This weekend marks the start of something new as STARZ Theater Company breaks the status quo with their first summer production, “High School Musical Jr.,” set for July 30-31 at Ascent Church in Monument, Colorado.
“This is our first summer season and we couldn't think of a better show to kick off this new tradition than ‘High School Musical, Jr.,’” STC Artistic Director Laura Bergen said. “Students have been rehearsing twice a week and spending time at home working on their lines, vocal pieces and choreography. It’s been fun to see our students take a new level of ownership in producing this show as we all work together to get it across the finish line.”
As the company’s ninth production, this show promises to deliver the high-quality, high-energy punch STC is known for, this time rebounding from COVID with an impressive two-production year.
“You are going to see all your favorite High School Musical things, from dance numbers that leave you wanting to get up and dance to vocal harmonies, high school magic and of course, Chad’s infamous t-shirts,” Bergen said. “‘High School Musical Jr.’ has been the perfect summer show for us. After a year of uncertainty, we can't think of a better message than the one High School Musical brings. We’re all in this together, and luckily, we get to choose that day in and day out.”
Audiences have four chances to catch the show, at 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. Families with young children are encouraged to attend the first performance, where they’ll be treated to an interactive experience in addition to the popular stage show.
“Our Friday at 1 p.m. performance will be a special kick-off to our performance weekend,” Bergen said. “While each of the four performances will be the same, we are creating a more relaxed audience environment for our opening show, and will have special intermission activities geared toward younger audience members.”
While every performance has its challenges, with only eight weeks separating auditions and opening night, this summer season, STC students, staff and volunteers worked harder than ever to bring this musical comedy to the stage.
“The teamwork that has been displayed in the process of putting this show together has blown me away,” Bergen said. “Our costume team partnered with students to put together costumes that bring all of our favorite early 2000s memories back to the forefront. Our props and set team took our dreams of a small, summer show and made our stage look like we transported right to East High. Our performers have worked so hard, both in rehearsal and on their own, to take the vocals and choreography to the next level. We are beyond excited to watch our performers do what they love doing this weekend.”
“High School Musical Jr.” runs approximately 1.5 hours, including a pre-show performance and a 15 minute intermission. Tickets and information are available at www.starztheater.org.