Featuring catchy songs and a simple message, Disney’s “High School Musical” will be presented by the State College Community Theatre Thursday, Aug. 11, through Sunday, Aug. 14, at The State Theatre in downtown State College.
”We’re All in This Together’ is one of the main songs of the show,’ said director Jennifer Krempa, ‘and that’s the message of the show.”
The musical, which started out as 2006 Disney Channel teen romance film, follows the plights of basketball player Troy, played by Austen Auriemma, and shy brainiac Gabriella, played by Kaitlyn Whitesell, as they both step out of their comfort zones to audition for the school play. Other cast members include Emma Holderman as Sharpay, Devon Tighe as Ryan and Matt Shaffer as Coach Bolton.
‘This cast is ridiculously talented,’ said Krempa.
She worked with Whitesell in 2012 when SCCT performed “James and the Giant Peach.” Watching the 18-year-old now “is a really special experience.”
Krempa said that Whitesell has a beautiful voice and a compelling manner onstage. ‘She’s never overstated.’
Auriemma, 20, studies music at Penn State. He has appeared with SCCT in “Jekyll and Hyde,” as well as “The Wedding Singer.”
‘Austen’s a really strong tenor,’ said Krempa, ‘and you can’t help but listen.’
Auriemma and Whitesell have worked hard at bringing their own experiences to their characters. Everyone has experienced feelings of uncertainty, insecurity and alienation that come with the high school years. Actors have the task of recalling and presenting those emotions with their presentation.
‘You can’t be afraid to be silly,’ Whitesell said, when discussing how she interprets her character.
Auriemma’s character, Troy, has spent most of his high school years playing basketball and doing what his coach and teammates expect of him. But once he becomes involved in drama, he can be his more-authentic self.
‘He’s a really sweet perseon,’ said Auriemma, ‘but he covers that up. Once he starts spending time with Gabriella, he can be who he really is instead of the jock everyone expects.’
The in-depth character exploration, Auriemma said, will please fans of the Disney film
‘This show brings out the back stories and inner emotions of the characters that you saw in the film and maybe wanted to learn more about. It shows details not seen through watching the movie.’
‘The audiences should really have fun and enjoy this,” said Whitesell. “We want them to see the joy we put into it and take that joy home with them.’
