'High School Musical Jr.' to bring smiles at Fox Chapel's Dorseyville Middle School

Dorseyville Middle School students return to the musical stage this month as they present “High School Musical Jr.”

The cast of almost 80 students includes about 30 technical and stage crew members.

“After such a challenging year we wanted to do a show that would make people smile,” said musical director Pamela Fiano.

“It’s fun, uplifting and entertaining.”

The one-act adaptation of the wildly popular 2006 Disney movie centers around the relationship of a high school jock and a shy but super-smart new student.

The jocks, braniacs, thespians and skater dudes comprise the four cliques at the musical’s East High School.

The family-friendly show features songs such as “Get’cha Head In The Game,” “Stick To The Status Quo,” “We’re All In This Together,” and “Wildcat Cheer.”

Seventh-grader Sofia Melani plays Gabriella, a super-smart but socially awkward new student who meets Troy, a popular student with big vocals and a yearning to be more than just the school’s star basketball player.

The two upset the school drama club apple cart when they audition for lead roles in the high school musical.

“The audience can expect a lively, fun-filled coming-of-age musical that so many people can relate to,” Melani said.

Melani said her favorite musical number is “Status Quo” because of the level of choreography.

“It has extremely fun choreography that includes the entire cast and the conflict is between the different cliques having different opinions on how people should act socially,” Melani said.

Elizabeth Thomas, who plays Taylor, Gabriella’s friend, said she loves the reprise from “We’re All In This Together.”

“Everyone finally comes together and puts aside their differences,” she said.

Other lead roles are played by Joseph Weber, Mateo Phelan-Vidal, Gavin Lynch, Lil Thomas, Veda Catone and Dan DeMotte.

Shows are Nov. 18-19 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. at the middle school auditorium. The school is located at 3732 Saxonburg Boulevard in Indiana Township.

Tickets will not be sold at the door and are only available online.

Details are available at fcasd.edu. To purchase tickets click here.

Mask-wearing is required.

Audience members are asked to socially distance as much as possible, said school district spokeswoman Bonnie Berzonski.

“It’s so good to be back onstage,” said Fiano.

“I look forward to directing the musical every year, and I’m excited to be working with the kids in this creative capacity.”