‘High School Musical 2’ comes to So. Amboy

Two different casts will perform July 17-19 and July 24-26

BY JACQUELINE DURETT Correspondent

ED WOJTASZEK Performers Evan Ruggiero (l-r) as Ryan; Maggie Bera as Gabriella; Greg Gorenc as Troy; and Kelliann DeCarlo as Sharpay star in one of the casts of "High School Musical 2." ED WOJTASZEK Performers Evan Ruggiero (l-r) as Ryan; Maggie Bera as Gabriella; Greg Gorenc as Troy; and Kelliann DeCarlo as Sharpay star in one of the casts of “High School Musical 2.” SOUTH AMBOY — Putting on one production at one time is a challenge Wilfredo Hernandez has met over and over.

For Disney’s “High School Musical 2” however, Hernandez set the bar higher for himself: the producer and director is putting on this show with two completely different casts.

“It’s a juggling act,” Hernandez said, adding that the show’s younger cast (thirdthrough eighth-graders) will perform as the Youth Company; the older cast members (ages 13-22) comprise the Repertory Company. “[It’s] something unique that we do.”

Part of the reason Hernandez decided to have two casts was the amount of people who tried out for the original “High School Musical” in the spring of 2007. “We had over 215 kids audition for that first production,” Hernandez said. This setup allowed for 56 performers to participate (plus a 30- man crew) and for more actors to take on principal roles.

The result is two completely different interpretations of the same material, Hernandez said, adding that while the younger cast is more “free” and “open to making fun of themselves on stage,” the older group has dealt with some of the same issues presented in the show and is able to channel that on stage.

However, the two casts have had plenty of interaction during the rehearsal process. “It’s a really great synergy that happens,” Hernandez said.

“We learn from them; they learn from us,” said Evan Ruggiero of working with the younger cast. Ruggiero is a 19-year-old from Old Bridge who plays Ryan in the show.

Regarding the talent in both shows, Hernandez said, “I’m still floored. They literally blow me away every time they perform.”

“HSM 2” continues the story of Disney’s “High School Musical.” Both were very successful Disney movies about a group of teens at East High School. The first television movie revolved around a teenage couple and their school’s theater production. Hernandez likens the plot of “HSM” to a modern-day “Grease.”

The second television movie, however, takes place during the summer at country club Lava Springs. Ryan’s sister, antagonist Sharpay, facilitates her classmates securing jobs at the establishment. The central theme of the second movie, Hernandez said, is having the courage to be yourself. “It sends such a great message,” he said.

In addition, the music, Hernandez added, “is just phenomenal.” One of the show’s signature songs, he said, is called “All for One,” which he said can reach audience members of all ages, reminding them that “we literally are all in this together.”

Hernandez said he and his family also are in this together, adding that his parents and brothers have integral roles behind the

scenes.

As for the stars on the stage, Ruggiero, for his part, said that “HSM 2” is a chance to break away from the typical leading-man roles he gets. “I’m really enjoying Ryan more. It’s one of my favorite roles.”

Kaleigh DeLucca, also 19, of South Amboy plays Kelsi. However, DeLucca has also played Sharpay in the past. “It’s really fun playing the evil role,” she said. However, Kelsi, she said, is much more in line with her personality.

Both actors spoke very highly of Hernandez. “He’s very passionate about his work,” Ruggiero said. “He’s a great director. He makes you find ways to achieve your goal.”

“You don’t find that a lot these days,” DeLucca added.

Both also said they’re excited for opening night. “Opening night is going to be good. It’s going to be fun,” Ruggiero said, saying he does feel some competition with the younger cast. “We’re going to bring it.”

“It’s just amazing how it comes together,” DeLucca said.

Hernandez, for his part, is ready to give the actors the reins. “I can’t wait,” he said, “to just sit down and watch the show.”

“High School Musical 2” will run at the South Amboy Middle High School Theatre in South Amboy. Repertory Company performances will run the first weekend of the show — at 8 p.m. July 17 and 18 and at 2 p.m. July 19. The Youth Company takes the stage the following weekend at 8 p.m. July 24 and 25 and at 2 p.m. July 26. For tickets or more information, call 732-910-7006 or visit www.triplehproductions.org.

Next up for Hernandez is the fall launch of a new actor’s studio in South Amboy. “What I really hope to do is,” he said, “build an ensemble of artists.” The Triple H Broadway Academy of Performing Arts is slated for an October opening, he said, adding the city has really rallied around all of his projects. “Hopefully,” he said, “the community supports it.”