20 Jun 2024
The ambience of families, students and staff filled the room with cheers as the cast of John Paul College Kalgoorlie performed five sellout shows with their adaptation of the much-loved Disney musical, High School Musical Junior.
This year was particularly special, as the College held the event in conjunction with its’ 40th Founders Day anniversary, welcoming guests from as far away as Broome, Adelaide South Australia, Melbourne Victoria and Perth.
Directed by Katherine Coulter, the cast consists of students from Years 7 to 12, with the Woodwork, Visual Arts, Textiles, IT and Performing Arts departments contributing behind the scenes.
Katherine commented:
“We are so proud of all the cast and crew for giving months of dedication to making the show a success that it is.”
“Our intent was to create a feel-good show that highlights we all have talents and interests that are not always visible to everyone or necessarily follow the ‘status quo.’ It was an amazing experience working with the dedicated staff of JPC, who gave up their personal time to support the show, either helping backstage, costumes, preparing food, ushering, prop & set making, photography, program set up… the list goes on.
“The students were also amazing, hardworking, extremely talented performers. Senior students were remarkable role models for the younger performers, demonstrating commitment, professionalism and talent. The cast and crew worked together in harmony and become a High School Muscal family, allowing students from year 7 to 12 to mix and share common interests (even now after the show has finished), students are still communicating through TEAMs and in the College grounds. It proves they were really “All in this together.”
Matilda who played the role of Sharpay Evans said she was excited to play a fun, iconic character while building new relationships with the cast.
“Being in High School Musical has helped me in many forms of my life. The production allowed me to grow as a person and gain many new skills. I worked on my confidence and stage presence throughout the experience. I also learnt more about self-discipline. Additionally, I learned to balance acting and having the added responsibility of taking care of our costumes, props and other parts of the production.”
Chelsea said she utilised all her skills not just acting and singing but her piano skills, to heighten and add a sense of uniqueness to her character Kelsi Neilsen.
“My highlight was the last show night when the curtains closed and we got a big applause, I could go home knowing I had accomplished something. Knowing that all my effort had paid off in some way shape or form. Also, a massive highlight of mine wasn’t even on stage but when some of us cast members exchanged cards of appreciation to one another, a little tradition we love to do, it really made me feel appreciated and recognise how lucky I was to have such great friends and talented cast mates.”
Taneisha was out of her comfort zone when challenged with a male role, but is now glad she trusted the directors, and adapted.
“High School Musical helped me realise that theatre is about adapting to change and getting cast as Chad has made recognise, that although it may not seem like the perfect fit you have to adapt. I will never forget this wonderful experience.”
“When looking at the synopsis of the characters for High School Musical Jr., I knew that Martha was the one for me! Her enthusiasm for music and hip-hop dancing was a perfect fit to my own personal interests and finding out that I got the role filled me with so much joy, I knew that I was going to enjoy this musical from the start until the very end,” said Jennifer who played the role of Martha.
“I remember the times where I felt so anxious about singing by myself for a few of the songs, but the amount of support I received from the cast, the crew, and the lovable director pushed me in the right direction. This musical has inspired me to reach for those bigger opportunities when they present themselves, my younger self would have never thought that she would one day manage to be a leading character! I am and will be forever grateful for the qualities I have gained whilst performing in musicals, whether I use them on or off stage.
Nikita who played the lead role of Troy Bolton added her biggest highlight will was performing for the primary school children.
“I loved watching the way their faces light up at certain scenes, songs, or dance numbers. How they watch so intensely with smiles on their faces. Who could forget how they loved the sing-along at the end. That is my biggest highlight, and it will always continue to be.”
The musical was held from 9 to 12 May 2024.
