The Principal/The Playwright: Heritage High School Students Debut Musical Written by Their Principal

The song “Make Your Move” starts with rhythmic clapping. It only takes listening to the song for a few seconds to get your foot tapping. The synthesized music kicks in to become the melody. Then a British voice rings out clear as a bell:

“. . . Shoot the double, shoot the double, make your move.

If you don’t shoot the double, you will lose. I’m telling you, buddy. You better make your move.”

This song is just one of 17 original songs from “Wrestling: The Musical,” coming to the stage at Heritage High School in Vancouver. This musical will be unlike anything seen in a high school theater because it’s a brand-new musical that has never been seen on stage before.

It’s a story about Royal McKay, a longtime head wrestling coach who sees himself as a local legend. He is approaching his 100th career win when a new assistant coach joins the department. Already feeling defensive about it, he is shocked to see the new coach is Annie Goulet, a woman with unique ideas about the sport. The conflict between the two emerges, but there are issues at home, too. Royal contends with his son, Jay, a senior on the wrestling team who only wrestles to connect with his dad and to earn his respect. It’s a story that touches on the themes of self-importance, equality and acceptance.

And it was written by the Heritage High School principal (and playwright), Derek Garrison.

Read the rest of this article in the full digital issue below.