High School Musical shares message of acceptance at Albion

Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Richard Flanagan plays basketball star Troy Bolton, shown here with his Wildcats teammates during a performance of Disney’s High School Musical Jr.

Albion Middle School performed the show on Friday, and twice today. The show has a message of unity among the student body, and supporting each other in trying other interests. Troy, one of the basketball stars, also enjoys singing and performing on stage, despite the initial ridicule of his teammates.

Olivia Morrison plays Ms. Darbus, the drama teacher at the school. She initially is skeptical of Troy’s interest in the drama program. This photo shows Mr. Darbus in her homeroom.

The opening scene includes the “Wildcat Cheer.” The musical shows some of the divisions among different cliques at the school, including cheerleaders, thespians, the basketball team, brainiacs, and skaters.

Jeffrey Brown portrays Jack Scott, who shares the school announcements.

Leah Kania plays Gabriella Montez and Richard Flanagan is Troy Bolton. The two first connect singing karaoke together and later earn the lead roles in the school musical. Sophia Zambito, in back, plays Kelsi Nielson.

Emma Tower plays Sharpay, an egotistical drama star, and Zachary Kilner plays her brother Ryan Evans. They are used to getting the lead roles in the school production and feel threatened by Gabriella and Troy.

There are several high-energy songs and dances in the musical. Katelyn Spierdowis plays the brainy Taylor, Chase Froman is Coach Bolton (center), and Omar Peterson plays Zeke Baylor, a basketball player who enjoys cooking.