Sophie Conlon
It’s out with the old and in with the new as Grant High School students take on the challenge of performing High School Musical on Stage for their 2024 performance.
Director Abbey Marston-Kleeman said she decided on the fabulous show as it was something accessible and relatable.
“It was about something accessible to the kids, and something that was going to be relatable to the community and something that the kids would want to do,” she said.
“I’ll be honest, I hadn’t actually watched it until this summer just because it wasn’t my thing.
“I sat down and watched it and was welcomed to the world of High School Musical, and everyone was gobsmacked that I hadn’t been introduced to it before.”
She said she had been begged to do it previously, but now was the perfect time to bop to the top.
“Rehearsals have been amazing,” she said.
“I’ve never met a class that have been so inclusive and helpful, they’re just a beautiful bunch of kids.”
While Ms Marston-Kleeman said the original movie showed students sticking to the status quo, the cast of students from years seven to 11 were not like that at all.
“It’s really cute considering there’s so many cliques in High School Musical itself, but there’s not within the cast,” she said.
“This is my seventh musical and I’ve never seen it before, right from the word go.”
Student Zoey Norman, who plays the female lead Gabriella, said she was inspired to break free and audition for the musical.
“I was part of the musical back in 2022 and loved it, it was an amazing and memorable experience,” she said.
“When I found out about the musical this year, I knew I wanted to audition again.”
The July performance would be the start of something new for first time music director Shekinah Horsburgh.
Ms Horsburgh said it had been a massive learning opportunity for herself and the band.
“It’s been really lovely seeing the kids practice and learn the songs,” she said.
“It’s very different music to what a lot of the would prefer to play themselves privately, but they’ve been really really resilient in practicing and there has been a nice vibe.”
With the students having their heads in the game, Ms Marston-Kleeman said it would be an amazing show.
“I’ve definitely helped them along the way, but it’s their show 100 per cent,” she said.
“I’m so proud of each and every one of them and I’m so lucky to do what I do.”
Students will take to the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre stage on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5.
Tickets are available through Country Arts SA or at the box office.
