Crash course

A little spontaneity can often add a spark to a theatrical production.

That's the idea behind the latest show from Park Theatre Group and Dream Reality Group. Overseen by Logan Taylor, well-known locally for his highly polished and thoroughly rehearsed productions, "Disney's High School Musical 2 Jr." promises to offer a different, fun and possibly hilarious exercise in improv and working as a team for the talented cast.

The musical will be presented at the Park Theater Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. following only one week of rehearsals. While most local productions involve months of work, the decision to put on a musical in a week was made with the intention of allowing the young actors some freedom to enjoy the process and not stress about being "perfect." Bloopers are possible and the actors and audience are encouraged to roll with them and embrace the spontaneity.

The show, which runs approximately one hour, is based on the popular Disney sequel and follows the East High Wildcats as they celebrate summer at the Lava Springs Country Club. Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and the rest of the gang begin to enter the working world and navigate summer romances.

"The idea behind a 'show in a week' is really about the team building and improv skills it takes to put on a show in such a short amount of time," Taylor said. "It’s certainly a 'bloopers-friendly' production and the kids will be leaning into the rapid prep of it all.

"I’m overseeing this process but not necessarily directing the show. The kids and team will all work together to put it on, so it should be a fun, interesting experience for the audience and cast. Although it won’t be anything like our normal main stage shows, it will be great for a laugh and some feel-good nostalgia from the early 2000s."

The novel experience is testing the actors in new ways, something Park Theatre Group President Kristy Cook is excited to see play out in front of Park Theater audiences later this week.

"I want to say how impressed I am with this group of kids and how they are committing to making this improv show a success," Cook said. "They have really embraced the idea of spontaneity and, although it makes them feel a little nervous flying by the seat of their pants, they are having a blast. We hope the audience will also. The kids are doing fabulous."

The cast consists of Violette Hardin as Gabriella Montez, Connor Cook as Troy Bolton, Kenzie Bruce as Sharpay Evans, Aiden Harris as Ryan Evans, Noah Kelly as Chad Danforth, Yenlys Lopez-Ramos as Taylor McKessie, Walker Beaty as Zeke Baylor, Sophia Flores as Martha Cox, Jorday Cook as Kelsi Nielsen, Colin Totherow as Jack Scott and Aaden Long as Mr. Fulton. Making up the ensemble are Bella Campbell, Jaedyn Heintz, Amberly Soto, Ella Curtis, Kelsi Caten and Scarlett Caten.

Tickets are $10 plus tax for students and $15 plus tax for adults. They are available at the Park Theater website, the Park box office or at the door prior to the show.