montez, was played by Addison Watkins (senior). Gabriella quickly becomes friends with brainiac Taylor McKessie, who was played by Natalie Carns (senior), and Martha Cox, played by Bella Maroney (sophomore). Sharpay Evans, the girl who is obsessed with the theater, was played by McCartney Nader. She drags her fraternal twin, Ryan Evans, played by Elijah Beckinger (sophomore), along with her everywhere. Mrs. Darbus is in charge of the theater, and she was played by Abby Dodson (sophomore), with pianist Kelsi Neilson, played by Lindsay Moskyok (senior). And of course, the school announcements are made by Jack Scott, played by Ava Dietz (junior). The ensemble includes the Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians, and the Skater Kids. Ensemble members include: Brayden Anderson (junior), Chloe Fisher (junior), Ryeley Ellsworth (sophomore), Mandi Gerdich (sophomore), Madison Murphy (sophomore), Emma Smith (sophomore), Christopher Anderson (freshman), Evalina Clifford (freshman), Leah Gasier (freshman), Izabella McKenzie (freshman), and Leigha Price (freshman). The show was directed by Kyla Yencik, who was assisted by Brandon Keselyak. The show was choreographed by Riley Galloway. Mr. Ritz was the musical director for the show. We’re all in this together, wildcats!

Later, on May 6, 2026, the cast performed at the Westmoreland Night of the Stars at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg. Abby Dodson and Bella Maroney were awarded scholarships to Westmoreland Performing Arts’ summer camp. Congratulations to them and the rest of the cast on their performance!