Disney’s High School Musical
Director's Note
Welcome to Manalapan High School’s production of Disney’s High School Musical! Whether you are joining us in person or virtually, we are so thrilled to have you here! It is hard to believe High School Musical is my sixth show as the Drama Club advisor and Director at MHS! As always, I am incredibly proud of the cast and crew for their commitment and dedication to this program. In a year filled with unpredictable circumstances and change, these students have persevered and stayed passionate about the theatre and putting on a fantastic performance.
The lyrics of “we’re all in this together”could not ring more true in the process of bringing this show to life. I could not do it without the support of my production team who have been with me every step of the way. To Brittany Cohen, our outstanding choreographer, I continue to be impressed by your talent and I am so happy to learn from you. Thank you for teaching our actors not only their choreography but also about the value of hardwork and what it means to be a team player. To Jose Maunez our musical director, thank you for your expert direction, continual support and comic relief. To Adam Glenn, our vocal director, thank you for all of your hard work to prepare the students to have an excellent vocal performance and for performing in our pit band! To Joseph Girardi, thank you for generously volunteering your time to assist us with lights and sound. To Andrew Ciraulo, technical director, WE DID IT! With everything that was thrown at us this year, I cannot thank you enough for being my right hand man, being there to support me and our students and for building our beautiful set. Finally, to the Freehold Regional High School District and the Manalapan High School administration, thank you for allowing me to give the students the opportunity to perform this year and for the continued support.
Achieving unity amidst diversity is a challenge at any stage of a person's life. Yet each of us brings something to the table, to help the others to grow. High School Musical is the essence of this concept. The play takes you back to the adventure and excitement of high school; a place where one is faced with discovering who they are and where they fit in. Often this self discovery results in cliques. We see this attitude equally displayed by the students and the adults. To break free from the status quo and achieve togetherness, there has to be one brave enough to withstand the criticism that will come to him or her and lead the way. When this occurs and people come together with a common purpose, in spite of their differences, there grows tremendous strength and unity and the impossible becomes possible!
To my wonderful, talented and incredible cast and crew-BREAK A LEG AND HAVE FUN! I am so proud and thankful to direct this production and work with such an amazing group of kids.
Go Wildcats!
~ Amanda Colonna
