'High School Musical 2 JR’ show for all ages April 11-12 in Northbrook

For a high-energy show packed with friendship, big personalities and a little bit of summer chaos, come watch “High School Musical 2 JR.” offered by the Northbrook Park District.

The hourlong production by Northbrook Theatre Youth Company is the exciting stage adaptation of the hit 2007 Disney movie by the same name.

Performances will be on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Field Middle School, 2055 Landwehr Road in Northbrook. (Performances have been temporarily moved due to the construction of the Northbrook Community Center, which will reopen in time for summer).

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at nbparks.org/event/high-school-musical-2-jr.

The plot centers around a crew of high schoolers getting summer jobs at the ritzy Lava Springs Country Club, where adventures take place between a mean boss, a high-stress talent show, and friendship highs and lows.

The show is performed by 81 actors divided into three casts ranging from 8 to 13 years old.

“It’s very fast-paced,” said Frederick Reynolds, 11, who plays Troy, one of the main characters. “There’s a lot of ups and downs in the show — something exciting happens, then something bad happens, then something exciting and then something bad… It ends in a good ending, with everyone forgiving what they did.”

The cast has been working hard to put on a great show, and audiences will enjoy a great performance while bopping to catchy music, Northbrook Park District Performing Arts Supervisor Melody DeRogatis said.

“It’s so inspiring seeing how hard these kids work in rehearsal every week. They take themselves seriously, they’re dedicated and hard-working — but they never forget to have fun, either,” DeRogatis said. “All of that hard work is going to pay off for their opening performance!”

Sixth-grader Elston Silverberg, who plays the role of Gabriella, discovered her passion for acting three years ago, after watching a Northbrook Theatre Youth Company production of “Moana Jr.”

“I loved the lights, I loved the costumes and I wanted to try out for a play,” she said. “Fourteen shows later, here I am! I have done it mainly at Northbrook Theatre, but also at school and camp.”

The Northbrook Park District “provides a very kind and caring environment for the actors,” said 13-old Lila Reichart, who plays the role of Sharpay.

“It’s always really fun to do shows there because they do so well with everything — the choreography, the music and the blocking, which is the stage direction and learning cues.”

Acting has increased her confidence, Lila said.

“On stage you don’t have to worry about being judged because you’re just playing a character, but it teaches you to be confident in real life too,” she said.

Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.