No matter your age, you’re invited to step into the halls of East High School, courtesy of the Candlelight. Only at Colorado’s premier dinner theater can you experience the nostalgia, the unforgettable bops, the cliques, and most importantly – the fun that awaits at the Candlelight’s latest musical production – Disney’s High School Musical On Stage! Come behind the scenes of the show with us as we talk to the talented team that’s transporting audiences to high school, complete with all the laughs, drama, and unforgettable moments.
In the spirit of the formative years that shape us into who we are meant to become, the team behind High School Musical On Stage is comprised of both mentors and mentees. Among the versatile women at the Candlelight is Jalyn Webb, who wears many hats including sales and marketing director, music director, and now, “music mentor.”
“We decided that this year would be our year of mentorship in several departments – with directors, with choreographers, with music directors,” Webb explains. Under Webb’s wing is Mason Siders, who has been a musician at the Candlelight and is now taking on his first creative role as associate music director.
Together Webb and Siders combine their extensive talents and experience in theater to create an energetic musical production that will have you singing along and dancing in your seat. Webb highlights the universal appeal of High School Musical, noting its ability to resonate across generations and age groups.
“What is interesting about High School Musical and the experience of high school is that you have either lived it and experienced it or you're dying to get there,” Webb said.
Director and choreographer, Carrie Colton, shares her directorial responsibilities with associate director, Chas Lederer, forming a duo who play to each other's strengths, while striving towards the common goal of simply delivering an outstanding show. As an actor himself, Lederer is no stranger to the stage but is relatively new to directing.
“It never felt like one of us was doing something, but like we were both doing separate things at the same time to do the same thing.” Colton says of their collaborative efforts.
With Colton’s experience as a choreographer and Lederer’s background as a seasoned thespian, their directing partnership developed organically. Their lack of ego and shared goal of creating a great show allowed them to collaborate effectively. Colton took charge of the complex dance numbers, while Lederer focused on story-driven and acting-centric scenes. Colton praises Lederer, saying, “It’s easy to teach someone who is eager to learn.” These lessons will undoubtedly be invaluable as Lederer continues to direct in the future.
Together these dynamic duos have created a show with something for all ages. As Lederer puts it, “This show is going to leave you happier than you walked in. You're going to leave thinking about your own experiences as a high schooler – the people that you miss, the people that you loved, and the people that made you, you in that moment. We're going to tap into the nostalgia and bring a new generation.”
In addition to the iconic songs from the film version of High School Musical, this stage adaptation features even more music and impeccably choreographed numbers that are sure to get everyone dancing. Fans of the movie will recognize beloved elements, while newcomers will be captivated by the story, brimming with musical performances and the signature campy humor the film is known for. In short, it’s just plain fun for kids of all ages, even those of us who are kids at heart.
Whether you are, were, or aspire to be a brainiac, athlete, skater dude, drama geek, or a unique blend of all the cliques, there's a place for you at East High's cafeteria table! Join us at the Candlelight for a night of nostalgia, songs, drama, and comedy. Even if you’ve seen the movie, as Lederer promises, “Everybody knows High School Musical, but they don’t know High School Musical like this. You’re going to have a great time.”
“Everybody knows High School Musical, but they don’t know High School Musical like this." - Chas Lederer