Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s presents:

What happens when someone wants to be a star on the high school basketball team, science decathlon and lead the school musical?

That’s the million dollar question for East High students who are familiar with following a strict social order.

In Disney’s High School Musical, teenagers struggle to find out just who they really are while building relationships, exploring new interests and dealing with other’s expectations.

Besides the catchy show tunes, colorful costumes and typical high school dramas, anyone can relate to the production.

Young people learn they can achieve their goals by having faith in themselves, pursuing their passions and working together to support their friends and classmates.

“Students were surprised I considered doing this show because the movie version is rather juvenile,” said Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s Musical Director Julie Neubauer.

“After reading the stage version, I found it much more appealing with more singing and speaking roles (than the movie)” Neubauer said.

“High School Musical,” the movie made its debut on the Disney Channel in January 2006.

Neubauer said the musical posed challenges to her 58-student cast. They’ve been practicing three hours a day this month.

“The score is actually more difficult than one first realizes. It was not written for average high school kids to sing,” she added. “There is lots of singing and dancing which requires practice, practice, practice.”

Neubauer said her students really stepped up to the challenge and those that see the show will be in for a “real treat.”



The cast:

The Jocks:

Troy Boltan Peter Schwartz

Chad Danforth Dillan Meyer

Zeke Baylor Alex Weicherding

Jason Shawn Bohnen

Others: Brady Sabatino, Chad Mathiowetz, Josh Kuebler, Nate Ziegler, Joe Berdan, Jon Sellner



The Thespians

Sharpay Evans Amy Surprenant

Ryan Evans Wyatt Smith

Jackie Sam Tauer

Susan Elizabeth Havemeier

Cathy Chelsi Kuebler

Ann Abby Krzmarzick

Cyndra Mikayla Mages

Performance art kids: Sarah Ludewig, Liz Seidl, Amanda Fischer, Sara Steffensmeier, Madeline Schmitz, Anna Surprenant, Marisa Moldan



The Brainiacs

Gabriella Montez Alish Soukup

Taylor McKessie Katie Sellner

Martha Cox Katelyn Berkner

Kratnoff Shawn Jirak



The Skater Dudes:

Ripper Alex Braun

Mongo Abby Krzmarzick

Others: Clay Schewe, Clint Haala, Abby Krzmarzick, Kelsey Sellner, Madeline Schmitz, Nic Heiderscheidt



Other students:

Jack Scott Aaron Hirsch

Kelsi Neilson Emily Braun

Wildcat cheerleaders: Mandy Speckman, Becca Sellner, Heather Schumacher, Mikayla Mages, Allie Heiderscheidt, Cortnie Wahl, Sarah Ludwig, Anne Marie Berkner, Elizabeth Havemeier, Nevada Helget, Kahley Pelzel.



The adults:

MS Darbus Natalie Hertling

Coach Bolton Nick Rubey