DHS High School Musical has something for old and new fans

~ theraiderpress

By Vincent Trinh ’25

On March 7 and 8, DHS will be adapting the cult-classic High School Musical with its High School Musical Junior production. This will be the second theatrical production tackled by DHS, following last year’s hit Aladdin. High School Musical is a 2006 Disney movie that follows the tantalizing drama and romance between two feuding cliques, the Brainiacs and Jocks. Most teenagers and millennials reminisce fondly on the iconic soundtrack and story that still impacts high school movies today. The impact that High School Musical has had on modern teen culture cannot be understated, which is why Derby High School has decided to adapt it. For new and returning fans, there is much to love about the DHS production.


Returning tracks and one new:

Photo By Vincent Trinh ’25: The HSM cast performs the brand-new song “Counting on You” at rehearsals.

High School Musical, among other things, has become synonymous with its infectiously catchy and iconic soundtrack. Who can forget tracks like, “Stick to the Status Quo” or “We’re All in This Together?” I fell in love with this trilogy from the moment I heard “Stick to the Status Quo” for the first time as a 9 or 10-year-old. I find myself feeling a rush of nostalgia with the returning tracks for the DHS production. Along with the two mentioned, other returning songs will be: “Start of Something New,” “Getcha Head in the Game,” “What I’ve Been Looking For,” “Bop to the Top,” and last but not least, “Breaking Free.” Old and new fans will also be happy to find out that there will be a new song not found in the original film. “Counting On You” will be a song exclusive to the play. The song will be a reimagining of the scene that takes place in both the gym locker room and the science lab in the movie. Similar to the movie, this song is placed towards the climax of the plot. It is one of my personal favorites, even when stacked against the returning tracks.

New moves:

Photo by Kayla Adams ’25: The HSM cast performs “Stick to the Status Quo.” Martha Cox (played by Clayton Garrett) dramatically throws a textbook and sends it flying off the stage.

High School Musical is also well-known for its inventive and naturalistic choreography that accompanies the soundtrack. Each dance fit perfectly and embodied the intricacies of its realistic high school setting. Many moments in the original film see the dancers using either setting or theme to elevate moments of emotion. An example of this is in “Stick to the Status Quo,” where background dancers made clever use of the cafeteria setting, waving red lunch trays and standing on lunch tables. Being true to the source material, the DHS production will retain the identity of these scenes. However, you will find that the approach to these songs is different from the film. The choreography of the DHS production offers a new theatrical flare to fan-favorite moves. What this means is that the DHS production will use a method that plays less on realism and more on the themes and tones of the story overall. While the original film certainly does this, the DHS production will put more emphasis and detail into it.

Character developments:

Photo by Kayla Adams ’25: The members of the two cliques, jocks and brainiacs, group together to sing “We’re All in This Together.”

There is wonderful news for all long-time Zeke fans! The DHS production will be giving more minor characters like Zeke and Chad more character development and fleshed-out details than the trilogy ever explored. Be ready to see new sides of our beloved characters, as all side characters are given more time in the spotlight! Unfortunately, arguably the best character of the trilogy, Jason, will not be in the DHS production of High School Musical. Jason was the iconic, down-to-earth, comedic relief character who made us roll our eyes while smiling profusely. Don’t lose hope; this gap will be filled with the all-new character Jack Scott! Jack Scott is the overenthusiastic announcer of East High and is oozing with personality. I am sure that even older fans of High School Musical will welcome his charm along with our classic cast.

Photo by Kayla Adams ’25: Director Nick Ruel encourages the HSM cast to sing “With more energy, damnit!”


In a world where adaptations of popular movies are a mixed bag, DHS will deliver. This production will offer a soundtrack that respects High School Musical’s legacy in high school films and a new song in its spirit. The choreography has new moves that breathe innovation and creativity with the right vibes. We will also be seeing a shifted focus away from the protagonists towards the lesser-spoken characters. After Aladdin last year, we are all looking forward to seeing what the DHS Theater has in store!