Community members enjoy a performance of Disney’s ‘High School Musical Jr.’ by District 88 special needs students

A day after performing in Disney’s “High School Musical Jr.” at Willowbrook, the smile on Addison Trail sophomore Caterina Partipilo’s face still hadn’t lessened.

"They gave us standing ovations, and that was awesome," Partipilo said. "I was a little nervous at first, but it was a lot of fun."

On Aug. 29, Partipilo (who played Ms. Darbus) joined other special needs students from Addison Trail and Willowbrook to bring the musical to life.

"High School Musical Jr." tells the story of Troy (played by Willowbrook junior Sean Worden) and Gabriella (played by Willowbrook senior Laura Mayen), as they deal with the challenges of high school – relationships, cliques, jealousy and balancing sports and activities – while auditioning for the school musical. The show was performed by District 88 special needs students and featured mixed media, as the dialogue was prerecorded and shown on a screen, and the songs were sung live with audience members participating.

“I saw a version of the musical at my church with special needs kids, and I wanted to bring it to Willowbrook,” said Erik Engel, Willowbrook social worker and director of “High School Musical Jr.” “I knew with the supportive environment created by the students and staff here, this show would be perfect for Willowbrook.”

And he was right. More than 400 people came to watch the performance, and the crowd interacted with the students from start to finish – singing, applauding and cheering and giving them three standing ovations. About 1,000 students watched an abbreviated version of the show earlier that day and had the same reaction to the performance.

“It was a fantastic experience,” Worden said. “It was amazing because I got to express myself to my friends. I would definitely like to (perform) again.”

Engel said the musical wouldn’t have been possible without the many students and staff members who volunteered to help with the production, including Willowbrook seniors Addie Maggard and Alex Bardesi. He added he couldn’t be more proud of the actors.

“They did a tremendous job,” he said. “When I talk about it, I start crying. I never could have imagined this response. It’s a day they’ll never forget.”