Cyndi Loza

Music, cheers and dance filled the halls of Billinghurst Middle School last week as the students rehearsed for their March performance of Disney’s Emmy- award winning movie “High School Musical.”

“It’s my favorite part of the day,” said sixth-grader Jill Engstrom, who plays lead character Gabriella Montez. “It’s just the best thing that’s happened in a long time.”

The students will perform the story, originally a television movie, of two high school juniors from rival cliques and the scrutiny each faces when they both try out for their school musical.

The play will debut on March 7 and continues through March 8 at Billinghurst Middle School, 6685 Chesterfield Lane.

Because of the musical’s popularity, director Androo Allen said it was easier for the students to learn their parts and songs.

“It’s very infectious,” Allen said. “All the kids come here knowing the show. In fact, they often correct me.”

The story focuses on the lives of Troy Bolton, the captain of the basketball team, and Montez, a shy transfer student who excels in math and science. It follows the characters through the peer pressure and rivalry they encounter when the pair audition for the school musical together.

Eighth-grader Jacoby Bancroft-Stolte said he was shocked to learn he was playing the teenage heartthrob, Troy Bolton.

“It took me a moment to just stop and say ‘I’m Troy Bolton,’” said Bancroft-Stolte, 14. “I was surprised. I mean, it’s amazing.”

Engstrom, 11, said she could not believe her eyes when she saw her name next to Gabriella Montez’s on the cast list.

“I screamed,” Engstrom said.

Challenging and fun

Musical director Kris Engstrom said the musical has been a challenging, but successful experience for the students.

“For them to sing and dance at the level we want them to is going to be an accomplishment,” Engstrom said. “Because these choreographers are not messing around.”

Three choreographers in the community volunteered their time to work with the students.

“I like ‘High School Musical’ as it is, so I was over the moon to help them,” said Louise Merchant, a dance instructor. “It’s worth donating my time to it, totally.”

But singing and dancing flawlessly on stage will be tough, Bancroft-Stolte said.

“It’s harder on stage because in the movie if they mess up, they can redo it, but we can’t,” he said.

The play brings more than just a few catchy songs and dances. Allen said rehearsing for the musical has generated a sense of camaraderie and confidence in the students.

“It’s about having your passion and if you don’t know it, it’s OK — but be questioning,” Allen said.