Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

For the first time in 30 years, East High School students are preparing to take to the stage thanks to a grant funding the production of a teen version of the Broadway musical SIX.
East High instructor Scott Ferrell-Garcia applied for Kansas City Public Schools Educator Grant, which funds specific projects and programs within the district’s schools. This $5000 grant was awarded in January and will cover the costs for costumes, stage equipment and the rights to perform SIX: Teen Edition.
As East’s Theater and Creative Writing instructor, Ferrell-Garcia said he wanted to bring musical performances back this year to celebrate the school’s centennial. Located at 1924 Van Brunt Blvd., East opened to students in 1925 and currently educates over 1000 students in grades 9 through 12.
SIX:The Musical opened on Broadway in 2020 and is currently touring in world-wide productions. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this musical explores the lives and experiences of the six wives of King Henry VIII. This Teen Edition varies from the Broadway production by adding additional male characters, the Queen’s Guard, for a cast total of eleven students. An additional five to ten students will work backstage to provide lighting, sound, props, costumes and makeup.
Students auditioned for the six female parts, the queens, and five male parts, the Queen’s Guard, and are rehearsing several times a week in preparation for three performances April 9 -11.
Senior Veronica Gibson is portraying Anne Boleyn and stated it was wonderful for her to end her final year doing something she loved.
“I get to be in the first musical in 30 years. My parents are excited and so am I,” Gibson said. “I’ve grown more as a person and built relationships I never thought I would. Compared to a few years ago, this has helped me better myself in putting myself out there.”
Portraying Katherine Howard, freshman Yerelin Ortiz said she could really relate to her onstage character.
“I really like her sense of humor and she is so me,” said Ortiz. “I really like being loud and her confidence influenced mine. She’s bubbly, just like me. People see her as ditzy, and sometimes people call me that, but we’re both so much more.”
As a member of the ensemble, senior CC Fahnestock plays multiple parts, including King Henry VIII.
“Not only is there a main focus on the queens, but now we get to add more dance and reactions and special moments that add up to a more complete picture.” Fahnestock said. “We’re all learning and aren’t afraid to muss up in front of each other so we can grow without feeling embarrassed.”
Senior Elijah Rodiguez is portraying Anna of Cleves and sees the impact of the grant funding for this production as it comes to life.
“I never thought we would be able to do something like this,” said Rodriguez. “Seeing all the upgrades that have come with this has been amazing. When I saw we got stage lights, I nearly started crying. I never thought we would have been able to do that before.”
Rodrguez also pointed out that the cast of SIX:Teen Edition reflects the students at East High, and hopes audience members notice that.
“We’ve got Asian, Samoan, black, Hispanic, white actors as queens. When I was a kid, I didn’t think I could do something like this. I hope that seeing this production inspires people to believe in themselves and realize they can do this too.”
Performances of SIX:Teen Edition begin Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m. in the East High auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and may be purchased online at easthigh.booktix.com