Filmed version of Pine-Richland's spring musical being livestreamed; show receives 3 Kelly nominations

Working through the pandemic restrictions to rehearse for their spring musical was no cakewalk across the stage for the theater students at Pine-Richland High School.

But as the saying goes, the show must go on.

Following strict covid-19 pandemic safety protocols, the actors and crew spent the past three months rehearsing for the stage adaptation of Disney’s High School Musical, which was filmed and edited over the course of several weeks.

“I won’t lie, it was difficult not being able to see all of my friends who have different roles,” said junior Maggie Allwein, who portrays the character Gabriella Montez in the show.

“We were split into pods which had us be with the same people for every rehearsal. Although this was different, I got closer to people I normally would not have and for that, I’m super grateful,” she said.

The production resulted in three nominations for the Gene Kelly Awards.

Cast member Logan Krushinski, who is a junior was nominated in the Best Actor category. Junior Katarina Hudok was nominated for Best Supporting Actress and senior Victor Williams was nominated for Best Supporting Actor.

The Gene Kelly Awards ceremony will be livestreamed May 29 at 7:30 p.m. The awards were established in 1991 in honor of actor and dancer Gene Kelly, who was born in East Liberty and attended Pitt. He is best known for the films Singin’ In the Rain, Brigadoon and An American in Paris.

High School Musical tells the story of two high school juniors — Troy Bolton, played by Krushinski, and Gabriella Montez, portrayed by Allwein.

Troy is captain of the East High Wildcats basketball team and Gabriella is a shy new student on the Scholastic Decathlon team.

Together, the unlikely theater duo tries out for the lead parts in their high school musical, which causes division among some of their friends and other cast members.

“This is an upbeat and spirited show about friendship, first love and breaking out of stereotypical high school social groups,” said Director Sarah McGraw. “It’s full of energy and humor, and it also serves as an inspiration to other kids to not worry about sticking to the status quo.”

To capture the show on film, senior Hailey Rihn, who is an aspiring filmmaker, volunteered to record and edit the entire musical to create a movie version.

She used a computer and a series cameras and lenses mounted on tripods to record scenes around Pine-Richland High School, which was transformed into East High by crew members.

“I think the viewers will see how much fun this was to be a part of,” said Allwein. “I never thought I would have the chance to sing and dance on my school’s cafeteria tables but this gave me the opportunity to do that. Our energy will definitely radiate to the audience, making it just as exciting to watch as it was to film.”

Filming the show allowed Rihn do things that are difficult during live performances, such as special effects and the ability to focus on a particular character or element.

“I am excited to share everything that I have learned myself while still getting to be around my fellow cast and crewmates one last time to make a show that we can all look back on one day,” she said.

The show will be available to view from June 4-6. Tickets will be available online beginning May 21. The cost is $20 per family.

The show’s producer said overcoming challenges to pull a show together during the pandemic was worth it.

“Watching these kids for months working so hard to stay safe and still perform at their absolute best has been heartwarming,” said Producer Kathy Morrissey.

“We were all in uncharted waters, and every day was a new challenge for the students and staff. And they all came together to create such an amazing performance of a family-friendly show that so many people love.”