Musical cash cow set to excite a generation


The cast of the forthcoming production of High School Musical.

No matter how successful you think High School Musical is going to be in Australia, you're probably under-estimating it. The film on which the stage production is based is an international phenomenon - setting records left, right and centre - and the musical is set to follow its lead.

And despite the DVD availability of the concept, the recent Ice Show and another forthcoming cinema sequel, producers are confident the stage show will be a major success when it begins its tour of the country at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney in December.

The corporate dollar is already being invested in the show, with K-Mart coming on board as its principal sponsor.

"K-Mart is thrilled to be supporting the stage production of High School Musical, showcasing young actors in Australia," said K-Mart Managing Director, Mark Goddard.

"The show will be a wonderful family event and we are very proud to be involved."

Back in February 2008, Casting Director Lynne Ruthven sent out the call for performers from all over Australia to audition for High School Musical, and over 800 actors, singers and dancers answered the call.

After the daunting task of reducing that pool to 500, auditions were held in Sydney and Melbourne throughout March this year in front of the US Creative Team.

"Seeing the breadth of Australia’s talent is nothing new to me and after hours and hours of sifting through every application, it was heartbreaking to only be able to cast 32 people," Ruthven said.

"However, I must confess I did quietly enjoy the US team’s genuine shock at how difficult it was to choose the cast – I don’t think they were expecting such fierce competition, or the sheer amount of new, young talent that is coming into our local industry. I believe we have a fresh, vibrant cast that will make the Australian production an exciting theatre experience."

Chris Durling and Rebecca Tapia will play Troy and Gabriella respectively in the show, while the cast also includes Teagan Wouters as Sharpay, Liam McIlwain as Ryan, Turanga Merito as Chad, Elenoa Rokobaro as Taylor, Scott Irwin as Coach Bolton, Donna Lee as Ms Darbus, Caity Fowler as Kelsi, Andrew Hazzard as Zeke, Phoebe Coupe as Martha and Nathan Derrick as Jack.

The ensemble features Justin Anderson, Kirby Burgess, Angelique Cassimatis, Sophia Constantopedos, Joel Hogan, Sam Ludeman, Sasha Marshall, Katherine Merry, Janine Mieni, Scott Morris, Duana McGregor, Simon Brook McLachlan, Shelley McShane, Nathan Pinnell, Daniel Raso, Leigh Sleightholeme, Jane Strickland, Nathan Tamati, Karla Tonkich and Tara Wiggins.

High School Musical begins on December 18 at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney before moving to Adelaide, Canberra, Newcastle, Brisbane, Hobart, Melbourne and Perth.