‘It just brings people together’: Pioneer Valley Regional School to present Disney’s ‘High School Musical’

Pioneer Valley Regional School students will bring a Disney classic to life this month with a production of “High School Musical,” running March 27 through March 29. Although the cast and crew were born years after the film’s 2006 debut, they are excited to channel a shared sense of nostalgia to stage the high-energy performance in the school auditorium.

“It’s just such a great way to bring a lot of different people together. Disney musicals, I feel, appeal to a lot of people,” said freshman Gunnar Tyminski, who plays Ryan Evans in the show. “It’s also such a fun musical to be part of.”

High School Musical tells the tale of two high school students from different worlds, jock Troy Bolton (played by freshman Sophia Wood) and nerd Gabriella Montez (played by sophomore Amelia Hescock), who don’t “stick to the status quo,” and break expectations by auditioning for their school’s spring musical.

“It’s a very nostalgic show and it kind of bridges a lot of gaps,” Director Danika Tyminski said. “It just brings people together.”

Danika Tyminski said students have been working hard learning the lyrics and choreography, and now, with a few weeks left until the show, they are working on blocking and putting all these pieces together.

“Students have been focusing on choreography up until now, and now we’re in the blocking stages with a really hard-worked, dedicated group,” Danika Tyminski said.

Much like the character Ryan Evans, Gunnar Tyminski is passionate about dance. In addition to his acting role, he serves as the primary student choreographer. He has been developing the show’s dances alongside Sophia Wood and his sister, Jacobia Tyminski, a senior who portrays Sharpay Evans.

“Whenever I’m doing the choreo, I try to take in the different characters, and how they would be moving on stage, but also make it so they are dancing,” Gunnar said.

Danika Tyminski, mother to both Jacobia and Gunnar, said her son has been dancing since he was 5. Gunnar also dances at the JaDuke Center for the Performing Arts, which has provided him with the training and skills to choreograph the show.

“I’m doing three hours of dance almost every school night,” he said. “That’s a lot, but it’s what I’m super passionate about.”

Gunnar said his favorite moment is the scene where Gabriella is looking at the bulletin board and Sharpay dramatically signs the paper. He is also excited about the dance numbers, particularly “Stick to the Status Quo.” The scene features students leaping onto cafeteria tables, dancing while pleading with Troy and Gabriella to remain in their respective social circles rather than branching out.

He added that he’s honored and excited to have one of the lead roles as a freshman.

“Theater is my passion; I really do put my heart and soul into it,” Gunnar said. “I’m super grateful for the opportunities I’m given.”

Danika Tyminski said the musical features students across all grades 7-12, and students in the high school set design class are building the set for the show, which will include classrooms with whiteboards, hallways with lockers and a cafeteria complete with a table to dance on.

She added that Pioneer’s production of “High School Musical” will be as true to the original as possible, with one major change: Troy Bolton will be played by a girl. Music Theater International, which licenses the script for High School Musical, does not allow changes, so they cannot change the character to be a girl, but Wood, who is a strong performer, did not mind playing a male role.

“Sophia’s audition left the casting team in awe. She was clearly the best person for the role,” Tyminski said. “She was aware of MTI’s contractual rules and was not bothered by playing a male role.” 

In addition to Wood, Hescock and the Tyminskis, other students in lead roles in the show include Oliver Heydenreich as Chad Danforth, Nia Barton as Taylor McKessie and Kallie Kratz as Kelsi Nielsen.

Evening performances are scheduled for Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 at 7 p.m., followed by a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 29. Tickets for the event, held at 97 F Sumner Turner Drive, are available for $15 for adults and $10 for students. Admission for seniors and children under 8 is $5.

Danika Tyminski said that, additionally, the school is partnering with the Kiwanis club to provide a “dinner and a show” discount. Those who attend the Kiwanis Club chicken pot pie dinner on March 28, and bring their Kiwanis ticket to the school will be admitted to the show for free.

The dinner will be from 5-6:30 p.m. at the United Church of Bernardston, located at 58 Church St. Dinners are $15 for adults and $5 for children.

“The money that’s raised is going to pay for middle school field trips, and we’re doing a deal where it’s like dinner and a show,” Tyminski said. “So if people go to the Kiwanis dinner and they bring their ticket, they’ll get a free ticket to the show. It’s a fun way to support the middle school and support us.”

For more information, visit pvrsdk12.org.