Thursday, April 10, 2025

The Class of 2025 dazzled audiences of students, parents, faculty, and friends of the school in their 8th grade play: High School Musical On Stage! Directed by longtime Buckley art and dance teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Demopoulos, (aka “Mrs. D”) Buckley’s 8th graders portrayed the story of Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez as they navigate the drama of friendships, cliques, and the risks and rewards of breaking out of your comfort zone in high school. 

With a grueling months-long rehearsal process, audiences were wowed by the high quality of the students’ performances across the board. The production included multiple full-cast musical numbers packed with fun choreography that was executed flawlessly by all. Using the gym floor of The Muran Theatre, “The Jocks” performed a full basketball routine that required concentration and a great deal of practice to achieve. On stage, the singing and dancing continued, as every member of the graduating class took part as either a performer or in the supporting tech crew that created digital backdrops, ran the light and sound boards, and operated the follow spotlight.

It was truly a magical day, though an exhausting one for our student performers who put on not one, but two full performances for an audience of students and parents in the morning, and families and friends in the evening. The night was capped off by a beautiful cast party courtesy of the 8th grade parents, who decked out The Cronin Gym with themed decor and delicious treats for all who attended.

Our sincere appreciation goes out to all the 8th grade parents who made this production possible, as well as all the adults -theatre professionals and school staff- who lent their talents to the production: Rich Giordano, Serge Aly, Tom McKenna, Stephanie Temple, Brian Boyle, Granya Vazquez, Toni Frangipane, Rick Foy, Matt Gangone, Noel Morales, Brendon Shunk, Stephanie Long, Stefani Rosenthal, Ashley Lane, Dan Brennan, Kyle Oppedisano, and Sam Oppedisano.

Special thanks to director Mrs. Jennifer Demopoulos for her passionate dedication to our students and the theatre arts. She brought our students together and their story to life on stage, and we are incredibly grateful to Mrs. D for all her hard work in making this year’s 8th grade musical such a success.

Congratulations to all our 8th graders on their fine performances, completing another milestone in their Buckley journey!

Click here to see photos from the production, and watch videos of the Day Show here and Night Show here.