High School Musical treads Tauhara’s boards

By Chris Marshall 

The leads in Tauhara College's upcoming production of High School Musical prepare for the show next week. From left is Mikayla Edwards, Jess Riley, Lydia Curtis, Joel Marshall, Nico Ramsunder, and Jack Jones.

The much-loved story of High School Musical will be top billing at Tauhara College in early June. 

The production team says it is excited to be bringing the energetic and entertaining production to the stage. 

Based on the hit Disney film, High School Musical follows the story of Troy Bolton, the captain of the basketball team, and Gabriella Montez, a talented new student with a love of singing. When the pair audition for the school musical, they challenge expectations, friendships, and the idea that students must fit into just one group.  

The cast and crew have been rehearsing for months, learning choreography, perfecting harmonies, and working together to create a show full of colour and excitement.  

Lead Mikayla Edwards is particularly excited for the shows to start. 

“It is going to be fantastic,” she says. 

 Behind the scenes, students and staff have also played a huge role, helping with lighting, sound, costumes, and set design.  

As usual with a school show the production has been a team effort, engendering commitment, and cooperation across year levels, says co-producer Helen Edgecombe. 

Director Aj Chapman says that preparations are going extremely well. 

"The level of talent on stage is seriously impressive. They are pouring their heart and soul into their performance, I'm incredibly proud of them all.” 

At its heart, the show is about being yourself, trying new things, and supporting one another — messages that, he says, feel especially relevant in a school community.  

Whether you already know all the songs or are seeing the story for the first time, the production promises to be an entertaining and feel-good experience for everyone. 

Co-producer Helen Edgecombe, is urging locals to get ready to clap, sing along, and cheer on the students.  

And without a hint of cheesiness Edgecombe smiles: “This is one school production you won’t want to miss — because we really are all in this together.” 

The show is on at the school hall Thursday to Saturday June 4-6 at 7pm with a matinee also on the Saturday. 

Tickets, $15, are available through Trybooking.