All in this together

A stellar cast of young local actors will bring one of Disney’s most-beloved modern musicals to life in Geelong next month.
Director Shane Lee said GSODA Junior Players’ production of High School Musical would feature the region’s most talented emerging musical theatre performers.
Despite their age, cast members would draw on personal life experiences as well as “amazing talent” to encourage others to follow their dreams in the highly entertaining stage production, Lee said.
“It’s the story of a seemingly mismatched basketball jock and his brainiac classmate who defy the expectations of their family and friends to pursue their love of performance.
“It contains important themes of diversity and acceptance – all the while entertaining audiences of all ages.”
Boasting infectious songs such as We’re All in This Together, Breaking Free and Stick to the Status Quo as well as some breathtaking dance numbers, Lee said the modern adaptation of the popular musical was sure to keep toes tapping long after the curtain closed.
Lee, a longtime GSODA member, will use his vast professional performance experience to lead the cast of 60 singers, dancers and actors aged 11 to 17.
The production will also call on the talent of vocal director Rebecca Newman and choreographers Lochlan Erard and Tess Evans who are both former juniors who have returned to the company to help foster the next generation of local talent.
GSODA Junior Players is a not-for-profit company that has forged the careers of internationally acclaimed performers including Peter Coleman-Wright, Guy Pearce and Tim McCallum.
The troupe celebrated its 50th anniversary of entertaining Geelong audiences last year.
The troupe will stage High School Musical in the Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s Playhouse Theatre from 18 to 25 June.