My nine-year-old sister, Pearly, participated in the JCC’s very own production of High School Musical. I’ve never seen the movie and unfortunately, I’ve never been to any of the JCC’s plays before this one. Luckily, I had the opportunity to see this spectacular show. I couldn’t, and wouldn’t miss Pearly’s onstage debut as a brainiac/thespian.
She had attended every practice religiously since February, coming home as late as 10 pm from practice and toppling into the nearest chair, exhausted. But as the day of the play approached, she couldn’t have been more excited.
The play was not only my little sister’s debut, it was also good wholesome family entertainment.
This was not the first production at the JCC, they’ve done Grease, Babes in Arms, The Wizard of Oz and many others.
On the night of the show, I made my way to my seat just as the curtains parted. Dozens of familiar little faces scattered across the stage and broke out in the “Wildcat Cheer.” The theatre quickly filled with their enthusiastic voices, echoing through every corner of the room. Cameras were quickly whipped out of pocketbooks and into the air attempting to catch friends and family in action.
Casting the lead roles must have been tough for Marlyn Michaels and Morris Beyda, considering all the talented actors and actresses that graced the stage. I had the pleasure of speaking with Morris about the auditioning process. “We (Marlyn Michaels and I) had about 80 kids audition. We realized we had a lot of talent,” he told me during intermission, while trying to control dozens of kids as they left the stage. They had the problem of utilizing all the talent they had on their hands, “So Marlyn thought of double casting. We cast two girls in the lead roles alternating nights. That way two shows turned into four,” Morris added. It was a wise decision, since each girl truly made the character her own.
So, what were they looking for? “The audition process consisted of acting, singing and dancing and whoever excelled in all three areas was considered for a lead role,” Morris explained. Finally, a decision was made, Shani Goldofsky and Jennifer Betesh were cast as the hilariously obnoxious blonde, Sharpay. Isaac Gartenberg was cast as Ryan, Sharpay’s brother. Nathan Ades was cast as Troy, the heartthrob jock. Rachel Benatar and Jordan Eisenberg were cast as Gabriella, the new girl, and object of Troy’s affection, who poses a threat to Sharpay as the coolest girl in school.
The four leads came on stage unafraid and willing to give it their all. However, one cannot forget the more subtle characters that truly brought the story together.
In between scenes, lights would go off and the spotlight would shine on Jack Scott, the announcer, played by Jack Levy. He provided the audience with witty tidbits forcing the crowd to burst out in laughter and applause.
The kids were spectacular, but the hard work behind the scenes cannot go unmentioned. Marlyn Michaels was the consummate director and saw to all of the costumes. Morris Beyda was awesome as choreographer as well as stage manager. Neshama Marcus was the creative and peppy youth director. Neshama also created the playbill, as well as helping out with all aspects of the show. Gerry Gironda worked the incredible sound and Music Men did the fabulous lighting. Randy Lee Hartwig designed and created the gorgeous set.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the beautiful Herbert and Evelyn Axelrod Theater.
The play highlighted a rather important lesson: never give up the pursuit of your dreams. Despite the cliques and stereotypes, the play did not promote bad behavior, but rather went against these social guidelines, reminding the audience that no one could stand in the way of what you can acheive.
Instilling these lessons in the kids of our community is not only important but necessary in order for each child to understand their full potential.
Finally the show came to an end, as all the actors made their way to the stage for the finale. A few minutes after the curtains closed, my sister ran off the stage and headed straight to our mom, who had attended all four shows. “You were wonderful!” Mom exclaimed.
Pearly blushed and ignored the compliment, as we left the theater. “Do you want to do another play?” I asked her and without any hesitation she smiled and said, “Yes!”
_______________
Lili Hanono is a student transfering from Rutgers University to Stern University in pursuit of an education in English and psychology. She is an 18-year-old, all around Deal girl, who would like to have a career in writing.
