THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008

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Emerson's First Ever Musical Disney Inspired

By DWIGHT ESAU

Journal Reporter

Disney's "High School Musical" has taken the nation by storm in recent months, so Emerson Middle School in Niles is getting in on the action.

The title of the hit song, "We're All In This Together," from that musical has inspired Emerson's May 2-3 production of the theatrical phenomenon. It is the first full-length licensed musical show in Emerson's 10-year school history.

Directed by vocal music teachers Michael Kennedy and Terry Broeker, the production includes more than 120 students from all three grades as cast members, including 20 student acting roles, a chorus of 75 singers, and three dance troupes. Three Emerson teachers also play roles that echo their real-life jobs: language arts teacher Regina Serio plays drama teacher Ms. Darbus; physical education teacher and basketball coach Aaron Schauer fills the role of Coach Bolton, and science teacher Char John appears as chemistry teacher Ms. Tenny.

In addition, more than 35 staff members have built scenery, searched out props, collected costumes, sold tickets, and helped stage dance numbers.

"We couldn't do it without everyone's help, this truly is an all-school production," the co-directors said.

Emerson's production of "High School Musical" is one of more than 2,400 mounted in less than two years since the blockbuster musical was released for amateur production. The original Disney movie has spawned a sequel, a touring professional stage show, and a performance on ice.

The Emerson production will be presented three times - Friday, May 2, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, May 3 at 2 and 7 p.m.