Directed and choreographed by Barry Ivan, the production will begin previews at the Massachusetts venue Dec. 18 with an official opening scheduled for Dec. 19. Performances will continue through Jan. 11, 2009.
Addi McDaniel and David Nathan Perlow, who starred in the North Shore's production of High School Musical, will reprise their roles as, respectively, Gabriella Montez and Troy Bolton for the musical's sequel. Also returning to the North Shore stage will be Kate Rockwell as Sharpay Evans. They will be joined by Christopher Williams (Ryan Evans), Benjamin Mapp (Chad Danforth), Mitch Dean (Jack), Carla Duren (Taylor), Omar Lopez-Cepero (Zeke), Dana Steingold (Kelsi), Emily Walton (Martha) and Ron Wisniski (Mr. Fulton).
The ensemble comprises Brandon Arrington, Jameson Cooper, Calli Freyschlag, Kyle Leland, Lonna Marie, Kelly Martin, Tim McGarrigal, Taela Naomi, Mara Newbury, Kristin Piro, Courtney Romano, Casey Tuma and Brendan Turanich.
The local Youth Ensemble includes Bernie Baldassaro (Peabody, MA), Max Clayton (Manchester, NH), Michaela Della Russo (Melrose, MA), Kyla Fallon (Danvers, MA), Samantha Goober (Burlington, MA), Michael Graceffa (Waltham, MA), Molly Grant (Boxford, MA), Michayla Lupien (Hookset, NH), DJ Plunkett (Lynn, MA) and Ben Raffalli (North Andover, MA).
Disney High School Musical 2, according to press notes, is described as such: "School's out and Troy, Gabriella, and the rest of the East High Wildcats are spending the summer working at the Lava Springs Country Club, owned by Ryan and Sharpay's family. With the club's annual talent show right around the corner, things begin to really heat up when Troy agrees to sing with Sharpay. Will Troy and Gabriella realize that they're meant to be, or is it too late for them to sing one last song together?" The creative team also includes Brian Usifer (music director), Campbell Baird (scenic designer), David Neville (lighting designer), John Stone (sound designer), Gerard Kelly (wig designer), Chris Saunders (associate choreographer), Adam Wachter (assistant music director), Mara Newbery (assistant to the choreographer), Peggy Imbrie (stage manager) and Jerry Lame (assistant stage manager).
The North Shore Music Theatre is located at 62 Dunham Road in Beverly, MA. For more information visit www.nsmt.org.
