IT WAS a surprise hit for Disney nearly ten years ago, launched teen star Zac Efron’s career, and spawned a raft of copycat musicals.
Now High School Musical is being brought to the stage by a team of talented young people as part of Rugby Theatre’s innovative Summer Youth Project.
The stage version, which debuts on Wednesday (July 29), recreates all the drama and excitement of the original, with Troy Bolton, the captain of the basketball team, falling for shy Gabriella, who excels in science and maths.
Together they try out for lead roles in the school’s annual show, and end up dividing the school.
Remarkably, the young Rugby performers and backstage team have had less than two weeks to rehearse and stage the show, having got together for the first time on Saturday, July 18, the day after the end of their own school term.
A small team of professionals direct and choreograph the 70 young performers, aided by the tireless backstage team at the theatre.
Artistic director Alan Pavis said: “This is an amazing chance for young people to showcase their talents and cut their teeth on the big stage.
“Some are as young as ten, and they rub shoulders with some more experienced members of the cast who have already starred in adult shows.
“The standards achieved in such a short space of time are remarkable each year, and we’re so excited to see what they’re going to make of this one.
“It’s a great feel-good show with some brilliant numbers and a lovely Romeo and Juliet story.”
The show runs from Wednesday (July 29) to Sunday August 2. Tickets are available from the Rugby Theatre box office at rugbytheatre.co.uk, or on 01788 541234.
