David Simpatico News

Variety is reporting that Disney is developing a localized adaption of its High School Musical franchise for China and production has already begun on 'Disney High School Musical: China' which, while similar to the American High School Musical is based on an original screenplay written from the ground up.

Whatsonstage.com is reporting that the UK tour of High School Musical 2: Live on Stage will close three months early. The production, a follow-up to the wildly successful original High School Musical, was initially scheduled to close on 29 May, 2010 after launching at London's New Wimbledon Theatre on 22 August. It will now take its final bow on 27 February, 2010.

Though last Sunday night was my first exposure to anything associated with the Disney triptych of made for television movies carrying the banner, High School Musical, it's my guess, judging from the enthusiastic reception the production received from an opening night audience loaded with young theatergoers, that fans of the series will not be disappointed. Paper Mill does their usual highly professional job, with a talented, energetic cast delivering Mark S. Hoebee's buoyant, quick-paced direction with gusto and singing attractively under music director Bruce W. Coyle. Denis Jones' choreography nicely fits the athletic and cheery requirements of the show's atmosphere and the design elements are sharply delivered via Kenneth Foy's kinetic set, Wade Laboissonniere's colorful, clique defining costumes and Tom Sturge's celebratory lights.

Up and coming young actor Michael Mahany, star of the current Theatre of the Stars touring production of Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL talks about his journey with the show to The Grand Rapids Press.

The East High Wildcats are back in the second instalment of the hugely successful musical franchise.

Renowned choreographer and director, Jeffrey Hornaday ('Flashdance,' 'A Chorus Line', 'Shout'), will helm 'High School Musical East Meets West,' the fourth movie in the franchise that is a cultural sensation around the world. The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, Disney Channels Worldwide.

Based on the blockbuster movie, Troy, Gabriella and the rest of East High will come to life on the main stage in The Rose Theater's production of Disney's High School Musical, June 5-28, 2009.

Writers' Theatre Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce the World Premiere of A Minister's Wife, a new musical adapted from George Bernard Shaw's Candida, conceived and directed by Michael Halberstam with musical direction by Richard Casey. A Minister's Wife was adapted by Austin Pendleton with music by Joshua Schmidt and lyrics by Jan Tranen.

The producers of the upcoming stage sequel to High School Musical are launching a TV competition with GMTV to find an actor for the leading role of Troy Bolton.

Writers' Theatre Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce the World Premiere of A Minister's Wife, a new musical adapted from George Bernard Shaw's Candida, conceived and directed by Michael Halberstam with musical direction by Richard Casey. A Minister's Wife was adapted by Austin Pendleton with music by Joshua Schmidt and lyrics by Jan Tranen.

The Cherry Lane Theatre will present the 11th season of its Obie Award-winning Cherry Lane Mentor Project with the new play HOUSEBREAKING - written by Jakob Holder, mentored by playwright Charles Mee - with performances set to run March 24-April 4 at The Cherry Lane Studio (38 Commerce Street) in Manhattan. Daniella Topol directs.

The Cherry Lane Theatre will present the 11th season of its Obie Award-winning Cherry Lane Mentor Project with the new play HOUSEBREAKING - written by Jakob Holder, mentored by playwright Charles Mee - with performances set to run March 24-April 4 at The Cherry Lane Studio (38 Commerce Street) in Manhattan. Daniella Topol directs.

What's On Stage reports that producers have just announced that High School Musical 2 Live on Stage! will receive its UK premiere this summer, opening at south London's New Wimbledon Theatre on August 22nd 2009 before setting out on a four-and-a-half month summer regional tour.

Following the success of High School Musical 3, producers recently announced that High School Musical 2 Live on Stage! will be performed throughout the UK. The show will premiere this summer at London's New Wimbledon Theatre on 22 August 2009 and will continue on a four-and-a-half month regional tour.

BroadwayWorld gave the cast of High School Musical 2: On Stage a FLIP video camera and then set them loose backstage during the run of the show. Before they played the final performance they taped some exciting footage as they neared 'graduation', get ready to 'get your head in the game' one last time with the talented young cast!

Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2: On Stage plays the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta from November 6-16, 2008. Tickets are on sale NOW at all Ticketmaster outlets, at 404-817-8700 and online at www.ticketmaster.com Ticket prices range from $20-$68. Special group rates are available through the Fox Group Sales Dept. at 404-881-2000. The musical begins performances tonight, November 6th.

BroadwayWorld gave the cast of Disney's High School Musical 2: On Stage a FLIP video camera and then set them loose backstage during rehearsals as they prepare for opening night.

'We are proud to announce that we will be producing the Professional Stage Premiere of Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2' states Nick Manos, President of Atlanta's Theater of the Stars. 'We are excited to be able to follow up on the phenomenal success of our January 2007 premiere production of the original Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: On Stage with the smash hit sequel.'

Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2: On Stage will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta from November 6-16, 2008. Tickets are on sale NOW at all Ticketmaster outlets, at 404-817-8700 and online at www.ticketmaster.com Ticket prices range from $20-$68. Special group rates are available through the Fox Group Sales Dept. at 404-881-2000.

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) is proud to announce the on-sale date for tickets for Disney's High School Musical.