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Celebrating 60 years young: 'High School Musical 2' opens Sikeston Little Theatre’s season
SIKESTON — The Sikeston Little Theatre is kicking off its 60th anniversary with a celebration of music, dance and youth.
“High School Musical 2,” a sequel to last season’s popular “High School Musical,” will open at 7 p.m. Friday at the Sikeston Little Theatre, 506 S. Kingshighway.
According to directors Jeremiah Dunmyer and Cody Smither, the idea to bring the sequel to the stage began with the actors.
“At the cast party for ‘High School Musical 1’, several of the actors said we should do ‘High School Musical 2’,” said Dunmyer. “In researching other community theatre and high school productions, it shows there is generally an interest in riding the wave of the first into the next show. Research shows it is success and with the interest from the cast we thought it would be a lot of fun.”
“High School Musical 2” follows the lead characters, Troy Bolton, Gabriella Montez, Sharpay and Ryan Evans and their friends from the last day of high school through their summer vacation. While it features the same characters, Smither said the show is more of a challenge for the young actors.
“It deals with kids having to grow up,” he explained. “Thematically they are dealing with more adult issues.”
Added Dunmyer, “They are saving for college, saving for a car, getting a job. They are growing up and having to make decisions; decisions where not everyone is going to be happy. These characters have to swim through those difficulties.”
The cast of 35 have stepped up to the challenges of the musical, the directors agreed.
“Our youth here at Sikeston Little Theatre are so talented and so adaptable to these complexities,” said Smither, who has encouraged the young actors to understand their characters, from what would their favorite color be to what motivates them to make certain decisions.
“Our goal is to create real people in real situations,” he added. “The great thing about this show is that these are situations that (the teens) have gone through or will go through.”
The directors called “High School Musical 2” musically more complex than its predecessor. Song styles range from pop to rock to Polynesian, they pointed out.
“There is a lot more emotion, because (the characters) are in more emotional situations. The audience is going to feel that they have to choose a side as much as the characters do and the songs really help with that,” Smither said. “The music is so powerful and personal.”
Serving as musical director is Carrie Landewee.
Jennifer Dunmyer is director of choreography and at her suggestion, the directors enlisted three youth choreographers, Jenny Duncan, Taylor Cokenour and Lauren Hornback.
All earned praise from the directors for their roles in elevating the quality of the production.
“The music tells the story that dialogue can’t and the dance tells the story that even the music can’t tell,” said Dunmyer.
For Hornback, who has been in dance for the past 12 years, the opportunity to act as well as work as a choreographer is something she has enjoyed.
“Choreography is something I love doing,” she said. “I really enjoy the story line of the show and I felt I could put my kind of creative twist on all the dances.”
The dance moves she incorporated ranged from the modern hip-hop to recreating the mood of a 1950s beach movie, she said.
It was difficult at times, Hornback admitted, noting she even forgot to block in her character in one of the dance scenes.
While the musical is a sequel, the directors said not all the actors returned or have the same roles. However, they described their actors as all very talented and exceeding expectations.
Kate Wyman moved up into the lead role of Gabriella. Gordon Raymond, who wasn’t in the first production, is cast as Troy.
Although Raymond estimated this was his sixth production, he admitted to being surprised to be cast in one of the leading roles. He credits Dunmyer and Smither with helping him understand his character and preparing him for the challenge of a leading role.
The 14-year-old said his favorite moment in the production is performing the song “Bet On It.”
“It shows the character of Troy. He is ready to become his own person. He is going from a child to becoming a man, when he starts owning up to his responsibilities,” Raymond said. “It is inspiring to me.”
Jenny Duncan and Layne Collier returned to the stage as the Evans twins, Sharpay and Ryan. Also recast in her role as Kelsi Nielsen was Stella Wright.
Wright, 13, said “High School Musical 2” is even more fun than the first production.
“There is lots more music and dancing,” she said. “Kelsi is in a lot more scenes. If she does have lines, she has a good message and is always interactive (with the other characters).”
She sees parallels between herself and her character, explaining they both would do anything for their friends.
There are lessons to be learned from the play, Wright said.
“It has taught me that there is nothing better than I can have than friends who stand by you. That is what I have at Sikeston Little Theatre. Sure, things can go wrong but with friends you can get through them,” she said.
Raymond, Wright and Hornback agreed the audience will find much to like in the upcoming production.
Raymond said the cast and crew are working hard to ensure it will be a good show.
Wright said the musical’s message will draw in the audience. “Especially people who can relate: they have had drama in high school or if they are going into high school, they can see what can happen,” she said.
Hornback added: “With the story line, dancing, singing and all the talent on the stage, I think it is going to be a great show.”
Dunmyer said the success of “High School Musical” set the bar high for Sikeston Little Theatre. He expects “High School Musical 2” to not only meet but exceed audience expectations.
“If you enjoyed “High School Musical 1,” sit down and hold on tight because you are going to be on a roller coaster ride with “High School Musical 2,” he said. “The youth are a force to be reckoned with.”
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For more information or tickets go to sikestonlittletheatre.com.