Windham Center Stage offers teens the opportunity to shine by Elizabeth Richards

Windham Center Stage’s production of, “High School Musical” offers area teens a chance to show off their talents as they perform a story they all grew up watching.  
 

Director Mary Wassick says this production is unique because it is centered around the teen population. Only three of the roles are played by adults - the rest are teens from surrounding areas, including Windham, Gorham, Gray and Portland. The show is familiar to the teens, she explains; they remember watching it as kids and now have the opportunity to bring it to life on the stage.

The story is one many teens can relate to. The storyline details the inner struggle of “Jock” basketball star Troy and “Brainiac” Gabriella, who decide to audition for the high school musical but face external pressure to maintain the “status quo” of cliques and social expectations.  

The show is fun for the whole family as the audience watches Troy, Gabriella and the other students at East High navigate first love, friendships and family pressure, along with balancing classwork and extracurricular activities. 

As the story unfolds, the characters learn to step out of their boxes, take risks, and do what they enjoy - instead of simply sticking to what is expected.  “It’s a cool, feel good musical, that shows the push and pull of what happens in high school,” Wassick said.

Coming out to see the show is a great way for the community to show their support, not only for the theater, but for the young people involved, Wassick said.  Just like the characters they play, the teens work incredibly hard on the show, while maintaining all of the other things they have going on in their lives. “They have 100 balls in the air,” Wassick reports.  “It’s a great way to celebrate their accomplishments and support local community theater.”

The show runs for two weekends, opening on Memorial Day weekend. Shows will be held on Friday, May 26 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 27 at both 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Friday, June 2 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Tickets are $15 for students and$10 for seniors. Tickets can be purchased online at www.windhamtheater.org.  Tickets can also be purchased at the door if available.