Theatre Workshop of Owensboro will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Disney’s “High School Musical” this week with a production that invites audiences to sing along and, for one performance, experience the show in a sensory-friendly environment.
Performances are scheduled for June 25-27 at 7 p.m. and June 28 at 2 p.m. at the Empress Theatre, 418 Frederica Street. The Friday and Saturday performances will be presented as sing-alongs, with audience members encouraged to join in on the familiar songs from the Disney hit.
The production features a cast of 20 middle and high school students from across the tri-state, with some traveling more than an hour to participate.
Director Karen Feldhaus said the musical was chosen after hearing from students who had long hoped to perform it.
“I’ve heard from many students that they loved this musical,” Feldhaus said. “I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for our youth and our community. It’s a great message about teamwork and accepting one another.”
Audiences can expect a production centered on friendship, teamwork, and embracing differences.
“We are celebrating 20 years of the Disney movie,” Feldhaus said. “Audiences can expect to tap along to the familiar songs and watch young people accept each other’s differences.”
Parents have also volunteered to decorate the theater lobby like a school pep rally, creating an immersive atmosphere for attendees.
In addition to the traditional performances, the production will include a sensory-friendly show in partnership with Puzzle Pieces. Feldhaus said the connection was personal, as her son attends Puzzle Pieces, while several members of the production staff also have ties to the organization.
“My son attends Puzzle Pieces, and he loves the summer activities Blaire plans,” Feldhaus said. “Beyond that, I want to provide an opportunity for all audiences to experience the joy of live theatre in an environment which is comfortable for them.”
During the sensory-friendly performance, lighting and sound levels will be reduced, and audience members will be welcome to move around or vocalize without fear of judgment.
“Our sensory-friendly production will use minimal lighting, sound will be lower, guests will be afforded the opportunity to move about and speak out without any fear of judgment,” she said. “I know my own son is looking forward to it. We cannot wait to share this with them.”
Feldhaus said she has also enjoyed working alongside her production team, which includes Assistant Director Elliott Talkington, choreographer Seanna Haynes, stage manager Kate Mills, and music director Rebecca Volk — all former students of hers.
“All of the production staff are former students of mine,” she said. “I’m delighted to share this experience with them. They have been wonderful to work with. Our working relationships are the epitome of ‘We are all in this together.’”
She said the cast has spent months preparing for the performances and believes audiences will enjoy the unique experience.
“They’ve worked very hard to stage the production, and it’s going to be an enjoyable time,” Feldhaus said. “People do not want to miss this unique experience.”
Tickets are available through the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro box office by calling 270-683-5333 or by visiting theatreworkshop.org/tickets.
