Pillow Academy’s senior play will be a presentation of “High School Musical” with a Mustang twist.
The script has been modified to make the musical more about Pillow, such as changing the names of teachers and adding other references to the school. Characters have also been added to make sure members of the class who wanted lines were able to perform on stage.
“We’ve made it very personal for this class, so it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Shannon Melton, who is directing the musical.
The senior class will present “High School Musical” at Pillow’s Craig Performing Arts Center. The show opens at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 24. Another performance will be held Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 each and will be available at the door.
“The parents really have not seen this group of kids on stage singing since the fifth grade. That’s the last time most of them have been on stage,” Melton said.
Senior plays are a tradition at the school. Melton directed a production of “Grease” in 2021 with her niece, Anne Craig Melton, performing. This year, she has returned to the role of director with her daughter, Ainsley Melton, acting as Gabriella.
She will share the role of Gabriella with another student, Story Jacobson. They will split the performances each night, with Melton doing one act and Jacobson doing another. It will be swapped for the next performance.
Jacobson said she has always enjoyed being on stage and performing. She said the class has worked hard.
“I’m really looking forward to the play fully coming together, because we’re getting into that part of practice where we’re really starting to see the vision of what this play is supposed to look like,” she said. “I’m really excited to see the finished product.”
The director said she has planned for the class of 2026 to perform “High School Musical.”
She remembers Connie Black, who was the class’ elementary music teacher, being impressed by their performance in the fifth grade play, which was also a musical.
“Everyone saw how much fun they had up there, singing and dancing, and so that is kind of why I always had it in mind,” Melton said. “We’ve got a lot of kids that are willing to put themselves out there and enjoy having fun together.”
Musicals, especially upbeat ones, bring a lot of freedom for the students, she said. Those who might be hesitant to get on stage often have a great time during rehearsals and at the productions.
“I just don’t think anything bonds a class together more than a musical,” she said.
The entire class of 63 students is participating, either on stage or in the background. Melton said the students have worked hard since returning from Christmas break.
“It’s going to be a really fun show. They’re doing great. They’re a talented group, so it’s going to really surprise everybody,” she said.
“I’m sure we will have our little ups and downs during the performances, but that just adds to the hilarity of it,” said Melton, who has stressed to the students that senior plays are meant to be fun.
Wynn Hardin, who was cast as Troy, said he has been busy memorizing his lines and rehearsing.
“It’s a lot of responsibility, but I feel like I’m getting there,” he said. “It’s been fun. It really has, and I didn’t think it was going to be this fun.”
Clayton Goss, who will perform as Ryan, said it will be his first time performing in front of a big crowd on stage. He is excited about the opportunity.
“I was nervous before we started this, but once we got all of our lines together and started bonding as a class, I think it’s been pretty fun. I’ve enjoyed coming to practice, learning my lines and dancing,” Goss said.
The lead characters are:
- Troy Bolton played by Wynn Hardin
- Gabriella Montez played jointly each night by Story Jacobson and Ainsley Melton
- Sharpay Evans played by Mari Parker Makamson
- Ryan Evans played by Clayton Goss
Other characters include:
- Chad Danforth played by Aiden Valente
- Taylor McKessie played by Emma Kate Ainsworth
- Kelsi Nielson played by Camryn Joiner
- Zeke Baylor played by Benz Porter
- Coach Bolton played by Walker Goldberg
- Mrs. Darbus played by Ann Rogers Crowder
Melton said a group of characters have been added to the posse of Ryan and Sharpay Evans called “The Clicks.” They are played by James Thomas Mattox, Jamie Elise Shake, Macy Lamb and Sara Michael Lary.
Charlie Kimmel is another highlight of the show, Melton said. He plays a character named Jack Scott, who makes school announcements. Kimmel is able to showcase his talents as a singer and saxophone player.
Melton said her student director, Emma Rice, has helped with the creative side of the show and has been communicating with students. Her co-director, Christi Carroll, has helped with the past three senior plays and has been an invaluable resource, she said.
The senior play committee co-chair, Courtney Kimmel, has also been helpful.
“And Shawn Hodges has created a brilliant set design,” Melton said. “It takes a village to pull off a senior play!”
- Contact Taylor Thompson at 662-581-7239 or tthompson@gwcommonwealth.com.
