The production, based on the hit Disney Channel musical, will play the Massachusetts venue Dec. 18, 2008-Jan. 11, 2009. North Shore artistic director and executive producer Barry Ivan will direct and choreograph. In a statement, director Ivan said, "We are thrilled to be the second regional theatre in the country to produce the blockbuster hit Disney High School Musical 2 this year and to give families the opportunity to enjoy this live musical experience together."

The musical, according to press notes, "follows Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and their friends from East High during a summer of fun, sun and song at a fabulous country club."

The famed regional theatre will not present its annual production of A Christmas Carol this season, although a 20th anniversary production of the Charles Dickens classic will be seen in 2009.

Artistic director Ivan stated, "I'd like to thank all our patrons for making A Christmas Carol part of their holiday season each year. We look forward to celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2009 and continuing the North Shore tradition with our patrons next season."

Tickets for Disney High School Musical 2, priced $65 and $79, will go on sale April 14 to NSMT donors, April 17 to NSMT six-show subscribers and trios, and April 20 to the general public.

The North Shore Music Theatre is located at 62 Dunham Road in Beverly, MA. For more information visit www.nsmt.org.