A group of young actors from the Spotlight Community Theatre group will take the stage this weekend and perform “Disney High School Musical Jr.”
The show will be held Friday through Sunday at Hillsboro High School, 123 Leon Hall Parkway. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $15 and may be purchased at spotlightjeffco.ludus.com or at the door.
Spotlight’s founder and executive director, Courtney Wisely, said the youthful cast looks forward to taking the stage for “Disney High School Musical Jr.”
“They are ready to go,” she said. “They’re excited.”
She said the musical is for all ages.
Wiseley said the plot starts on the first day back to school after winter break when Troy, the basketball team captain, and Gabriella, a brainiac, decide to audition for the high school’s musical.
Jaclyn Brown of Hillsboro directs the show, while Amy Smith of Arnold serves as music director, and Linda Potter of De Soto, Mary McNamara of Crystal City and Stella Umfleet of Hillsboro are stage managers.
“‘Disney High School Musical Jr.’ is a favorite of mine because of the fun songs and an important message,” Brown said. “During a time when our communities feel divided, it is important to remember we can set aside our differences and respect all individuals for who they are.”
The cast consists of Ryan Russell of Arnold; Blane Johnson and Peyton Hegel, both of Barnhart; Novella Puzzo and O Silva-Noah, both of Crystal City; Hayden Hasty, Lacey Reed, Laura Morton, Marshall Bedell, Morgan Suedkamp, Owen Potter and Tyler Potter, all of De Soto; Clara Kutrip of Dittmer; Brayden Siefert, Kailynne Brooks, Naomi Shemwell, Noelle Donathan and Teulia Adam, all of Festus; Carly Rowden of Herculaneum; AJ Brown, Alex Hott, Brendan Smith-Hynes, Brock Day, Cyrus Johnson, Ellie Ferris, Jadon Read, Lillia Tucker and Olivia Carroll, all of Hillsboro; Ava Sarver of House Springs; Trinen Williams of Pevely; and Abigail Post of St. Louis.
“This production has exceptionally talented teens from all different backgrounds from throughout Jefferson County,” Smith said. “‘Disney High School Musical Jr.’ will transport the audience back to their high school days filled with school spirit and friendship.”
Spotlight, a nonprofit acting troupe founded in 2022, provides opportunities for people of all ages from Jefferson County and beyond to take part in musicals and other productions, both onstage and behind the scenes.