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AS thousands of school-aged children troop back to their class rooms
this month, many find company with the young cast of High School
Musical On Stage, who are going back to school as well in real life.
And with the staging of the ever-popular Disney TV movie, they have
to juggle between classes and rehearsals.
Gabriella Montez, the female lead character of
the musical, played by pretty Cheska Ortega, just transferred
schools. Despite her many achievements in her past school, Gabriella
is wary of her new environment. But Cheska, 14, an incoming
sophomore this school year, understands what the role demands from
her. “I used to be extremely shy. When I was young, I did not talk
in school for about three months. I was conscious all the time. When
I was in grade 2, I attended a theater workshop. That sort of
‘fixed’ me. Now, when I perform, I still get nervous all the
time. My nervousness fades once I start to act and sing onstage.”
Troy Bolton, the lead male character, is played
by young singing champ, Sam Concepcion, 14. Troy is East High’s
basketball champ who found out about his secret passion for singing.
He became torn between his newfound love and basketball
championships. Will he give up one for the other? Sam, who is
extra-busy these days with TV guestings, soap opera appearances,
product endorsements and live performances, has his education a top
priority. “I will still pursue my high school and of course,
college. I am determined to give time for school, even if it means
bringing schoolwork during rehearsals and tapings.” Sam manages by
being home schooled.
Sharpay Evans, the girl to watch out for, is
played by alternate Athena Tibi, 18, an incoming third-year
Management major at the University of Asia and the Pacific. Sharpay
is arrogant about her performing skills. Thus, she would insist for
things to happen her way. She only bonds with her twin brother,
Ryan. But Athena, in real life, enjoys the company of her friends in
school. “I love our study groups, I am thankful for my friends for
supporting me. At first, I have difficulty dealing with math
subjects, but with their help, I am able to manage.”
Carl Andre Castro, a brainiac in the show, is
played by Ken Magdangal, 16. Just like Carl, Ken is considered a
bright boy, having bagged the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Outstanding Excellence in Technology and Entrepreneurship Award in
high school. He is on his way to his Nursing class this school year
at the University of Santo Tomas, as he prepares to take up Medicine
in the future. But brainiac or not, Ken believes that one can learn
not only in books. “In school, you also learn things by mingling
with other people. School prepares you for life by making you more
aware of yourself and others.”
Chad Danforth, Troy’s best bud and whose heart
is into basketball, is played by Seve Ching, 15. He opposed Troy’s
musical inclination at the start. He believes that good basketball
players are to be found in the court, not in the theater. But seeing
his best friend struggles made him realize he could be wrong. That
kind of epiphany is not new to Seve. “There was this one time that
I was going through a little bit of trouble. My English teacher was
very considerate and would always push deadlines for me. I remember
that she always said that, ‘I know you are gonna make a difference
in the world and it is a shame that you have a fallout during your
academic year.’ So I pushed up my grades until the end because of
her.”
The Philippine production of Disney’s High
School Musical runs on all weekends from June 23 to July 15.
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