It may be called “High School Musical Junior,” but it’s actually a group of talented middle school students that will be singing and dancing in a few weeks. Wantagh Middle School’s Drama Club will be performing the show based on the 2006 Disney Channel movie from Feb. 28-March 2.

This year’s leads are Joseph Leone as Troy Bolton, Emily McHale as Gabriella Montez, Giada Petrillo as Sharpay Evans, Lucas Iacona as Chad Danforth, Luke Rose as Ryan Evans and Diana Goncalves as Taylor McKessie. The total cast includes 47 sixth, seventh and eighth graders, in addition to crew members.

Director Kristin Fragola said that “High School Musical” has a great message. Its themes include self-acceptance, friendship and following your dreams, and it also emphasizes the importance of all activities within a school community. Every student contributes to bettering their school, she said, regardless of what they join. 

Ms. Fragola added that she picked “High School Musical” for the 2025 show because “the students know it very well, and that makes it fun for them.”

The students are definitely excited for the show. Emily, an eighth grader in her third middle school show and with experience in the local St. Frances Theatre Group, said everyone in the cast has been putting in a lot of effort to make the show a success. She described her character, Gabriella, as a new student who is a little nerdy and trying to find her place in the school. 

Seventh grader Joseph Leone is playing Troy, the role popularized by Zac Efron. This is his second middle school show and also was in “Seussical” at Wantagh Elementary School. He said the audience for “High School Musical” will love the great vocals and dynamic group dances.

“It’s very upbeat,” he said. “There’s a lot of depth to the show and a lot of funny characters.”

Ms. Fragola is supported by director and choreographer Dr. Kimberly Davis, vocal director Sameerah Cassidy and several high school drama students. Show times are Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 1 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 2 at 1 p.m. in the Wantagh High School auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors, and can be purchased at seatyourself.biz/wantaghms.