Mary Joe Duggan has been performing since she was 12 years old, while Rachel MacIsaac started when she was just 3.
Both are bringing their acting, dancing and singing skills to Wagon Wheel Theatre's production of "Disney's High School Musical" now through July 11.
Duggan, who hails from Kansas City, said a friend got her involved in dance. She really enjoyed it. There was a dance troupe at the theater. To be in the dance troupe, dancers also had to be involved in theater. She fell in love with acting, too.
Audiences may remember Duggan from all six shows at the Wagon Wheel in 2008, including her role as Maria Elena Holly in "Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story."
She has since graduated college, and was part of the ensemble in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."
For "HSM," Duggan plays Gabriella.
MacIsaac plays Gabriella's nemesis, Sharpay.
Having been involved in music and theater since she was 3 years old has given MacIsaac a lot of experience.
"It's been a love and part of my life forever," MacIsaac said.
In high school, she was involved in choir, dancing and theater, having to learn to juggle all of them at once. She had to convince her teachers that she could handle learning them all. Now, they all agree that being involved in all three aspects was a good idea on her part.
From the Boston area, MacIsaac went to college in Philadelphia majoring in dance education. Because of her experiences and education, she feels passionate about the arts and bringing them to students.
In "HSM," the actors get to play students.
"HSM" takes place in high school in Albuquerque, N.M. The school is big on cliques, and the cliques don't mix, said MacIsaac.
Duggan said Gabriella comes in new to the school and doesn't know anyone but Troy, who she met over winter break. Troy is a jock. Gabriella gravitates toward the brainiacs, but she doesn't understand why the cliques don't mix.
Meanwhile, Sharpay is comfortable with her star status in theater, MacIsaac said. She doesn't want the cliques to mix for fear of being dethroned.
"She's kind of fabulous," said MacIsaac, which is a reason pre-teen girls like the character.
Until Gabriella appears, everyone at the high school is OK with playing their parts. But as Gabriella and Troy branch out and try something different, it lets everyone else know it's OK to try something different, MacIsaac said.
The movie version of "HSM," Duggan said, is campier than the musical stage version that the Wagon Wheel is producing.
"But these issues are still relevant today," Duggan said. People should branch out and be encouraged to try new things, she said.
At the Wagon Wheel, Artistic Director Scott Michaels, the production crew and the performers try out new things to make a show work. Duggan said cast members last year and this year have been really close.
MacIsaac said some casting directors don't care about personalities, they just want a person to fit a role. That's not the case at the WWT, she said. She said it seems to her that they go out of their way to make sure the cast all gets along.
Duggan agreed, saying everyone works well together and helps each other out. "It's true for every show I've done at the Wagon Wheel," she said.
Like the last song in "HSM" says, MacIsaac said they are all in this together.
Speaking of the music, MacIsaac said, "It's really contagious. You will have it stuck in your head for the rest of your life."
Duggan said the movie soundtrack is different from the music in the musical. The musical has added harmonies. The movie soundtrack, MacIsaac said, was done in a studio and manipulated to be all polished. On the WWT stage, the actors have to sing while dancing about.
"And you have to make it look easy," said Duggan.
"This is going to be a fun show for three weeks," said MacIsaac. "... Just come with an open mind and go along for the ride."
It's a ride Duggan has been on before. She played Gabriella in the Kansas City premiere of "HSM."
"This has been a completely different experience. This has been theater in the round, that one was not," Duggan said. She also said the rehearsals at WWT have been much smoother, and Michaels doesn't waste an actor's time.
The Kansas City "HSM" was only five days. The Wagon Wheel show is on for three weeks.
"I think people are going to be surprised how relatable the show is, even though it's cheesy Disney," said Duggan.
MacIsaac said she didn't think she would have any way to relate to the show. After the first rehearsals, however, she said, the entire cast came away feeling like "HSM" is a guilty pleasure.
"You know when you come out with a song in your head, it's good," said Duggan.Single adult tickets are $30 for all shows. Tickets for students 13 through college are $16, and children 12 and under are $12. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more.
To order tickets or for more information about upcoming events at the Wagon Wheel Theatre, call the box office today at 574-267-8041 or toll-free at 866-823-2618, or visit online at www.wagonwheeltheatre.com
