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Orange: split stage Cyan: scene header Purple&Pink: songs

Song List
ACT ONE
Scene 1
1. Wildcats Cheer
· Head Cheerleader, All Students
2. Start of Something New
· Troy Bolton, Gabriella Montez

Scene 2
3. What I've Been Looking For (Sharpay & Ryan Version)
· Sharpay Evans, Ryan Evans
4. What I've Been Looking For (Troy & Gabriella Version)
· Troy Bolton, Gabriella Montez

Scene 3
5. Stick to the Status Quo
· Zeke, Martha Cox, Skater Dude, Jocks, Brainiacs, Sharpay Evans, Ryan Evans,
Gabriella Montez, Taylor McKessie
(Cut 1:39-2:56)
6. When There Was Me and You
· Gabriella Montez

Scene 4
7. Bop to the Top
· Sharpay Evans, Ryan Evans
8. Breaking Free
· Troy Bolton, Gabriella Montez
9. Gabriela
· Sharpay Evans, Dancers, Gabriella Montez

ACT TWO
Scene 6
10. I Want It All
· Sharpay Evans, Ryan Evans

Scene 7
11. Can I Have This Dance
· Troy Bolton, Gabriella Montez
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12. A Night to Remember

· Various Boys and Girls, Full Chorus
(2:47-3:11)
13. Just Wanna Be With You
· Kelsi Nielsen, Ryan Evans, Full Company
14. Right Here, Right Now
· Troy Bolton, Gabriella Montez

Scene 8
15. Walk Away
· Gabriella Montez

Scene 9
16. Scream - Troy Bolton

Scene 10
17. Senior Year Spring Musical Medley
· Full Company
18. High School Musical
· Seniors, Full Company
19. We're All in This Together (Encore)
·Full Company

ACT ONE, SCENE ONE

Background: School Hall

(Cheaerleaders are performing on the steps. On the stage curtain hangs a long, hand-made
banner: WILDCATS WELCOME BACK! The houselights go down and the music starts.)

HEAD CHEERLEADER: C’mon Wildcats!

ALL: WILDCATS, SING ALONG YEAH, YOU REALLY GOT IT GOIN’ ON WILDCATS IN THE
HOUSE EVERYBODY SAY IT NOW!

(The curtain rises, revealing the cheerleading squad on the steps. STUDENTS run in, wave to
each other, find friends and add their voices to the cheer. 4 groups form: Jocks/Athletes,
Brainiacs, Skater Dudes, Dancers/Actors)

ALL: WILDCATS EVERYWHERE! WAVE YOUR HANDS UP IN THE AIR! THAT’S THE WAY
WE DO IT! LET’S GET TO IT! TIME TO SHOW THE WORLD!
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(One student trips and falls in front of the Jocks. They laugh and help him up, giving themselves
highfives. Chad, Zeke and Troy talk.)

CHAD: Yo, Troy, my hoops boy!

TROY: Hey, Chad, dudes… Happy New Year.

CHAD: It will be a Happy Wildcat New Year because this Friday we will play in the
championship with you, Troy Bolton leading us to victory!

JOCKS: Hallelujiah!

(Sharpay and Ryan Evans make their entrance.)

ZEKE: Guys, here she comes. Man, she’s gorgeous.

CHAD: Hey, the ice princess has returned from the North Pole.

ZEKE: Hi, uhm, you know, I mean, hi Sharpay, how are –

(Without even looking at him, Sharpay walks past.)

RYAN: (wanting to be friendly) Hi Troy. Getting ready for the big game?

(Sharpay pushes Ryan out of the way.)

RYAN: (Groans) Come on sis…

SHARPAY: Hi, Troy. (Does a hairflip.)

TROY: (uninterested) Hi, Sharpay.

(Sharpay and Ryan walk away.)

(Gabriella makes her entrance. Taylor goes down and stands beside her. Sharpay and Ryan
stand near them.)

TAYLOR: The boys are like animals! How dumb.

SHARPAY: They were just appreciating me, my dear.

​
TAYLOR: The diva speaks! So what did you do during the break, Sharpay, your nails or your
scales?
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(Sharpay sings and, happy that people were impressed, she turns away from them.)

SHARPAY
: Scales. Just like all the other snakes.

(Everyone laughs. Kelsi comes in, trips and her books fall. Gabriella and Taylor help her up.)

TAYLOR: Hi, I’m Taylor. You must be new.

GABRIELLA: Yea, hi, I’m Gabriella Montez. I just moved here.

TAYLOR: Welcome to our school! Moving can be difficult, did you at least do something fun
during the holidays?

GABRIELLA: Emm, my mom took me skiing but I only read a lot of books.

TAYLOR: Great, another book worm!

SHARPAY: What, with all those hot boys around? Loser!

GABRIELLA: Well, I did meet a boy…

TAYLOR: Now, we’re talking, spill it, sister!

TROY: It was the best trip ever! The slopes were perfect! And I met the hottest little snow bunny
ever!

GABRIELLA: You’ll never guess how I met him.

CHAD: How’d you meet her?

TAYLOR: Snowboarding?

TROY: Snowboarding.

GABRIELLA: Singing! He was pretty good too!

TAYLOR: Singing?

GABRIELLA: Yes, they had a contest for the kids. It was kind of romantic!

ALL: Karaoke!
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(The students wear party clothes and become party kids. Troy and Gabriella grab the mics not
seeing each other. Backs against each other they bump into one another and the lights dim
down for “atmosphere.”)

TROY: I’m Troy, I can’t sing.

GABRIELLA: Me neither. But I will if you will.

Start of Something New

Living in my own world

Didn't understand

That anything can happen

When you take a chance

I never believed in What I couldn't see

I never opened my heart (Oh)

To all the possibilities

I know that something has changed

Never felt this way and right here tonight

This could be the start of something new

It feels so right to be here with you (oh)

And now looking in your eyes

I feel in my heart (feel in my heart)

The start of something new

Now who'd have ever thought that

We'd both be here tonight

And the world looks so much brighter

With you by my side

I know that something has changed

Never felt this way

I know it for real

This could be the start of something new

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It feels so right to be here with you (oh)

And now looking in your eyes

I feel in my heart

The start of something new

I never knew that it could happen till it happened to me

I didn't know it before

But now it's easy to see

It's the start of something new

It feels so right to be here with you

And now looking in your eyes I feel in my heart

That it's the start of something new

It feels so right to be here with you

And now looking in your eyes I feel in my heart

The start of something new (The start of something new)

The start of something new

VOICE OVER: It’s nearly time, people! Time to start the countdown! 10, 9, 8…

GABRIELLA: Oh no, I have to go, I promised my mom…

TROY: Wait, at least give me your phone number…

(They exchange phones.)

GABRIELLA: I had such a great time with you…

TROY: Me, too!

VOICE OVER: 4, 3, 2, 1! Happy New Year!

(Everyone takes off party clothes. Everyone except Troy and Gabriella drags out tables, chairs
and a blackboard. Everyone is now in class.)

TROY: It was awesome!

GABRIELLA: It was like a dream.

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(Everybody sits down, Troy comes in first and sees Gabriella as she comes in. He is shocked to
see her. Ms. Darbus then comes in.)

MS. DARBUS: Welcome to Drama everyone. This year for our winter musical, we have our very
own Kelsi who has written a wonderful play for us. Kelsi, do stand and take a bow.

(Kelsi stands and bows. Troy gets his phone out and dials.)

MS. DARBUS: Well done. Now, there’ll be auditions for all the characters and especially the two
leads. As usual, we don’t have enough male actors so if you go for the auditions I will give you
bonus marks!

(a phone rings. Sharpay and Ryan take out their phones.)

RYAN: (Whispering to Sharpay, groaning) Oh, not now…

MS. DARBUS: Cellphones are not allowed in my room! Hand over your phones please! No
exceptions, even if you are the president of the Drama Club Ms. Evans! Put your phones in this
basket and I will see you in detention.

RYAN: Come on now, it wasn't even our phones that were ringing.. that’s… (looks over to
Gabriella’s direction) isn’t the ringing coming from that..newbie?

(Sharpay and Ryan get up to place their phones but the ringing continues. Gabriella notices it’s
her phone and takes it out.)

MS. DARBUS: This class hates mobile phones. Put yours in as well, Ms. Montez and welcome
to our school. I can see you are involved Mr. Bolton! Detention for you as well!

CHAD: No, sir, I mean Ms. Troy has to practice basketball after school today. Our big game is in
a few days!

MS. DARBUS: That’s 30 minutes of detention for you too! Start counting!

TAYLOR: That might be difficult, I doubt Chad can count up to 30.

MS. DARBUS: That’s detention for you too for speaking up!

TAYLOR: But I’ve never had detention in my whole life!

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MS. DARBUS: Well, then, HAPPY NEW YEAR! (The bell rings.) Ah, saved by the bell! See you
all in detention later! Oh! And Ms. Evans, please help me hang the sign-up sheet on the hallway
when you’re free. Thanks!

(Everyone leaves except for Troy, Gabriella and Sharpay.)

GABRIELLA: I don’t–

TROY: -believe it.

GABRIELLA: Me–

TROY: -either. But how…

GABRIELLA: We just moved here. I can’t believe you live here, too. I looked for you everywhere
the next day, but-

TROY: (whispering) We had to leave early in the morning.

GABRIELLA: (whispering too) Why are you whispering?

TROY: Well, I told my friends that I went snowboarding but I didn’t tell them about the singing
thing.

GABRIELLA: Too much for them to handle?

TROY: It was cool. But my friends – that’s not what I do. That was like a different person. Hey,
now that you’ve met crazy Darbus, I bet you can’t wait to sign up for auditions.

GABRIELLA: I won’t be joining anything for a while. I just want to know the school a bit more.
But if you join, I might join too.

TROY: That’s completely impossible.

SHARPAY: Impossible? I thought nothing was impossible for you, Troy Bolton?

(looks at Troy)

SHARPAY: You are such a sweetheart for talking to the new girl! Troy is such a great guy isn’t
he?

(looking at Gabriella)
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SHARPAY: He is the star of the basketball club like I am the star of the Drama Club. We’re
perfect for each other aren’t we? Oh look, the sign-up sheet for the musical.

(Sharpay signs her whole name on the sheet)

SHARPAY: Oh, did you want to sign up too? My brother and I have starred in all the school’s
productions and I’m sure we could find something for you! Like, a tree or something.

GABRIELLA: No, I was just looking at the notices. So many things to do here.

(looks at the signature)

GABRIELLA: Nice handwriting.

(She walks out of the classroom.)

SHARPAY: Oh, I’ve missed you during our Christmas break, Troy. What did you do, hm?

TROY: Just basketball. I gotta practice, bye!

(He runs away)

SHARPAY: You’re so hardworking. Just like me! I hope you’ll watch me in the musical?
Promise?

(Troy doesn’t look back)

SHARPAY: Hm, maybe I’m just too pretty.

SCENE TWO, GYM

Split stage: Basketball Court at the Bottom Stage, Classroom and Detention share the Top
stage

COACH BOLTON: Remember, everyone must stay strong. We don’t need weaklings.
Remember, when the going gets tough-

COACH BOLTON+TEAM: the tough gets going!

COACH BOLTON: Go give me some weave drills! Hustle!

TROY: Sorry, I’m late coach!

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(He heads over to Chad, as they practice, he talks)

TROY: Hey, it’s pretty cool that Darbus is giving extra marks just to audition for the musical
right?

CHAD: (surprised) Do you think Shaquille O’Neal ever auditioned for their school musical?

TROY: (hiding his excitement) But, extra marks are good for the exams.

CHAD: Do you know what’s better? Winning championship!

(Coach Bolton comes and bounces a ball on his son’s head)

TROY: Oww!

COACH BOLTON: You’re the captain, Bolton! Get your head in the game!

CHAD: Man, your dad’s tough.

TROY: (looking like a boss suddenly) Alright, let’s work! Run the shuffle drill!

(The basketball team and Troy exit through the blue doors)

(Splt stage: Classroom and detention)

VOICEOVER (Mr. Pang): You have two minutes to solve this equation.

(Gabriella is working through her equation. Sharpay suddenly sits next to her. Taylor is sitting on
the next seat.)

SHARPAY: So, it seemed you knew Troy Bolton?

GABRIELLA: Not really, I was just asking for directions.

SHARPAY: That’s weird. He usually doesn’t talk to new kids.

GABRIELLA: What do you mean?

SHARPAY: Oh, you know, he’s pretty much a basketball guy only. Plus, he’s a bully. He’s also
dumb. He hates all subjects too.

GABRIELLA: (ignoring her and solving) That’s nice. (She looks up suddenly.) Oh, Mr. Pang? I’m
sorry but I think there’s something wrong with the answer.
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(Taylor looks up, interested.)

VOICEOVER (Mr. Pang): (clicking the calculator) You’re right. Very impressive.

SHARPAY: And you know, he went to prison before.

TAYLOR: Sharpay, mind keeping it down? Not everyone wants to indulge in your… Troy
business.

SHARPAY: Whatever.

TAYLOR: Wow, you’re a genius! You have to join the Science Club. With you, we can win
Champion! We’ve never won before!

GABRIELLA: Thanks, but I think I’ll pass for now. I just want to get used to school first.

TAYLOR: Promise, you’ll think about it?

GABRIELLA: Promise.

(Lights turn off. Gabriella, Taylor, Priscilla and Sharpay run to the Detention’s side of the stage.)

MS. DARBUS: Hello, to my Drama Detention Zoo. We actors sometimes use animals to help us
build our characters. Be the bear! Be the monkey! Go go go!

(everyone pretends to be an animal. Taylor goes to Gabriella)

TAYLOR: Have you thought of it now? I searched on Google and I saw all the competitions you
have won! With you in our team, we can win for sure!

GABRIELLA: Not really, I want to know more about the school first.

TAYLOR: C’mon, Gabriella. You may be the answer to our prayers!

GABRIELLA: Well, okay, I guess I can do it.

TAYLOR: Perfect! (hugs her)

GABRIELLA: Okay, time to repay me. What do you know about Troy Bolton?

TAYLOR: I don’t really know much. He has another group and I have my own.

GABRIELLA: Have you even tried to know more about him?

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TAYLOR: I don’t need to. We are different. You’ll see.

(Troy and Chad are pretending to be monkeys.)

TROY: Don’t you think joining the musical may be a little bit interesting?

CHAD: You’re a basketball player, not a singer.

TROY: No, I’m not talking about me!

CHAD: Good, because we can’t win the game if you’re somewhere else singing.

(Coach Bolton comes in suddenly, angry.)

COACH BOLTON: Where’s my basketball team, Darbus? (points at Troy and Chad) You two, to
the gym now!

MS. DARBUS: How dare you!

COACH BOLTON: Those two are my star players, you can’t have them acting like idiots!

MS. DARBUS: They were acting like actors! And your team never wins anyways!

COACH BOLTON: Win or lose, it doesn’t matter! I am teaching them to have a goal in life!

MS. DARBUS: That’s precisely what I’m doing!

COACH BOLTON: How? by making them act like animals?

MS. DARBUS: (not knowing what to say) You stupid fool!

COACH BOLTON: Crazy hag! Bolton! Chad! Court, now!

TROY+CHAD: Coming!

(Coach Bolton, Troy and Chad leave)

(Gabriella notices Priscilla painting a big moon in the far back.)

GABRIELLA: Woah, that’s a nice moon! What is it for?

PRISCILLA: Oh, hi…thanks. I’m just doing what Ms. Darbus assigned me.

GABRIELLA: Hey don’t say that, it’s something you created yourself! So give yourself more
credit! And what’s your name?
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PRISCILLA: Oh thanks, again. My name is Priscilla Harrington.

GABRIELLA: I’m Gabriella Montez. I don’t see you often, are you perhaps new here?

PRISCILLA: Of course you don’t, I’m backstage. We don’t ever see the light of day.

GABRIELLA: Oh… is… that bad?

PRISCILLA: Uhm, sometimes. But the people here are nice. The environment is comfortable.
And I enjoy it.

GABRIELLA: Oh, that’s nice!

VOICEOVER (Mr. Pang): Ms. Montez and Ms. McKessie, please head to the laboratory
immediately.

GABRIELLA: Gotta go! See you next time!

(Gabriella and Taylor both runs away)

(Close curtains, merge stages.)

SHARPAY: Well, seems to me that these troublemakers won’t be here for the auditions!

RYAN: I mean, it’s not like any of them were going to audition anyway.

SHARPAY: Exactly! I say we can start the auditions now!

MS. DARBUS: If you say so, AHEM! ATTENTION PLEASE! Auditions are beginning now, may
all auditioners please stand to the side of the stage! Welcome future actors and actresses! This
stage is where the true expression of the artist is realised. Where inner truth is revealed through
your journey- (School bell rings.) Was that a cellphone?!

(Everyone checks their pockets for their phones.)

KELSI: No Ms. Darbus. That was the school bell.

MS. DARBUS: Ah, thanks Kelsi. Ahem, those wishing to audition must understand that time is of
the essence. We have many roles to cast and final callbacks will be next week. First, you will
sing a few bars and I will give you a sense of whether or not the theater is your calling. Better to
hear it from me now than from your friends later. Our composer, Kelsi Nielson will accompany
you and be available for rehearsals prior callbacks. Understood? Great. Now let’s begin!
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(Everyone claps, while Priscilla and other backstage members are still painting in the
background)

AUDITIONER 1: IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE. THAT I COULDN’T SEE YOU WERE ALWAYS
THERE BESIDE ME. THIS FEELING LIKE NO OTHER. I WANT YOU TO KNOW, I’VE NEVER
HAD SOMEONE THAT KNOWS ME LIKE YOU DO. NO ONE LIKE YOU-

MS. DARBUS: Maybe you should join the Chinese Drama Club. No offense. Next!

AUDITIONER 2: It’s hard to believe… that I couldn’t sneeze- [Link] you were always right
there next to- beside me- Think- Thought I was lone- alone. With no one to kiss- hold-

MS. DARBUS: Coming unprepared is unacceptable. Next!

AUDITIONER 3: (Poem style) It's hard to believe. That I couldn't see. You were always there
beside me. Thought I was alone. With no one to hold But you were always right beside me-

MS. DARBUS: Oh wow! Such… literacy! How about… a spelling bee competition?

AUDITIONER 3: (Gasps, scoffs, leaves.)

MS. DARBUS: Next!

AUDITIONER 4: (Ballet dances through the stage without singing. Leaves.)

MS. DARBUS: Uh-Uhm… Next?

AUDITIONER 5: It’s hard to believe that I couldn’t see.

AUDITIONER 6: Couldn’t see.

AUDITIONER 5: That you were always right there beside me.

AUDITIONER 6: Beside me.

AUDITIONER 5: Thought I was alone. With no one to hold.

AUDITIONER 6: To hold.

AUDITIONER 5: But you were always right beside me.

AUDITIONER 6: Beside me

MS. DARBUS: Well that was… very disturbing. Go see the social worker! Next!
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(Gabriella sneaks into the hall and sees Troy.)

GABRIELLA: Hey!

(Troy jumps.)

GABRIELLA: So you decided to sign up for something?

TROY: Uh… no. You?

GABRIELLA: No. Um… Why are you hiding here? Oh I get it. Your friends don’t know you’re
here, right?

TROY: Right. Uh, uhm. Ms. Darbus is a little harsh.

GABRIELLA: (Gasp) The wildcat superstar is afraid?

TROY: No no! I’m… not afraid! I’m just scared.

GABRIELLA: Me too.

MS. DARBUS: And for the lead roles of Minnie and Arnold, we only have one duo signed up
which is Sharpay and Ryan. I think it might be useful for you to give us a sense of why we
gather in this hallowed hall.

(Priscilla is wearing a backstage headset. A mic is placed next to her. Sharpay walks over to
Priscilla.)

SHARPAY: Hey backstage girl, give me the mic.

(Priscilla doesn’t answer.)

SHARPAY: Ugh, don’t ignore me!

(Priscilla doesn’t answer again.)

SHARPAY: LISTEN TO ME!

(Priscilla slowly takes her headset off and turns around to see Sharpay.)

SHARPAY: Pass me the mic.

PRISCILLA: Uhh sure.

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(Priscilla gives the mic super slowly. Sharpay gets impatient and takes the mic from Priscilla’s
hands.)

SHARPAY: See? How hard was that you good-for-nothing.

(Sharpay walks away.)

(Ms. Darbus claps.)

What I’ve Been Looking For (Sharpay & Ryan)

It's hard to believe

That I couldn't see

You were always there beside me

Thought I was alone

With no one to hold

But you were always right beside me

This feeling's like no other

I want you to know

I've never had someone

That knows me like you do

The way you do

I've never had someone

As good for me as you

No one like you

So lonely before I finally found

What I've been looking for

So good to be seen

So good to be heard

Don't have to say a word

For so long I was lost

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So good to be found

I'm loving having you around

This feelin's like no other

I want you to know

I've never had someone

That knows me like you do

The way you do

I've never had someoneh

As good for me as you

No one like you

So lonely before I finally found

What I've been looking for

Do do do, do do, do do do do

Whoa ah, ah, oh

Do do do, do do, do do do do

Whoa ah, ah, oh

MS. DARBUS: Well done, you two! Are there any last-minute sign-ups?

(the bell rings and people start packing up.)

GABRIELLA: (suddenly rushes in) I’d like to audition Ms. Darbus.

MS. DARBUS: Sorry, dear but you are too late. Besides, you have no one to sing with you.

TROY: I’m here! I’ll sing with her. Please give us a second chance.

Ms. DARBUS: Show me what you’ve got then. Kelsi!

What I’ve Been Looking For (Troy & Gabriella)

It's hard to believe

That I couldn't see

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You were always there beside me

Thought I was alone

With no one to hold

But you were always right beside me

This feeling's like no other

I want you to know

I've never had someone

That knows me like you do

The way you do

I've never had someone

As good for me as you

No one like you

So lonely before I finally found

What I've been looking for

So good to be seen

So good to be heard

Don't have to say a word

For so long I was lost

So good to be found

I'm loving having you around

This feelin's like no other

I want you to know

I've never had someone

That knows me like you do

The way you do

I've never had someone

As good for me as you

No one like you

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So lonely before I finally found

What I've been looking for

Do do do, do do, do do do do

Whoa ah, ah, oh

Do do do, do do, do do do do

Whoa ah, ah, oh

KELSI: You were amazing! That’s exactly how I imagined it to be!

MS. DARBUS: Bolton, Montez, you got yourselves a callback!

SCENE THREE, CAFETERIA

(Troy and Chad walk in. Zeke catches up to them. In the cafeteria are the Jocks and Brainiacs.)

ZEKE: Dude, you are totally awesome!

TROY: Um, thanks but why?

ZEKE: If you can come out in the open about your singing then I can tell my secret too! I love to
bake!

TROY+CHAD: What????

MARTHA: Gabriella, you’ve changed my entire life!

GABRIELLA: I did?

MARTHA: Everyone thinks I’m just a smart girl, but actually I love dancing! Hip hop is my
passion! I love to pop, lock, break and jam!

BRAINIACS: No no no!

MARTHA: It’s just dancing. And the truth is, sometimes I think it’s even cooler than homework!

SHARPAY: Everybody quiet! What’s happening here?

GABRIELLA: It’s just a callback, is Sharpay really that mad?

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TAYLOR: Well, no one has beaten Sharpay out for a musical since kindergarten.

ZEKE: Troy, because of you, I have the courage to show Sharpay that I love her. Look. (He
shows a cake)

TROY: Erm, I don’t think now’s the right time to give her a cake.

Stick to the Status Quo

Zeke: You can bet

There's nothin' but net

When I am in a zone and on a roll

But I've got a confession

My own secret obsession

And it's making me lose control

Jocks: Everybody gather 'round

Zeke: Well if Troy can tell his secret, then I can tell mine... I bake!

Chad: What?

Zeke: I love to bake strudels, scones, and even an apple pandowdy

Jocks: Not another sound

Zeke: Somebody I hope to make a perfect creme brulee!

Jocks: No, no, no, noooooooooooooooo

No, no, no,

Stick to the stuff you know

If you wanna be cool

Follow one simple rule

Don't mess with the flow, no no

Stick to the status quo

Martha Cox: Look at me

And what do you see

Intelligence beyond compare in

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But inside I am stirring

Something strange is occurring

It's a secret I need to share

Brainiacs: Open up, dig way down deep

Martha Cox: Hip-hop is my passion:! I love to pop and lock and jam and break

Brainiacs: Is that even legal?

Brainiacs: Not another peep

Martha Cox: Is just dancing sometimes I think it's cooler than homework

Brainiacs: No, no, no, noooooooooooooooo

No, no, no,

Stick to the stuff you know

It is better by far

To keep things as they are

Don't mess with the flow, no no

Stick to the status quo

No, no, no,

Stick to the stuff you know

If you wanna be cool

Follow one simple rule

Don't mess with the flow, no no

Stick to the status quooooooooooooo

Jocks, Brainiacs & Dudes: No, no, no,

Stick to the stuff you know

It is better by far

To keep things as they are

Don't mess with the flow, no no

Stick to the status quo

Sharpay: This is not what I want

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This is not what I planned

And I just gotta say

I do not understand

Something really

Ryan: Something's not right

Sharpay: Really wrong

Both: And we gotta get things

Back where they belong

We can do it

Skaterdude: Gotta play

Dudes & Dudettes: Stick with what you know

Sharpay & Ryan: We can do it

Martha Cox: Hip hop hooray

Brainiacs: She has got to go

Sharpay & Ryan: We can do it

Zeke: Creme Brule

Jocks: Keep your voice down low

Jocks, Brianiacs, Dudes & Dudettes: Not another peep

No, not another word

No, not another sound

No

Sharpay: Everybody quiet

Gabriella: Why is everybody starin' at you?

Taylor: Not me, you

Gabriella: Because of the callbacks! I can't have people starin' at me! I realy can't!

Jocks, Brainiacs, Dudes & Dudettes: No, no, no, noooooooooooooooo

Stick to the stuff you know (Stick to the stuff),

If you wanna be cool

 23

Follow one simple rule

Don't mess with the flow, oh no

Stick to the status quooooooooooooo

No, no, no

Stick to the stuff you know (Stick to the stuff)

It is better by far

To keep things as they are

Don't mess with the flow, no no

Stick to the status

Stick to the status

Stick to the status quo

SHARPAY: Someone’s going to pay for this! And I know just how…

(Ms. Darbus walks out of one of the two blue doors on the bottom stage.)
(Close curtains. Ensemble holds their positions)

(Sharpay follows Ms. Darbus in front of the curtains, while Kelsi behind them struggles to stop
them.)

SHARPAY: MS. DARBUS! WAIT PLEASE! (Runs to Ms. Darbus.)

MS. DARBUS: Oh! Ms. Evans! Is something wrong?

(Sharpay and Ms. Darbus are talking. Kelsi come out of the blue doors coincidentally. Both are
at different doors.)

SHARPAY: I’m here to talk about the callbacks. First off, I overheard the basketball superstar
and the math nerd talking about SABOTAGING my- I mean, the drama show!

KELSI: (Whispering) Oh no! Basketball star and the math nerd? That means… Troy and
Gabriella!

MS. DARBUS: Is that true? I will not believe you until I get solid evidence.

SHARPAY: Oh yea? Well, ask Coach Bolton! He was in the same room as them! AND he even
helped plan this!
 24

MS. DARBUS: W-What?! That imbecile! I’m going to give that troublemaker a lesson about the
importance of theatre!

KELSI: (Whispering) I-I’m not letting Sharpay ruin their chances!

SHARPAY: Please do! Thank you for your help, Ms. Darbus!

(Kelsi runs out in front of Sharpay and Ms. Darbus.)

KELSI: M-MS. DARBUS! WAIT!

MS. DARBUS: Oh? To what do I owe the pleasure to, Kelsi Nielsen?

KELSI: Sharpay is clearly l-lying! There’s no way Troy would do such a thing!

SHARPAY: (Whispering) Stop getting in my way. (Normal talking) Ms. Darbus! Believe me! I’m
the Drama Club’s President! No way you are going to listen to a cowardly composer!

MS. DARBUS: I would like to listen to Kelsi’s opinion first. Now, you may start speaking.

KELSI: F-First off, why would Troy Bolton do such things? What good would ruining the Drama
Club even do him? Also, if he really planned to destroy our Drama Club, why would Coach
Bolton indulge in his goal? I believe Coach Bolton is a responsible coach! There’s no way he
would-

SHARPAY: Ms. Darbus, tell me, do you have evidence to disprove her claims? And if it’s true,
why would Troy only join now? And remember, I SAW him planning with Coach Bolton! Surely
you would believe me right?

MS. DARBUS: Well-

KELSI: I appreciate your efforts, Sharpay. But do YOU have evidence that you saw them doing
this? Because if I recall correctly, the basketball team has always been busy practicing rather
than planning a shutdown for the Drama Club.

MS. DARBUS: Please let me spea-

SHARPAY: So? Troy Bolton clearly joined the Drama Club for a reason, and what reason could
that be? Do tell!

MS. DARBUS: Everyone is welcome to join-

 25

KELSI: I-I don’t know! But I can tell it’s something related to Gabriella and not some evil
planning with the basketball team!

MS. DARBUS: Still-

SHARPAY: Oh please! Troy is so-

MS. DARBUS: SHARPAY EVANS, KELSI NIELSEN! PLEASE RESPECT YOUR ELDERS AND
DON’T CUT YOUR DRAMA TEACHER OFF!

MS. DARBUS: I understand both sides of the… situation, but I’d still like to talk to both Boltons
about this. If you’d-

SHARPAY: But Ms. Darbus! Coach Bolton has always been like this! Think about it, he definitely
wants the basketball team to be the star of the school. Of course he would plan with Troy to
dethrone the Drama Club! Seriously, it’s so obvious!

(Sharpay pulls Kelsi away.)

MS. DARBUS: That little…

(Coach Bolton enters through the other blue door. Ms. Darbus turns around to see Coach Bolton
exiting the door and runs towards him.)
(At the same time, Sharpay grabs Kelsi and threatens her.)

KELSI: AH-

SHARPAY: Little Kelsi. You are nothing to this Drama Club. So stop getting in my way. After all,
a mere little composer won’t even be in the spotlight.

(Kelsi gets dragged out by Sharpay while screaming, but muffled.)

(Split stage: Ms. Darbus and Coach Bolton are on the floor stage whilst the basketball team and
Gabriella are on the top stage.)

MS. DARBUS: Bolton! I can’t believe this! In my years in theatre, I have never met anyone who
will sabotage the sacred arts!

COACH BOLTON: Huh? What are you talking about?

MS. DARBUS: I heard from Sharpay that you and your boy are planning something to ruin my
musical! I will not allow it!

COACH BOLTON: Troy doesn’t even sing.

 26

MS. DARBUS: I guess you don’t know your son as well as you think you do. I won’t allow Juliet
and Romeo to be ruined!

COACH BOLTON: Juliet and Romeo? (laughing a little)

MS. DARBUS: See! I knew it! Stop all your evil plans, Bolton!

(Troy comes in through the other door and walks towards Ms. Darbus and Coach Bolton.)

TROY: Hi, Ms. Darbus.

MS. DARBUS: I thought you were genuine, Troy. But I was wrong. (she exits)

TROY: What was that about?

COACH BOLTON: You tell me, what was that about singing?

TROY: Er, I’m just helping them out a bit.

COACH BOLTON: Listen up, Bolton, don’t throw away your future because of this stupid singing
stuff! You are not a singer!

TROY: Did you ever think that maybe I could do both? And my name is Troy, not Bolton!

COACH BOLTON: Alright, Troy. We’ll talk about this later just… don’t cause any trouble, okay?

TROY: Fine.

(Open curtains.)

(Coach Bolton leaves. Troy goes up the stage stairs and is shocked to see his friends arguing.)
(Jocks on the left with Troy, Brainiacs on the right with Gabriella. They are arguing and stop and
stare when Troy starts speaking.

TROY: I can’t believe you guys! Is this what you want to hear? Singing means nothing to me!
Gabriella means nothing to me! I’ll forget the audition, forget her, and we’ll go get that
championship! Everyone happy now?

GABRIELLA: (Entering the scene, and hearing this.) (Frustrated) Troy Bolton! Guess what, I
don’t want to do the callbacks either! Who were we kidding? You’ve got your own team and I’ve
got mine. I’ll do the Science competition and you win your championship. It’s where we belong.
Go wildcats!
 27

TROY: No, but I don’t want to-

GABRIELLA: Me neither! Goodbye!

When There Was Me and You

It's funny when you find yourself

Looking from the outside

I'm standing here but all I want

Is to be over there

Why did I let myself believe

Miracles could happen?

'Cause now I have to pretend

That I don't really care

I thought you were my fairy tale

A dream when I'm not sleeping

A wish upon a star

That's coming true

But everybody else could tell

That I confused my feelings with the truth

When there was me and you

TROY: (Grabs Gabriella’s wrist) Wait wait wait! You have to listen to me, Gabriella. I’m sorry for
what I said but I didn’t mean it. I just said what my friends wanted to hear.

(Brainiacs and Jocks hurl up together and start discussing between themselves.)

GABRIELLA: (Disappointed) You sounded pretty convincing to me.

TROY: No, I just said those things to shut them up. I don’t want to be just the basketball guy
anymore. Gabriella, when I look in your eyes, I know I can be anyone I want to be. I’m not letting
anyone stop us anymore. I’m going to sing. What about you?

GABRIELLA: I don’t know Troy…

 28

TAYLOR: Gabriella! Get a hold of yourself! Why sing when you can be part of the smarter side
of the world?

GABRIELLA: Why can’t I?

ZEKE: Shaquille O’Neal, basketball STAR who had a 19 year career because of basketball.

CHAD: He’s someone super important in the basketball world. And so, Troy, will you be the next
star in OUR basketball world?

BASKETBALL TEAM: Get your head in the game!

CHAD: Who was the first sophomore ever to make starting varsity?

BASKETBALL TEAM: Troy!

CHAD: Who voted him our team captain this year?

BASKETBALL TEAM: Us!

CHAD: And who is gonna get their sorry butts kicked in Friday's championship game if Troy's
worried about an audition?

BASKETBALL TEAM: We are.

TROY: Guys, come on. There's twelve people on this team, not just me.

CHAD: Just twelve? Oh no. I think you're missing a very important thirteenth member of our
squad.

(Chad hands an upside down picture frame to Troy. Troy flips it over and sees a teenage
basketball player in a Wildcats uniform.)

TROY: My dad.

CHAD: Yes, Troy. Wildcats basketball champion, class of 1981. Champion, father, and now
coach. It's a winning tradition like no other.

TROY: I mean… it would be rude of me to break such a tradition…

BASKETBALL TEAM: Get your head in the game!

CHAD: See? You don’t belong with… her.

 29

GABRIELLA: Excuse me?

TAYLOR: Chad for once is right. You two should not meddle in each other’s sides. Let alone go
to a musical.

TROY: I-

GABRIELLA: I’ve made my decision.

(Everyone silences and stares at Gabriella.)

TROY: What?

GABRIELLA: I will not sing in this years’ musical.

(Everyone gasps.)

TROY: Wait wait wait wait wait. Seriously? You’ve worked so hard and you’re just letting all this
go?

GABRIELLA: That’s enough, Troy. You can’t change my decision. And you should give up too.

TROY: But…

(EVERYONE STARES AT THE LED SCREEN FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT)

VOICEOVER: Hello wildcats! It’s going to be a busy Friday next week! The basketball team’s
championship, the Science Competition and the Drama callbacks are all happening at 3pm next
Friday! Go wildcats!

GABRIELLA: Even time is against us. I’m sorry but you guys are right.

TROY: Well, there’s always next year.

GABRIELLA: Yeah, it’s just a musical anyways. We can’t be selfish. We’ll just… stick to the
status quo.

TROY: Right. We’ve made up our mind. I think we know what needs to be done.

(They exit. The jocks and brainiacs respectively express their shock to Troy and Gabriella as
they leave.)

TAYLOR: Did we go a bit overboard?

 30

CHAD: I think we did.

ZEKE: What are we going to do? We can’t let them do this.

CHAD: Yeah, a dream dashed and all.

TAYLOR: Don’t worry, let me handle it.

(Taylor shouts.)

TAYLOR: Everyone! I’ve got a plan to get Troy and Gabriella back to their normal selves!

(Ensemble act pleasantly surprised, freeze)

SCENE FOUR, LABORATORY, THEATRE, GYM

VOICEOVER: Calling all wildcats… the following events are all starting immediately: the
Science Competition is in the 2nd floor lab, the auditions for the school musical are in the
theater and the basketball championship game is in the gym. Wildcats rule, baby!

(Lights up one by one: Bottom Stage: Ms. Darbus takes her seat in the house. Top right: the
jocks are in the gym with the cheerleaders and Coach Bolton. Top left: the brainiacs sit at their
team table. Gabriella is going to write on a whiteboard. Top middle: Bop To The Top. )

COACH BOLTON: C’mon team, let’s go!

——

TEACHER: You have five minutes to solve this equation, ready? Set?

——

MS. DARBUS: Now, let the auditions begin!

(Three sounds: Ms. D claps her hands, Coach blows a whistle, a bell rings in the lab. Center
lights only)

Bop To The Top

Sharpay: I believe in dreamin'

Shootin' for the stars

 31

Ryan: Baby to be number one

You've got to raise the bar

Sharpay: Kickin' and a scratchin'

Grindin' out my best

Ryan: Anything it takes

To climb the ladder of success

Both: Work our tails off every day

Gotta bump the competition

Blow them all away

Sharpay: Yeah we're gonna

Both: Bop, bop, bop

Bop to the top

Ryan: Slip and slide and ride that rhythm

Both: Jump and hop hop ‘til we drop

Sharpay: And start again

Zip zap zop

Pop like a mop

Ryan: Scoot around the corner

Both: Move it to the groove

‘Til the music stops

Do the bop bop, bop to the top

Don't ever stop

Bop to the top

Gimmie, gimmie

Shimmy shimmy

Shake some booty and turn around

Flash a smile in their direction

Sharpay: Show some muscle

 32

Ryan: Do the hustle

Both: Yeah we're gonna bop, bop, bop

Bop to the top

Ryan: Wipe away your inhibitions

Both: Stump, stump, stump do the rump

Sharpay: And strut your stuff

Both: Bop, bop, bop

Straight to the top

Going for the glory

We'll keep stepping up

And we just won't stop

‘Til we reach the top

Bop to the top

(Everybody claps. Lights out in the middle.)

TROY: Let’s get the party started, wildcats!

—---

TAYLOR: You can do it, Gabriella!

—---

(Suddenly, a “meltdown” sound is heard. All lights go out. People are shocked. Chad and Zeke
go to Troy, Taylor talks to Gabriella)

VOICEOVER: We seem to be having some technical difficulties. Please leave the gym and
head to the theatre immediately.

CHAD: Go, Troy! You don’t have much time!

TROY: What are you talking about?

ZEKE: It was Taylor’s idea. If you want to sing with Gabriella, go now!

TROY: B-But-
 33

CHAD: No buts! (Pushes Troy)

TROY: Uhm, thanks!

—---

TAYLOR: Gabriella, go!

GABRIELLA: What?

TAYLOR: Go to the auditions and follow your dream!

GABRIELLA: N-No! Troy won’t be there anyway.

TAYLOR: Trust me! For me? Please?

GABRIELLA: (Sighs) Fine, but if I go there and embarrass myself, I’m blaming you. (Runs out)

TAYLOR: You bet’cha!

(Gabriella runs off stage and enters the opposite way. The curtains are closed enough to only
show the middle part. The left and right part of the stage is cleared out. The curtain reopens
before Breaking Free.)

Ms. DARBUS: Sharpay and Ryan, well done! (checks her list) Troy Bolton and Gabriella
Montez? (looks around, disappointed) I guess you were right, Sharpay.

SHARPAY: See?

KELSI: No, you have to give them a chance. They have been practicing hard.

MS. DARBUS: If they do show up-

TROY: Ms. Darbus! We’re here! (Pushes Ryan and Sharpay away)

GABRIELLA: Please give us a chance, I know we’re late but we would like to try our best!

TROY: Please, we only have a few more minutes before the lights come back on.

MS. DARBUS: Well, since I’m in a good mood. Very well, show us what you’ve got!

(Troy and Gabriella talk, nervous)

 34

GABRIELLA: I’m so nervous Troy.

TROY: It’s okay, I’m here. We can do this together.

GABRIELLA: Okay, let’s do it.

Breaking Free

We're soarin', flyin'

There's not a star in heaven

That we can't reach

If we're trying

So we're breaking free

You know the world can see us

In a way that's different than who we are

Creating space between us

'Til we're separate hearts

But your faith it gives me strength

Strength to believe

We're breakin' free

Gabriella: We're soarin'

Troy: Flyin'

Both: There's not a star in heaven

That we can't reach

Troy: If we're trying

Both: Yeah, we're breaking free

Troy:Oh, we're breakin' free

Gabriella: Ohhhh

Troy: Can you feel it building

Like a wave the ocean just can't control

Gabriella: Connected by a feeling

 35

Ohhh, in our very souls

Troy: Very souls, ohhh

Both: Rising 'til it lifts us up

So everyone can see us

We're breakin' free

Gabriella: We're soarin'

Troy: Flyin'

Both: There's not a star in heaven

That we can't reach

Troy: If we're trying

Yeah we're breaking free

Gabriella: Ohhhh runnin'

Troy: Climbin'

To get to that place

Both: To be all that we can be

Troy: Now's the time

Both: So we're breaking free

Troy: We're breaking free

Gabriella: Ohhh, yeah

More than hope

More than faith

Gabriella: This is true

This is fate

And together

We see it comin'

Troy: More than you

More than me

Not a want, but a need

 36

Both: Both of us breakin' free

Soarin'

Troy: Flyin'

Both: There's not a star in heaven

That we can't reach

If we're trying

Troy: Yeah we're breaking free

Gabriella: Breaking free

Were runnin'

Troy: Ohhhh, climbin'

Both: To get to the place

To be all that we can be

Now's the time

Troy: Now's the time

Gabriella: So we're breaking free

Troy: Ohhh, we're breaking free

Gabriella: Ohhhh

You know the world can see us

In a way that's different than who we are

(Standing Ovation)

MS. DARBUS: Bravo! You were both brilliant! Sharpay! You said these two weren’t serious
about acting!

(Sharpay doesn’t know what to say, Ryan steps in.)

RYAN: Ms. Darbus. To be honest, she has been lying to you this whole time. She was afraid that
they would get the lead role instead of her. Because, you know, no one has ever taken it from
her since kindergarten. And-

SHARPAY: (Cuts Ryan off) You traitor! (starts attacking Ryan)

 37

MS. DARBUS: Sharpay! How dare you abuse your power as chairperson! You are not getting
the lead this time! Mr. Bolton and Ms. Montez, welcome to this year’s musical!

SHARPAY: NOOOOOOOOO!

(Sharpay is shocked and cries while Ryan consoles her. Chad, Zeke and Taylor all congratulate
the two.)

TROY: Thanks for believing in us. Now, let’s go and win that championship!

GABRIELLA: Yes, we couldn’t have done it without you. Let’s go back!

TROY: Let’s meet back here after we are done!

(Troy and Gabriella runs back.)

(Lights off. Different colored lights and smoke machines.)

TROY: Championship, baby!

GABRIELLA: We won too!

COACH BOLTON: You were wonderful, Troy. I’m sorry for not believing in you. You can be
anything you want to be.

TROY: Thanks dad. That means a lot to me.

ZEKE: I’m sorry you didn’t get the lead, Sharpay.

SHARPAY: Well, that’s showbiz.

ZEKE: But I still think you’re fantastic.

SHARPAY: Really? Hey, where’s that cake you promised me?

RYAN: (Repulsed) Uhm.. Shouldn’t that cake be all moldy by now?

(Troy and Gabriella hug each other.)

TROY: We did it!

GABRIELLA: Yes, we did! With everyone!

(Everyone celebrates for a good while. Until Chad suddenly shouts and everyone immediately
goes quiet.)
 38

CHAD: Wait wait wait wait wait! Everyone, what time is it?

TROY: Time? Chad, dude, just check the clock mounted on the wall.

CHAD: No no, what I meant is…

(Chad uses hand signs to give hints.)

GABRIELLA: Is… what?

(School alarm.)

CHAD: It’s summertime!

(Everyone erupts into shouts and jumps around all over again.)

TROY+GABRIELLA: Summertime… is here!

CHAD: See y’all next year!

TAYLOR: What a year!

ZEKE: I’ll miss you, Sharpay!

PRISCILLA: Woohoo! Summertime!

(Everyone runs away in happiness as summertime has started. Except for Sharpay and
Gabriella.)

SHARPAY: Hey! Yes, you. The main lead of the show, the girl who stole MY spotlight and MY
Troy!

GABRIELLA: Excuse me?

SHARPAY: Stop acting all clueless and innocent, cause I think we all know no one buys it.

GABRIELLA: But I seriously have no idea what you’re talking about!

SHARPAY: Oh please, you know exactly what I’m talking about, isn’t that right, girls?

(Gabriela dancers come out behind Sharpay. They all start whispering about Gabriela.)

SHARPAY: See? You have no one backing you up. And I? I have all the evidence right. Here.
 39

GABRIELA: Sharpay, look. I know how much that main role means to you—and trust me, it
means just as much to me. Yes, this time I'm the one who got it, but I earned it fair and square.
No shortcuts, no favors. And let's be real—you were fantastic in that audition. I was standing
right there watching you, and you brought the house down. So I know this stings. But you are
way too talented for this to be your only shot. Better opportunities will come—just keep your
head up.

SHARPAY: Ugh that’s not the point! Girls!

(The dancers line up)

SHARPAY: Someone’s missing… Ryan!!!

RYAN: Here!

(Sharpay claps and music starts playing.)

Gabriela
Sharpay& dancer:

Hot like a bullet, flying too fast, I couldn't catch it

Heart in the casket

You always knew it, the starring role, the main attraction

Got cameras flashing

Like, ooh

You got everybody's eyes undressing you, and I see it too

Yeah, ooh

You could have anyone else you wanted to, I'm begging you

Hands off, Gabriela, Gabriela

Hands off, Gabriela-la-la

Back off of my fella, Gabriela

Back off, Gabriela-la-la

'Cause, ooh

You could have anyone else you wanted to, I'm begging you (hey)
 40

Hands off, Gabriela, Gabriela

Hands off, Gabriela-la-la, la-la-la-la

EDIT
La-la-la-la (la-la-la-la)

La-la-la-la (la-la-la-la)

La-la-la-la (back off, back off, back off)

(Gabriela exit stage

GABRIELLA: You've made your point. I'll go. But this isn't about winning or losing—it's about me
choosing my own summer. Enjoy the spotlight, Sharpay.

(Gabriella leaves.)

SHARPAY: Ugh. Who does she think she is? Let's go.

(Sharpay groans and storms off stage. Gabriela dancers follow suit.)

ACT TWO, SCENE FIVE, Troy’s backyard

(Everyone cheers and lifts Troy up in the air)
(Troy & walk into the backyard with un everyone; Troy walks to Gabriella)

TROY: Hey!

GABRIELLA: Hi! Congratulations on winning the basketball competition!

TROY: Thanks! Anyways, I’ll talk to you later.

GABRIELLA: OK! Have fun!

(Troy walks away.)

JIMMIE: Dude, good game! You’re so cool!

TROY: Thanks! By the way, sick Wildcats uniform, did you custom make it?

JIMMIE: What? No! I’m Jimmie! You know the Rocketman on your team? And this isn’t custom
made. It’s from the school! The same one you’re wearing right now!
 41

TROY: Oh. Well, that’s great, Jimmie. Oh, man, I left the championship trophy at the referee
table……I hope it’s still there…

JIMMIE: Don’t worry, I’m on it!

(Jimmie runs away)

(Troy walks around being told congratulations by multiple people before walking over to
Gabriella.)

TROY: Follow me.

(Troy and Gabriella sit in front of the stage.)

GABRIELLA: It’s less noisy over here.

TROY: Yep, you are the second person I’ve ever allowed up here.

(Gabriella raises eyebrow)

TROY: The other was my dad, and he only came here to get me out. Speaking of parents, how
did your family react to the news?

GABRIELLA: My mom and I have been talking about Stanford University ever since I was born.
So she got a bit emotional.

TROY: And you’re already accepted. That’s so cool.

GABRIELLA: Except my mom won’t stop talking about it. It’s embarrassing.

TROY: She’s proud of you. So am I. Everyone is.

GABRIELLA: The thing about Stanford is that it’s a thousand and…

TROY & GABRIELLA: Fifty-three miles…

TROY: From here. I know. And now the rest of the school year is coming at us so fast.

GABRIELLA: I wish it would all just…stop. At least, slow down.

COACH BOLTON: Troy, you gotta come celebrate! Hi, Gabriella!

GABRIELLA: Hi Mr. Bolton! We’ll come out in a second.

 42

COACH BOLTON: If you say so, just don’t suffocate in here. Especially you Troy, don’t
accidentally kill you and her, alright?

TROY: Yes yes, I won’t. I wouldn’t dare to hurt Gabriella.

(Gabriella laughs.)

COACH BOLTON: Good my boy! I’ll be outside if you guys need me.

GABRIELLA: Bye!

TROY: Wanna go back out? I’m sure the others are looking for us.

GABRIELLA: Yea!

SCENE SIX, School

(Sharpay walks to her locker, Tiara taps her shoulder, Sharpay startled)
(Split stage between the lockers and the classroom.)

SHARPAY: What are you? I mean who are you?

TIARA: Good morning, Miss Evans. I’m Tiara Gold. I’ve just transferred to East High from
London and noticed on the board that you were in need of a personal assistant?

SHARPAY: Well, with finals, prom, and graduation, I need someone tracking my appointments
and assignments. Most importantly, I need someone to run lines with me for the spring musical.
That’s a theater term for…

TIARA: Learning your role. I understand. It’s best to keep science and math together, since
those are your first classes of the day.

SHARPAY: How do you know my schedule?

TIARA: I took the liberty of checking. I’m someone who takes great pride in their job.

SHARPAY: I’ll e-mail you my outfits choices each morning so that our fits won’t clash. By the
way, I like the accent.

(Sharpay & Tiara walk in the classroom)

—-----
 43

SHARPAY: Oh, you can go now.

TIARA: I managed to transfer into your homeroom. Just in case I could be of service.

SHARPAY: Some people might be freaked out by you. Me……I like it. Take a seat.

(Ms. Darbus enters classroom)

MS. DARBUS: All right, settle down. I know we’re all still excited about the Wildcat’s
top-to-bottom championship…

CHAD: That would be back-to-back, Miss D!

MS. DARBUS: In any case, it was a grand slam! Well done! Moving on. Sharpay Evans,
four-term Drama Club co-president…spring musical report?

SHARPAY: With prom, finals, and everyone being so busy, we’ll select something very modest
to perform. Perhaps even a one-woman show.

MS. DARBUS: A little light on the sign-ups, Kelsi?

KELSI: Oh, no, actually we’re doing pretty well…

(Ms. Darbus grabs clipboard)

MS. DARBUS: Well, well, well… the entire homeroom. How inspiring!

(Everyone screams looks at Kelsi)

MS. DARBUS: So, since we have the entire class to ourselves, all of you can discuss until the
end of the lesson about the show. In the meantime, I’ll be heading to the staffroom to pick up
something special.

(Everyone crowds Kelsi)

TROY: Kels, I was going to be using free period to work on my truck.

ZEKE: I’ve got five new recipes to nail for my Family Science final.

(Taylor grabs Gabriella)

TAYLOR: We’ve got studying to do. So no!

KELSI: Sorry. I just thought since it was the last show, everyone would want to do it.
 44

GABRIELLA: Hey. Listen up! Kelsi’s right! We should do this. Taylor, Martha and I can help you
study. Zeke…we’re your official tasters. This is our last chance to do something together, all of
us. Something really fun.

SHARPAY: Oh, yippie.

TAYLOR: But how much time will it take?

CHAD: And what is the show about?

MS. DARBUS:You, Mr. Danforth. The spring musical is all about……you.

CHAD: Me?

(Sharpay faints into Tiara’s arms; Tiara sprays mineral water on her face and she wakes up)

MS. DARBUS: It’s about all of you. And all of you will create it……a show about your last days
at East High. We’ll call it… Highschool Musical!

SHARPAY: Genius.

MS. DARBUS: Kelsi will compose, Ryan choreograph… and I’ll do my best to guide you. Now,
important news from The Juilliard School for the performing arts. Yes, Juilliard is considering
Miss Sharpay Evans…

SHARPAY: I’m already packed.

MS. DARBUS: Mr. Ryan Evans…

(Ryan does a small tap dance)

MS. DARBUS: Miss Kelsi Nielsen…

KELSI: Whoa! They got my letter!

MS. DARBUS: Indeed they did, and finally…Mr. Troy Bolton. So…good luck to our four
applicants!

(Troy started to laugh)

TROY: All right…who’s the big comedian? Ha, ha, ha. Pretty good, dude.

MS. DARBUS: Do I look like I’m kidding?

 45

TROY: Yes?! Well, no, but I didn’t apply. I’ve never heard of…Juilliard.

MS. DARBUS: Well, apparently, Juilliard has heard of you. Anyways, Highschool Musical will be
about dreams, so let me know more about your dreams first. Line up, please. Let’s begin with
Mr. Danforth.

CHAD: My dreams? U of A. Hoops all the way!

MS. DARBUS: Miss McKessie?

TAYLOR: My future? I’d like to be president of the United States.

MS. DARBUS: How admirable! Kelsi?

KELSI: To write some songs we’ll remember…

MS. DARBUS: I’m feeling the show already! Troy Bolton?

TROY: To bust whoever signed me up for this!

MS. DARBUS: And Miss Montez?

GABRIELLA: I think we should stage the perfect prom.

SHARPAY: That’s adorable! What do I want? Gosh, I wouldn’t know where to begin…but I know
where it ends. Center stage, a single spotlight……a huge marquee that reads…

(The bell rings. Everyone leaves except Sharpay and Ryan.)

RYAN: I’m so hungry…

SHARPAY: How can you think of food at a time like this?

RYAN: Maybe because it’s lunchtime, girl.

SHARPAY: I’m talking about the show, Ryan! That puppy dog Troy Bolton pretended to know
nothing about Juilliard.

RYAN: Your.. so-called puppy dog guy looked genuinely surprised.

SHARPAY: Oh, so the theater fairy magically sent in Troy’s application? Performers can’t fool
me, Ryan. They’re deceitful, ambitious and ruthless!
 46

RYAN: But aren’t we…performers?

SHARPAY: Exactly!

RYAN: Wait a minute…The Drama Detention Zookeeper said there’s only one scholarship
available.

SHARPAY: We’re twins. They’ll have to take us both. Kelsi always writes her best songs for Troy
and Gabriella. So you make certain we get those songs.

RYAN: How so?

SHARPAY: Polish her glasses. Buy her some ruby slippers. I don’t know. Just do it!

SCENE SEVEN, Rooftop

(The next day at the Rooftop Garden with Troy & Gabriella)
(The curtains are closed. Troy & Gabriella act in front of it.)

TROY: You’ve got to help me with this. Which one should I wear?

(Troy holds up three tuxedos)

GABRIELLA: Because…?

TROY: You’re going to have a beautiful dress, and I want to look right.

GABRIELLA: I’ve never been asked to a prom, but this almost sounds like an invitation.

(Troy grabs out two tickets to the East High Senior Prom)

TROY: Will we have to waltz? I really don’t know how to do that.

GABRIELLA: All I know is what my dad showed me when I was a little girl. I’d stand on his toes,
and he’d waltz me around the living room. Come here.

Can I Have This Dance

Take my hand, take a breath

Pull me close and take one step

 47

Keep your eyes locked on mine

And let the music be your guide

Won't you promise me

(Now won't you promise me

That you'll never forget)

We'll keep dancing

(To keep dancing)

Wherever we go next

It's like catching lightning

The chances of finding someone like you

It's one in a million

The chances of feeling the way we do

And with every step together

We just keep on getting better

So can I have this dance?

(Can I have this dance?)

Can I have this dance?

Take my hand, I'll take the lead

And every turn will be safe with me

Don't be afraid, afraid to fall

You know I'll catch you through it all

And you can't keep us apart

(Even a thousand miles

Can't keep us apart)

'Cause my heart is

('Cause my heart is)

Wherever you are

It's like catching lightning

 48

The chances of finding someone like you

It's one in a million

The chances of feeling the way we do

And with every step together

We just keep on getting better

So can I have this dance?

(Can I have this dance?)

Can I have this dance?

Oh, no mountain's too high and no

Ocean's too wide

'Cause together or not

Our dance won't stop

Let it rain, let it pour

What we have is worth fighting for

You know I believe

That we were meant to be, yeah

It's like catching lightning

The chances of finding someone like you (like you)

It's one in a million

The chances of feeling the way we do (way we do)f

And with every step together

We just keep on getting better

So can I have this dance?

(Can I have this dance?)

Can I have this dance?

Can I have this dance?

Can I have this dance?

TROY: Is that a yes?

 49

GABRIELLA: Yes in every language!

(With Troy, Chad, Kelsi, Martha, Gabriella, Taylor and the Wildcats)

TROY: Now or never, dude.

CHAD: Okay, okay. I’m going in.

(Troy gives Chad a bouquet of flowers)

TROY: The Garden Club is rooting for you.

(Chad walks down to Taylor, Kelsi, Gabriella & Martha)

CHAD: So, anyway, I was really hoping you’d kind of go to the prom with me.

TAYLOR: Oh, hi, . Hey, they’ve got Tuna Surprise on the menu. Your favorite.

CHAD: The prom. I’m asking you.

TAYLOR: It’s so loud in here. You’ll have to speak up.

(Troy raises his hand and the cafeteria grew silent; Chad kneels down)

CHAD: Taylor McKessie, will you please be my date to the senior prom?

TAYLOR: I’d be honored.

CHAD: I need to go shoot some hoops. Right away.

(Everyone claps and cheers)

A Night To Remember

BOY:Guess now it's official

Can't back out, cant back out (no)

GIRL:Getting ready for the night of nights

The night of nights, alright

 50

BOY:Don't Panic (Panic!)

BOY:Now do we have to dress up for the prom?

Dude I don't think we have the choice

GIRL:Yeah it's the night of all nights

Gotta look just right

Dressing to impress the boys

BOY:Do I want classic or vintage or plaid?

Where's the mirror? And where

I think this tux is too baggy

Too tight, it makes me look weird.

GIRL:Should I go movie star glamorous, sassy or sweet?

Don't know, but no one better wear the same dress as me

BOY:It's the night of our nightmares

GIRL:It's the night of our dreams

BOY:It's too late to back out of it.

GIRL:Hey, makeovers, massages.

BOY:Don't know what a corsage is.

GIRL:Been waiting all our lives for this.

CHORUS:It's gonna be a night (cant wait)

To remember (aw man)

 51

Come on now, big fun (alright)

It's gonna be the night (I guess)

To last forever (lucky us)

Well never ever ever forget

CHORUS:Getting Ready, Get Getting Ready

Getting Ready, Get, Getting Ready

BOY:(Hey you been in there an hour man)

GIRL:So, what should I do with my hair?

BOY:Where's my shaver?

GIRL:Ooh, I love it.

BOY:I look like a waiter.

GIRL:Should I fluff it?

CHORUS:It's get later already should be there.

BOY:Her mother opens the door, I'm shakin inside

GIRL:He's here, it's time, the hours arrived.

BOY:Dont know why, her father's staring me down

GIRL:Where's my purse? Lip gloss? Now I'm really freaking out.

BOY:Then something changes my world

The most beautiful girl right in front of my eyes

CHORUS:It's gonna be a night (Oh Yeah!)

To remember (Thats for sure)

Come on now, big fun (Alright!)

It's gonna be the night (Yeah tonight)

 52

To last forever (forever more)

Well never ever ever forget.

BOY:Who's that girl? (She's so fine)

GIRL:Who's that guy? (I don't recognize)

BOY:Who's that girl? (She looks so good, yeah)

CHORUS:You'll never really notice, but you probably should

CHORUS:Big fun, on the night of nights (alright)

The night of nights, tonight

Let's dance

BOY:On the night of nights

You know were gonna do it right

CHORUS:It's gonna be a night to remember

It's gonna be the night to last forever

It's gonna be a night to remember

It's gonna be the night to last forever

GIRL:(Last Forever)

CHORUS:It's gonna be our night (you know it)

To remember (all time)

Come on now, big fun (big fun)

It's gonna be the night (love it)

To last forever (the rest of our lives)

GIRL:We'll never ever ever forget

 53

CHORUS:It's gonna be our night (oh yeah)

All together (say it loud)

Come on now, everyone (that's right)

It's gonna be a night (yeah tonight)

To remember (hear the crowd)

And never ever ever never ever ever never ever never ever ever forget!

(Backstage is busy doing their stuff. Moving items according to Sharpay’s requests.)

SHARPAY: Where’s my dress! I asked for it ten minutes ago!

PRISCILLA: Coming right up, Sharpay.

SHARPAY: And who changed my water to regular water? I want French, with the blue label!

KELSI: (carrying sheet music) Sharpay, this is just a rehearsal…

SHARPAY: No one asked you, little pianist. And backstage girl! Why are you just standing
there? Go get my Ryan, he needs to watch his sister perform.

(Priscilla puts down a prop, slowly turns around.)

PRISCILLA: We've carried props five times, sewn three costumes, made two trips for your
"special snacks". And you, Sharpay, haven't said a single "thank you."

SHARPAY: (smirks) Thank you? Well, here’s a thank you (smiles ironically) Now get back to
doing whatsoever. That's your job, background people.

PRISCILLA: (looks around, raises her voice) Did everyone hear that? We're just “background
people." We stay up late building sets, fixing your sequin dresses, memorizing every
unreasonable demand you make and here we are, just background people?

(Zeke stands up. Kelsi puts down her sheet music. Everyone else stops moving.)
(Sharpay and Priscilla stare at each other for a few seconds, everything is quiet.)

SHARPAY: Fine! Do what you want!

(Sharpay leaves.)
 54

Backstage member 1: You know, Priscilla is right. We’ve put so much effort into the musical, but
no one ever gives us credit.

Backstage member 2: Yea, however it’s not like we can change it. We are backstage. We are
meant to be in the background…

Backstage member 3: But being in the background doesn’t mean we should be under
appreciated!

Backstage member 1: Exactly! Think about it, we are the ones making the props, we are the
ones making the backgrounds and so much more! Sound effects, giving cues, the list goes on!

Backstage member 3: They should acknowledge that we are as important as them, and at least
say a thank you!

Backstage member 2: Well, yes, but think about it. We aren’t a star like Sharpay! We can’t
dance well like Ryan! I don’t think we can make music nor play the piano like Kelsi as well… If
we do make changes, what good would it do? It will end up as futile… like always…

(Silence creeps up as everyone silently agrees with what Backstage Member 2 says.)

PRISCILLA: Look, don’t feel so down. Us backstage has always been sticking together like
glue. Maybe some of us have made day one friends here. So, maybe it’s about time we make
some changes around here, together. But this time for sure, it won’t be futile.

Backstage member 2: Why?

PRISCILLA: Because this time, we are doing this together. Not just one of us wanting more. It’s
all of us. Afterall, we are all in this together.

This Is Me
I am not a stranger to the dark

"Hide away, " they say

"'Cause we don't want your broken parts"

I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars

"Run away, " they say

"No one'll love you as you are"

 55

But I won't let them break me down to dust

I know that there's a place for us

For we are glorious

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down

I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out

I am brave, I am bruised

I am who I'm meant to be, this is me

Look out 'cause here I come

And I'm marching on to the beat I drum

I'm not scared to be seen

I make no apologies, this is me

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh

Another round of bullets hits my skin

Well, fire away 'cause today, I won't let the shame sink in

We are bursting through the barricades and

Reaching for the sun (we are warriors)

Yeah, that's what we've become (yeah, that's what we've become)

I won't let them break me down to dust

I know that there's a place for us

For we are glorious

 56

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down

I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out

I am brave, I am bruised

I am who I'm meant to be, this is me

Whenever the words wanna cut me down (oh-oh-oh-oh)

I'll send a flood to drown 'em out (oh, oh-oh, oh-oh)

(oh-oh-oh-oh)

(oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh)

Oh

This is me

SHARPAY: What’s going on here? I gave you guys a break. Have you backstage people helped
me put down my stuff?

PRISCILLA: Well, no, not yet at least. However, if you want a successful show happening, don’t
belittle us backstage. A little bird told me, you might want to be careful of what Kelsi is cooking
up on. Afterall, a composer can make amazing tunes, sadly, they’re not for you.

(Priscilla focuses back on backstage work. Sharpay heads to the theatre.)

(Split stage: Theater and Piano room. Both will merge later on.)
(In the Theater with everyone and Ms. Darbus)

MS. DARBUS: Kelsi, the music is splendid, Ryan, your choreography is most inventive.

RYAN: Oh thank you so much Ms. Darbus, I-

(Sharpay grabs Ryan and nods toward Kelsi)

SHARPAY: I heard she’s writing something amazing for Troy and Gabriella.

RYAN: A song, most likely.

SHARPAY: Can you find out what it is? I-I mean. Go find out what it is!

(Sharpay pushes Ryan toward the piano right in front of Kelsi.)

 57

RYAN: So, hey, how can we make this whole show better? Maybe we could get together? Well,
just for the sake of working on the show of course..

KELSI: I’m going to the music room right now! Actually, I have my own key, but don’t tell anyone.
Come with me!

RYAN: Sure!

(The piano side of the stage’s lights are now off. Everyone except for Kelsi and Ryan should be
on the other side of the stage.)

(Jimmie runs to Troy)

JIMMIE: Hey, good job, Troy!

TROY: Stop doing that! Look, there’s Sharpay! You didn’t hear this from me, but she has a
secret crush on you.

(Jimmie walks toward Sharpay, but is interrupted by Ms. Darbus)

MS. DARBUS: Mr. Zara?

JIMMIE: Call me Rocketman if you want to.

MS. DARBUS: How generous, and since you’ve been such a…dedicated presence here, I’m
making you an understudy.

(Tiara walks up to Ms. Darbus)

MS. DARBUS: Tiara, you as well.

JIMMIE: I’m in! Hey, Tiara, I’m IN!!! I’m playing understudy.

TIARA: Understudy isn’t a role, you moron. It means you go on if one of the leads can’t make it
for the performance.

JIMMIE: Oh. Well, you’re one, too.

TIARA: The difference being I can actually carry a tune.

JIMMIE: Hey, I wouldn’t sing with you if my hair was on fire and you were the last bucket of
water on the Earth.
 58

TIARA: And I wouldn’t sing with you if I were starving and you were the last pickle at the picnic.

(Jimmie and Tiara look into each other’s eyes)

JIMMIE: Want to have lunch sometime?

Tiara: uhh ye….ye….NO

(Tiara smiles and walks towards Sharpay.)

(Gabriella and Taylor are focusing on a letter rather than the drama.)

TAYLOR: Stanford University’s freshman honors program cordially…

(Taylor gives Gabriella a big hug)

TAYLOR: Just tell me you’ve already said yes…right?

GABRIELLA: I haven’t even told my mom I got the letter.

(Taylor gives Gabriella a look)

(Tiara gives Sharpay a paper.)

TIARA: They select only thirty freshmen from the entire incoming class. It’s a special three-week
honors program at Stanford.

SHARPAY: How prestigious.

TIARA: And the program starts in two weeks! Gabriella, she’d have to miss our…your show.

SHARPAY: Oh, my goodness! What to do? Well, the show must go on…mustn’t it?

(The piano side of the stage’s lights turn on. The other side turns off.)

Just Wanna Be With You (Kelsi & Ryan)

I got a lot of things

I have to do

All these distractions

Our futures coming soon

 59

We're being pulled a hundred different directions

But whatever happens I know I've got you

You're on my mind you're in my heart

It doesn't matter where we are

It'll be alright

Even if we're miles apart

(Both sides of the stage merge. All lights on.)

All I wanna do, is be with you, be with you

There's nothing we can do just wanna be with you

Only you

No matter where life takes us nothing can break us apart

You know its true

I just wanna be with you

You know how life can be

It changes over night

It's sunny then raining, but it's alright

A friend like you

Always makes it easy

I know that your kidding me every time

Through every up through every down

You know I'll always be around

Through anything you can count on me

All I wanna do, is be with you, be with you

There's nothing we can do just wanna be with you

Only you
 60

No matter where life takes us nothing can break us apart

You know it's true

I just wanna be with you

I just wanna be with you

SHARPAY: Ryan? Did you get a copy of that song from Kelsi?

RYAN: No, but I’m taking her to prom!

SHARPAY: Brilliant! Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Now, get me that duet!

RYAN: Um…last time I checked, you’re not Gabriella.

SHARPAY: Don’t be so sure.

SCENE EIGHT, Gabriella’s House

(At Gabriella’s House with Gabriella, Mrs. Montez & Taylor)

TAYLOR: You should be throwing a party, not keeping a secret.

GABRIELLA: But it starts at Stanford next week! I’ll miss everything!

TAYLOR: You’ll come back for prom and graduation. You had enough credits to graduate from
East High last December. Sister, your future is calling, loud and clear!

GABRIELLA: Stop being my mom for a second and just be my friend! Maybe I like it here.
Maybe I want to stay in Albuquerque as long as possible. Maybe I’ll just stay here next year.

TAYLOR: What?!!

GABRIELLA: Shh!

TAYLOR: Stay in Albuquerque? That makes no sense.

GABRIELLA: And why do I always have to make sense? I’ll still go to Stanford. But maybe in a
year. I can take classes at U of A. I don’t know.

TAYLOR: U of A? You’re not thinking clearly, because you’re thinking about Troy. He’s your first
crush. But-

(Taylor realises Gabriella is crying. She goes hug Gabriella as comfort)

 61

TAYLOR: I’m sorry… I meant relationship.

(Gabriella’s mom enters the room quietly)

TAYLOR: But, there will be other guys. I promise. (Realises Gabriella’s mom is standing behind
them) Uhm… I’m late for dinner… I’m sorry…

MRS. MONTEZ: High school feels like the most important thing in the world. When you’re in it.
But that changes.

GABRIELLA: Not everything has to change, Mom. I don’t believe it.

MRS. MONTEZ: And this from the girl who used to think she could just reach up and rearrange
the stars in the sky. Sometimes life just happens. Whether we want it or not. (Speaking
Spanish): I love you.

GABRIELLA: I love you too, Mom.

———

(At Troy’s House with Troy, Chad, Coach Bolton)

COACH BOLTON: First U of A game is at home against Trinity, but the next game is
away……against Tulane.

CHAD: Which means road trip! Let’s go!

(At Troy’s House and Gabriella’s House, both at their balconies)

Right Here, Right Now (Reprise)

If this were forever

What could be better

When already proved it was

But in 2,123 hours

A bend in the universe

Its gonna make everything

In our whole world change (It’s all changing)

 62

And you know that where we are (Where we are)

Will never be the same

Right here

Right now (Oh, right now)

Tomorrow can wait for some other day to be

To be but right now there's you and me

You and me

You and me

You and me

Right now there's you and me

(Troy walks down the stairs before the curtain closes and goes to the lockers.)

(Split stage: Bottom stage Lockers, Top stage Gabriella’s house)

(The next day at Troy’s locker.)
(Sharpay comes in)

SHARPAY: Hi, Troy! I realized I haven’t offered my congratulations.

TROY: Thanks, but to tell you the truth, I’m glad the season’s over.

SHARPAY: I didn’t mean basketball, silly, I meant Gabriella.

TROY: Huh?

SHARPAY: Her missing the show is a little disappointing. But being selected for Stanford’s
freshman honors program…well, that’s amazing for her.

TROY: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

SHARPAY: Everyone else does. The whole school is buzzing. The honorees get to spend time
with Stanford’s top professors in special classes. Starting next week.

TROY: Next week?

SHARPAY: You really didn’t know? Okay, this is a little awkward. I guess her not telling you
means she’s on the fence about it, but who better than Troy Bolton to encourage her to accept
that honor, since the only thing possibly holding her back is…you. Well I’m gonna go now.
Toodles!
 63

(Sharpay walks off)

(Troy to one of the blue doors.)

(Lights out)
(Troy walks up the stage stairs, turn the lights back on.)
(At Gabriella’s House with Troy & Gabriella)

TROY: Pizza’s here.

GABRIELLA: I didn’t order pizza.

TROY: You didn’t have to. Half vegetarian, half everything else. Oh, and let’s not forget…what’s
a picnic without chocolate-covered strawberries?

GABRIELLA: You are one crazy Wildcat.

TROY: So, here’s the thing. Your freshmen honors program at Stanford…

GABRIELLA: How’d you hear about that?

TROY: A lot of people heard about it, but I wasn’t one of them. Why?

GABRIELLA: Because I never knew what you would say!

TROY: Of course you should to the honors program

GABRIELLA: I’ve been thinking of trying to talk my mom into letting me stay in Albuquerque for
another year. Take some classes here, go to Stanford when I’m ready.

TROY: You just can’t put off something as amazing as Stanford!

GABRIELLA: So, maybe I get to be a little crazy, everything about my life has been full-speed
ahead. This is the first time I’ve ever even wanted it all to slow down……to a stop

TROY: We’re going to graduate. That’s going to happen.

GABRIELLA: Does everything feel that easy for you? Lucky you, I guess. I get it, it’s senior year.
This is what happens. But you know what, Troy, my heart doesn’t know it’s in high school. Don’t
say anything else. I’m way better at saying good-byes than you. I’ve had a lot of practice.

(Gabriella kisses him on the cheek)

TROY: Wait, why are you saying good-bye? You’ll be back for prom and graduation
 64

GABRIELLA: I meant good-night

(Troy leaves)

Walk Away
(0:00-1:09)

I guess I shoulda known better

To believe that my luck had changed (Luck had changed), ooh

I let my heart and forever

Finally learn each other's names (Other's names)

I tell myself, "This time, it's different"

No goodbyes, 'cause I can't bear to say 'em

I'll never survive the one that's comin'

If I stay (If I stay), oh, no

Just walk away, oh, and don't look back

'Cause if my heart breaks, it's gonna hurt so bad

You know I'm strong, but I can't take that

Before it's too late

Oh, just walk away

Walk, walk, walk away

Ooh, just walk away

Walk, walk, walk away

Ayy, yeah-yeah

GABRIELLA: Goodbye Troy, goodbye my Wildcat.

SCENE NINE, Troy’s House

(Troy comes in crying.)
(At Troy’s House with Troy and Coach Bolton, Coach doesn’t see Troy sobbing.)
 65

COACH BOLTON: How’s the big show going?

TROY: You don’t want to know. (Still sniffing)

COACH BOLTON: If I’m honest, I’m glad you’re getting tired of it. I mean, when did you plan to
tell me about this Juilliard thing?

TROY: Nothing to tell. (Agitated)

COACH BOLTON: Well, maybe there is, I’m hearing you’re thinking about other schools, but
still, I think U of A is the best option for you.

TROY: I know what is best for me. Why is everybody deciding for me?

COACH BOLTON: Troy Bolton, who do you think you are talking to? I am your coach! I am your
father!

TROY: Why is it always coach this, father that. Can you speak to me like I’m a human?! I’m not
an object that just warps into whatever your mind locks onto!

COACH BOLTON: Troy Alexander Bolton, listen to yourself! Wildcats do not act like reckless
shrews! Wildcats make right decisions!

TROY: Oh wow! So now you’re just going to use my full name on me? I don’t care about being a
Wildcat now! I care about my girlfriend, Gabriella. I care about other paths I could take. I care
about a lot of things other than plain old basketball! Yes, I grew up with it, but it doesn’t mean I
will forever love it! I didn’t even know I loved other things until I experienced it myself! Perhaps
you’re the one who’s been limiting my choices my entire life!

(Troy runs away) (screaming!)

COACH BOLTON: Hey, Troy……

(At East High with Troy walking around various places at East High)

Scream
(00:00-1:40)(2:42-End))

The day the door is closed​

The echoes fill your soul​
They won't say which way to go​
Just trust your heart
 66

To find why you're here for​

Open another door​
But I'm not sure anymore​
It's just so hard

Voices in my head​
Tell me they know best​
Got me on the edge​
They're pushin', pushin'​
They're pushin'

I know they've got a plan​

But the ball's in my hands​
This time is man-to-man​
I'm drivin, fightin, inside of

(A world that's upside down)​

It's spinning faster​
What do I do now​
Without you

I don't now where to go​

What's the right team​
I want my own thing​
So bad I'm going scream​
I can't choose, so confused​
What's it all means​
I want my own dream​
So bad I'm going scream

I'm kicking down the walls​

I gotta make 'em fall​
Just break through 'em all​
I'm punchin', crashing, I'm gonna​
Fight to find myself​
Me and no one else​
Which way, I can't tell​
I'm searchin', searchin', can't find the
 67

(Way that I should turn)​

I should, to right or left​
It's, it's like nothing works

Without you

I don't know where to go​

What's the right team​
I want my own thing​
So bad I'm gonna scream​
I can't choose, so confused​
What's it all mean​
I want my own dream​
So bad I'm gonna scream

Yeah, the clock's running down​

Hear the crowd gettin' loud​
I'm consumed by the sound​
Is it her?​
Is it love?​
Can the music ever be enough?​
Gotta work it out!​
Gotta work it out!​
You can do it!​
You can do it!

I don't know where to go​

What's the right team​
I want my own thing​
So bad I'm gonna scream​
I can't chose, so confused​
What's it all mean?​
I want my own dream​
So bad I'm gonna scream

I don't know where to go​

What's the right team​
I want my own thing​
 68

I want my own thing​

I can't choose, so confused​
What's it all mean​
I want my own dream​
So bad I'm gonna scream

Oh, aah

(Troy runs off stage.)

SCENE TEN, Auditorium

(Curtains closed.)
(The next day in the auditorium for the opening night of High School Musical)
(Jimmie’s cell phone rings; it’s a text message from Troy; Tiara walks over)

JIMMIE: Hey, it’s Troy. Troy Bolton is sending me a text. Checking in. “Sorry Jimmie. I don’t think
I can do this. You can finally be me. Break a leg…” Break a leg? I don’t get it.

TIARA: Ugh, are you dumb or dumber? It means you’re going to be Troy, literally!

JIMMIE: As Troy? Onstage?

TIARA: Yes duh! Hello?

(Jimmie runs to Ms. Darbus. Tiara follows along behind.)

Ms. DARBUS: No Troy?

(Jimmie faints.)

TIARA: Ms. Darbus, I think the Rocketman has stopped breathing.

Ms. DARBUS: Get him some oxygen! It’s showtime!

SHARPAY: (opening the curtains) Is this a joke?! Where in the world could Troy Bolton be?!

(Jimmie wakes up and wobbles back inside.)

SHARPAY: Ugh, (Sharpay looks at Jimmie scornfully) whatever. I cannot afford to waste a single
second for mourning. The show must go on!

(Sharpay sees Tiara, she pulls her back.)

 69

SHARPAY: W-what is this?!

TIARA: Well since Troy Bolton isn’t coming back, then that means Sharpay Evans won’t be here
either!

SHARPAY: That’s not how this works!

TIARA: Oh please, Ms. Darbus already said so! When an understudy must perform, the other
must follow! You dare to defy her words?

SHARPAY: I…

TIARA: As I thought, toodles!

(Tiara leaves.)
(Sharpay leaves angrily.)

MS. DARBUS: Welcome students, family, friends, and faculty of East High, to our spring
musical. This musical is dedicated to our graduating class of seniors that have worked very hard
on this project. The musical is about themselves and how they reflect on their final days at East
High. So, without further ado, High School Musical!

Priscilla: (Whispering something to Darbus…)

MS. DARBUS: This isn’t supposed to happen! Don’t open the curtains!

(Curtains remain closed.)

MS. DARBUS: Ahem, it seems we are experiencing some technical difficulties, whilst we are
waiting, who’s interested in a pop quiz?

(Coach Bolton pops out of nowhere.)

COACH BOLTON: A pop quiz? Darbus you are seriously out of your mind.

MS. DARBUS: And what are you doing here, exactly?

COACH BOLTON: Well I’m here to find my son!

(Filumena will think about this later.)

(blah blah blah argument some weird realisation happens yay.)
(Troy and Gabriella run in from outside into the hall wearing the graduation stuff.)
 70

TROY: Wait! Has the show started yet?

GABRIELLA: I hope we at least didn’t miss the graduation ceremony!

MS. DARBUS: Oh! Mr. Troy Bolton and Ms. Gabriella Montez is back? Well, great! Now we
don’t need to force the understudies to do the show!

(Ms. Darbus leaves.)

(Troy takes the podium.)

TROY: East High is a place where teachers encourage us to break the status quo and define
ourselves as we choose. Where a jock can cook up a mean crème brulee, and a brainiac can
break it down on the dance floor. It’s a place where one person, if it’s the right person…changes
us all. East High is having friends we’ll keep for the rest of our lives. And that means we really
are…all in this together. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!

SHARPAY: (sticking her head out from behind the curtains) so my show is back again I
assume?

MS. DARBUS: Of course! Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, let’s enjoy our annual
performance - High School Musical!

(The curtain opens with everyone behind the curtains in their graduation gowns)
(Seniors throw their hats up in the air and start running back and forth across the football
stadium)

High School Musical

[Troy]: Here we go!

[Ryan]: Come On!

[Sharpay]: Alright!

[Chad]: Little Louder Now!

[Gabriella]: Hey! Whoo!

(Troy & Gabriella):

Lookin' Forward From Center Stage, Graduation Day, Time To Get The Future Started!

What We Leave, What We Take With Us,

 71

No Matter What, It's Somethin' We're Apart Of!

We Learn To Fly.

Together Side-By-Side. I just hope the rest of my life, To Feel As Good As My,

(Everyone):

High School Musical,

Who Says We Have To Let It Go?

It's The Best Part We've Ever Known, Step Into The Future!

We'll Hold On to,

High School Musical, Lets Celebrate Where We Come From,

With Friends Who've Been There All Along, Just Like,

Our High School, High School Musical!

(Ryan & Sharpay):

Improvisation Without A Script, No Ones Written It, And Now We Have The Chance Too!

Someday We'll Be Lookin' Back,

Memories We've Had, All The Songs That We Lived Through!

The Best Of Times,

So Why Leave Them Behind. Why Cant The Rest Of My Life

Be Like My,

(Everyone):

High School Musical,

Who Says We Have To Let It Go?

It's The Best Part We've Ever Known, Step Into The Future!

We'll Hold On to,

High School Musical, Lets Celebrate Where We Come From,

 72

With Friends Who've been There All Along, Just Like,

(Chad & Taylor):

Now We Finally Realize

Who We Are, It Just Took Some Time

That You Learn And To Live To See The Truth

(Everyone):

Can't You See The Truth?

( Chad & Taylor):

Nothing's Ever Impossible, Into The Future With Every Fall.

Forever We'll Always Have High School!

(Troy):

Turn the Party, Lets Celebrate!

(Troy & Gabriella):

Cause The Worlds One Big Stage, And In It What You Want, It Can Be Yours!

(Everyone):

Everybody Sing, Yeah!

(Troy):

Can You Show Us, Now We're Wanna Go?

(Gabriella):

It's where the status we know

(Everyone):

High School, Lives On Forever More! High School, High School Musical!

(Everyone):
 73

High School Musical,

Who Says We Have To Let It Go?

It's The Best Part We've Ever Known, Step Into The Future,

We'll Hold On to,

High School Musical, Lets Celebrate Where We Come From,

With Friends Who've Been There All Along, Oh Yeah!

(Gabriella):

I Wish My Life Could Feel Like A,

(Everyone):

High School Musical,

Who Says We Have To Let It Go?

It's The Best Part We've Ever Known,Step Into The Future!

We'll Hold On to,

High School Musical, Lets Celebrate Where We Come From,

All together, make it better, memories the last forever

I want the rest my life feel Just Like a

High School Musical!

ENCORE

We’re All in This Together

Alright, alright, here we go

Together, together, together everyone

Together, together, come on, let's have some fun

 74

Together, we're there for each other every time

Together, together, come on, let's do this right

Here and now, it's time for celebration

I finally figured out, yeah, yeah

That all our dreams (uh) have no limitations

That's what it's all about (come on now)

Everyone is special in their own way

We make each other strong (we make each other strong)

We're not the same

We're different in a good way

Together's where we belong

We're all in this together

Once we know

That we are

We're all stars

And we see that

We're all in this together

And it shows

When we stand

Hand in hand

Make our dreams come true

Together, together, together everyone

Together, together, come on, let's have some fun

Together, we're there for each other every time

Together, together come on, let's do this right

We're all here

And speaking out with one voice

We're going to rock the house, yeah, yeah

 75

The party's on, now everybody make some noise

Come on, scream and shout

We've arrived

Because we stuck together

Champions one and all

We're all in this together

Once we know

That we are

We're all stars

And we see that

We're all in this together

And it shows

When we stand

Hand in hand

Make our dreams come

We're all in this together

When we reach

We can fly

Know inside

We can make it

We're all in this together

Once we see

There's a chance

That we have

And we take it

Wildcats sing along

Yeah, you really got it going on

Wildcats in the house

 76

Everybody say it now

Wildcats everywhere

Wave your hands up in the air

That's the way we do it

Let's get to it

Time to show the world

Hey, oh, hey, oh alright here we go

We're all in this together

Once we know

That we are

We're all stars

And we see that

We're all in this together

And it shows

When we stand

Hand in hand

Make our dreams come true

We're all in this together

When we reach

We can fly

Know inside

We can make it

We're all in this together

Once we see

There's a chance

That we have

And we take it

Wildcats everywhere
 77

Wave your hands up in the air

That's the way we do it

Let's get to it

Come on everyone