"High School Musical" on stage

"High School Musical" invades local theater
Michael Ancheta
Monday, June 4, 2007
01:44 PM
http://www.pep.ph/guide/713/High-School-Musical-invades-local-theater-


After the highly successful production of the musical Footloose headlined by Jay-R and Iya 
Villania in 2005, STAGES together with Trumpet's Playshop once again returns this time 
with a more ambitious project via Disney's hit High School Musical.

Just how big is this project? To begin with, almost 300 aspirants auditioned for the said 
musical, with pretty Cheska Ortega bagging the lead female role of Gabriella Montez. She 
even cut short her vacation in the United States to try her luck for the coveted role. Cheska 
is paired with teen star Sam Concepcion, who plays the lead character Troy Bolton.

But what makes High School Musical even bigger and more memorable is the fact that the 
production serves as Audie Gemora's comeback to musical theater direction after taking a 
hiatus for two decades.

"I just have to do it," explains Audie, who went through all the necessary arrangements to 
acquire the rights of the play. "I know this one big project is worthy of my time and effort 
and I was correct."

High School Musical is a well-recognized production encouraging individuality among 
young people tied to a lot of social and cultural limitations.

Top billed by Sam Concepcion (Troy Bolton) and Cheska Ortega (Gabriella Montez), High 
School Musical also features young talented actors Alex Godinez (Sharpay Evans), PJ 
Valerio (Ryan Evans), veteran actor Jeff Arcilla (Coach Bolton), and theater luminary Sheila 
Francisco (Mrs. Darbus).

Chinnie Nepomuceno and Alfred Luason took charge of the choreography while Mio 
Infante once again weaves his magic to create the musical's set design. Mio was behind 
the fantastic sets of musicals such as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Little 
Mermaid; and Footloose.

Expressing both faith and admiration for the young cast, Audie proudly boasts that this 
year's staging of High School Musical would prove that "local musical theater is in good 
hands."

Performance dates:
3:00 p.m. shows -
   June 23 and 30
   July 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15
8:00 p.m. shows -
   June 23 and 30
   July 6, 7 and 14

Venue: Meralco Theater, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City
Ticket prices:
Orchestra and Loge Center - P850.00 to 800.00
Balcony - P500.00

Call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or STAGES at 818-1111 local 209 for ticket inquiries.