Middletown - Imagine, you¹re on the front steps of East High, it’s the first day after winter break and all you can hear are the words to the famed “Wildcat Cheer.” Yes, it¹s coming... the stage production of Disney¹s smash hit High School Musical is arriving in Middletown, New York, so prepare yourself for the chance to see your favorite movie brought to life, live on stage!
The Acting Out Playhouse in association with SummerStar Theatre is proud to present Disney¹s phenomenally popular musical on the stage of Orange Hall Theatre at SUNY Orange Middletown campus on Friday, July 18 at 7 p.m., Saturday, July 19 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 20 at 3 p.m.
With a cast of nearly 40 sparkling young performers from around the Orange County area, they have been heavily immersed in a two-week intensive theatre workshop to prepare for this high-energy production. They intend to dazzle audiences while getting top-notch experience this summer working with an accredited team of professionals including Director Nick DiLeo of Warwick Valley High School , Choreographer Terry Odell of The Acting Out Playhouse, and Vocal Director Barbara Welch, alongside with Producer Terry Sandford and Artistic Director Max Schaefer, both from SummerStar Theatre.
"I'm thrilled to be working with Terry Odell and all of the students of The Acting Out Playhouse,” reported DiLeo. “High School Musical will be a great experience for everyone involved." Now imagine, elaborate set designs, state-of-the art lighting, sophisticated sound technology, colorful costume ensembles, professional hair and make-up artistry. The audience will be dancing, singing and cheering in their seats while the Wildcats come to life to the ever familiar tunes of “Start of Something New,” “Get’cha Head in the Game,” “Bop to the Top,” “What I’ve Been Looking For,” and “We’re All in This Together,” just to name a few!
Terry Sandford, SummerStar Theatre¹s Executive Producer stated, “We are thrilled to have Terry Odell and The Acting Out Playhouse on board this summer. Introducing young children to the arts is important and there is no better way to bring the arts alive than to be involved in a live production.” Founded in 1999, SummerStar Theatre, residing at SUNY Orange Middletown Campus, produces a summer season including family entertainment and the best in contemporary comedy and drama. They cultivate a general audience providing a home for local talent characterized by professionalism, excellence, and integrity. SummerStar Theatre continues to enrich the cultural climate of the Mid Hudson Valley.
"This group of kids will blow you away... There is something magical that happens during our camp programs. Their love for the stage and respect for each other makes this kind of show even more powerful," Odell said. The Acting Out Playhouse is located in Warwick , New York . Like their slogan states, “Building Life Skills One Scene at a Time,” they pride themselves in providing a kid-friendly environment as a means of teaching theatre skills through age appropriate theatre games, songs, dance, scri pts, and improvisation.
With the size of the cast and the popularity of both the production and the theatre, people are urged to reserve tickets early. Reservations/information/group sales are available by calling: (845) 986-2629. For more information about The Acting Out Playhouse visit www.the actingoutplayhouse.com and for more information about SummerStar Theatre go to www.summerstartheatre.org.
