CVHS drama teacher, Jeni Eskridge, has done it again! “Famous II: Not Your Average High School Musical” has taken CVHS students talents to another level. The show is about students at the fictitious Performing Arts High School (PA High School) trying to “Stick to the Status Quo” of keeping the “techies” and “performers” separated.
The drama really stirs up when a backstage hand, Sa’Veon, falls in love with a conceited performer, Maria; the excellent performer, Jessika, who reveals her secret yearning to be behind the lights instead of in front if them; and the techie, Billy, who wants the opposite of Jessika. Also, the geek, Brian, who no one likes, is trying to find his purpose in life. In the end, it all pulls together. Everyone breaks out of their cliques and gets involved with something else, and Brian finds his purpose as an inspirational speaker.
“‘Famous’ was such a success, and the kids wanted to do it again,” said Drama teacher and director, Jeni Eskridge.
“Famous II” opened Friday, March 7 and played through March 16 in conjunction with “Nunsense,” which was directed by Mr. Bob Reinhagen. “Famous II” previewed four songs from Disney’s High School Musical, four songs from Tony award winning Broadway musical Avenue Q and the song “Popular” from the Tony award winning show Wicked.
There were some returning cast members from last year’s “Famous” and lots of new rising stars including Gabriel Benavides, Mary Rangel, and Jessika Pollard, just to name a few. Some of last year’s “Famous” tech crew has also joined the cast.
Gabriel Benevides, a senior, played Brian. “My character was geeky, funny, nice, always trying to be positive, and always trying to help others.” Gabriel has been in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Oliver,” “School House Rock,” and three years of “A Salute to the Troops.” “I am currently involved in ASB, Show Choir, Chorus Club, Drama Club (President), Rachel‘s Challenge, and Gavel Club.” Gabriel plans to pursue a performing career and hopes to make it big on Broadway.
Drama senior Chantal Ignacio was also in the show. She played Maria/Gabriella. “Hanging out with the cast and being able to perform for people” is what she most enjoyed about “Famous II.” Do you regret not singing a lot in the show? “No, it was okay with me. As long as I had a role, it was all good.” Chantal denies being a High School Musical freak. “I sing the songs and watch the movies and stuff, but I’m not a freak. I love Zac Efron though.” What do you plan to do after high school? “I plan on working and going to college to become an English teacher or guidance counselor.”
Sophomore Patricia Carrillo portrayed Patti. She came off to some of the cast as a show-off, but once they got to know her, she was a sweet, innocent, little girl who loves to shine. “The challenge I faced to prepare for my role was to be full out and not to be embarrassed. Also to feel and act like I am actually new to the school because in real life I have never been in that situation.” Patty has been in other shows such as “School House Rock, Live!” and has done many performances with the CVHS Show Choir.
Another member of the “Famous II” cast was sophomore, Omar Sanchez. “I am Omar in the beginning of Act I and attended auditions for the musical and made the part of Troy.” Omar has done acting and singing before, but has not put them together. “It [Famous II] is my first show, it has been a good experience. Not only did I have fun doing it, but I met a lot of new people.” Omar is also on the CVHS Dance Team.
A musical has the main performers, minor performers, backstage hands (tech crew), music director and music arranger, make-up crew, lighting crew, sound crew, and one more thing, the ensemble! Max Rodriguez is a member of the ensemble for “Famous II.” “Famous II is my first high school show, but I was in the “Nutcracker” in fifth grade.” Max, a sophomore, is a member of the Catch The Dream program, K2S Bible Studies Club, the Dance Team and the swimming team.