The production is currently booking to Jan. 2, 2010, with further dates to be announced for 2010.
Featuring a book by David Simpatico (adapted from the original film script by Peter Barsocchini), the score includes all the songs from the original chart-topping sequel's soundtrack, including "What Time Is it?," "You Are the Music in Me" and "Fabulous."
The production will be directed by Jeff Calhoun, whose credits include Broadway revivals of Grease and Big River and the U.S. and U.K. stage versions of High School Musical Live On Stage! The production team also includes choreographer Lisa Stevens and scenic designer Kenneth Foy. Casting will be announced later in the year.
The story revolves around the East High Wildcats' pursuit of summer jobs. According to press materials, Troy, Gabriella, Taylor and Chad all land work at an exclusive country club but it's not going to be an easy ride as Ryan and Sharpay are vacationing there, too, and plan on having some fun of their own. As it turns out their family owns the club, so the scheming siblings make it their mission to stir things up for the friends. The action builds to the country club's all important Midsummer Night's Talent Show, but will the Wildcats be ready in time? Will Troy duet with Sharpay or Gabriella, will Ryan finally realize his sister's true motives and will squabbles, double-crossing and a baseball tournament stand in the way of their performances and, ultimately, their friendships?
The show is produced by Stage Entertainment UK Ltd in association with Disney Theatrical Productions. In a press statement, Steve Fickinger, Disney Theatrical's Vice President of Licensing, said, "We at Disney are thrilled that the UK has so enthusiastically embraced the stage adaptation of High School Musical, and we can't wait to share the continuing adventures of Troy, Gabriella, and all your favourite Wildcats with High School Musical 2." Bill Taylor, CEO of Stage Entertainment UK, added, "We are delighted to continue the partnership with our friends at Disney to bring the next part of the High School story to audiences in Britain and Ireland. This tour has been very carefully priced in such a way as to make it accessible for families to enjoy the show together. I've never known an audience reaction like that which we experience at High School Musical shows and we look forward to welcoming more people, young and old, for the second instalment."
First broadcast in September 2007, the Disney Channel's "High School Musical 2" has been seen by over 273 million unique viewers worldwide. It has since been followed by "High School Musical 3," which was given a theatrical release in cinemas.
The tour will commence at Wimbledon New Theatre, beginning performances Aug. 22 for a run to Sept. 5, then continue to Plymouth's Theatre Royal (Sept. 7-12), Sheffield's Lyceum (Sept. 14-19), Oxford's New theatre (Sept. 21-26), Manchester's Opera House (Sept. 28-Oct. 10), Brighton Centre (Oct. 15-18), Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre (Oct. 20-24), Southampton's Mayflower (Oct. 26-Nov. 7), Leeds' Grand Theatre (Nov. 9-14), Belfast's Opera House (Nov. 16-21) and Birmingham's Alexandra (Dec. 15-Jan. 2).
For further details visit the website www.HSMonstage.co.uk.
