Love finds ‘High School’ in-crowd

Disney’s “High School Musical,” a modern-day twist on “Romeo and Juliet,” is coming to Houma in June. South Louisiana Center for the Arts drama students are presenting the highly popular production.

“This play is very popular, and has a message that will resonate with kids in the parish,” said Pat Hornsby Crochet, director of the play. “You have to be yourself, follow your dreams and develop all your talents that make you who you are.”

With a plethora of teenage plays to choose from, Crochet opted for the theatrical remake based on the Emmy Award-winning film, which is currently in production on its third sequel.

“I wanted to do something that would appeal to the public,” Crochet said.

“High School’s” resounding theme song – “We’re All in This Together” – is a shared sentiment among SoLa’s 73-member cast.

“I’m always pleased by the quality of the performances that our students produce,” said play producer and SoLa Director Jonathan Foret. “They put a lot of work into these productions, and it really shows.”

The center’s mission is to provide younger generations an appreciation for the arts. Foret said the non-profit group’s biggest challenge is finding projects that reach the region’s diverse population and enhance community life.

Helping Crochet ready this production of “High School Musical” is Emily Chancey, vocal director; Jillian Vedros, choreographer; and Kathy Gilbert, set designer.

With months of work and rehearsals under their belt, Crochet said the drama students are ready to debut the show.

Set in Salt Lake City, the musical is about two high school juniors from rival cliques struggling to live out their dreams. Despite constant interference from fellow students, the two resist peer pressure and rivalries. The plot follows a familiar formula: boy meets girl, boy gets girl and boy loses girl only to get her back in the end.

To a hip beat, the duo challenges their peers not to “Stick to the Status Quo,” but to follow their own aspirations.

“This play is something that all high school students can relate to,” said Aaron Rhodes, who plays Troy Bolton, the lead male.

Rhodes is a 2008 graduate of South Terrebonne High School. Unlike his character, Rhodes said he doesn’t miss the everyday drama of trying to figure out “who’s in the ‘in-crowd’ and who’s not.”

H.L. Bourgeois student Arielle Domingue plays the role of the female lead, Gabriella Montez.

The high school senior only saw the Disney movie once before auditioning for the role. Her decision to try out was based on the film’s popularity.

“The musical really hits home and teaches us a lesson about being who we are,” Domingue said.

Domingue and Rhodes both have extensive training in theater arts, which makes them perfect for the leading roles, Crochet said.

They are members of Terrebonne Parish’s Talented Theater program and the school system’s gifted vocal music program.

SoLa’s production of “High School Musical” runs Friday, June 13, through Sunday, June 15, at the Ellender Memorial High School auditorium. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7 p.m.; Sunday’s matinee begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10.

All proceeds benefit the SoLa Center for the Arts. For more information, contact Jonathan Foret weekdays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at (985) 876-2222.

Arielle Domingue and Aaron Rhodes play the lead characters, Gabriella Montez and Troy Bolton, in SoLa’s production of “High School Musical.”