News Release: AHS MUSICAL RESCHEDULED

The Show Will Go On

By Tracie Schardein

Knowing “we’re all in this together,” local High School Musical fans will understand the postponement of Abilene High School’s musical.  The AHS performances of the Disney Channel’s popular movie was originally scheduled for next week, but real-life medical drama intervened.  A ruptured spleen following an injury in Monday’s AHS football game resulted in emergency surgery for sophomore cast member Dauson Whiteley.  Dauson, who was cast in the high-energy-lots-of-dancing role of Zeke, was not the only Whiteley who was sidelined; Dauson’s mom and AHS teacher and musical director, Danette Whiteley’s, main role changed to caretaker.

Practice Makes Perfect

Due to uncertainty of the availability of both Whiteleys during Dauson’s hospital stay, the decision was made to postpone the musical. Rescheduled performance dates are:  Thursday, November 20 at 7:00; Saturday, November 22 at 7:00, and Sunday, November 23 at 3:00. 

The delayed performance schedule will provide needed time and flexibility for the

cast and crew as they work through any changes that will be needed. The students have been rehearsing lines and dance moves since September. AHS alum and Wichita State University student Melissa Ford choreographed the show.

"There’s a lot of dancing in this show. Melissa has done a great job working with the kids. I knew that we would need someone young and energetic to do some of the stuff that the show would need, so I just figured that she would be a perfect fit for it,” explained Whiteley.

Whiteley praised both veteran actor Jordan Luty, senior, in his role as Ryan, and stage newcomer, Madison Roth, junior, in her lead role of Gabriella.

According to junior Mary Graefe ,who plays the role of Sharpay, audience members will get to hear new songs, along with old favorites. “There’s new songs in it, so there’s stuff you haven’t heard before. It’s just a really fun time and you should come see it,” said Graefe.

Tickets Will Not Be Reprinted

Reserved tickets can be purchased for $8.00 at the high school office or Dr. Jeff Luty’s office at 1000 N. Brown.  For those who had purchased tickets for the original show dates, “corresponding tickets” will be offered, according to a letter sent out by the high school administration.  Original tickets will correspond with the new performance dates for the same day of the week.  For example, tickets for Thursday, November 6, may be used for the new Thursday, November 20 show.  If the new date does not work, the ticket can be exchanged to a new date.  If none of the dates work, the tickets can be returned for a refund.

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