NSMT to Present Disney HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2

It may be cold outside but it will feel like summer inside North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) as it is transformed into the Lava Springs Country Club for DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2. Following the first Disney High School Musical success last summer, NSMT is pleased to present the second regional production and the New England premiere of DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 from December 18, 2008 through January 11, 2009. Press Night scheduled for Friday, December 19th.

"As we discovered at last year's performances, DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL presents an opportunity for new generations to experience live musical theater," said Barry Ivan, NSMT's Artistic Director and Executive Producer and Director/Choreographer for DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2. "We are thrilled that through this show, many young people will partake in the art form for the very first time. It is our hope that they develop a life-long interest and appreciation for live theater as they enjoy this musical together with their families this holiday season."

DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 is a fun and fresh new stage version of the record breaking Disney Channel Original Movie. 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? Complete with electrifying dance numbers and popular songs from the top selling CD, DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 will also feature 10 talented teens from the local community.

"I continue to be impressed by the level of talent in our local communities," Ivan added. "Many local young actors were featured in Disney High School Musical last season as well as in several of our 2008 season musicals. We are pleased to give these young performers the exciting opportunity to appear on the mainstage and work side-by-side with professional equity actors in this production also."

DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 stars last year's lead actors Addi McDaniel and David Nathan Perlow as Gabriella Montez and Troy Bolton. Also returning is Kate Rockwell (Sharpay Evans) who recently appeared in the Broadway production of Legally Blonde. They are joined by Christopher Williams (Ryan Evans) and Benjamin Mapp (Chad Danforth). The cast features Mitch Dean (Jack), Carla Duren (Taylor), Omar Lopez-Cepero (Zeke), Dana Steingold (Kelsi), Emily Walton (Martha) and Ron Wisniski (Mr. Fulton).

The Ensemble includes: 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.

Local Youth Ensemble members include: 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)

In addition to Director/Choreographer Barry Ivan, the creative team for DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 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).

Tickets for DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2, December 18, 2008 - January 11, 2009, are on sale now and make excellent and unexpected holiday gifts. Bring the family for a school vacation week treat! Tickets prices are $65 and $79. Subscriber, senior, group and youth discounts are available. For tickets please visit www.nsmt.org, call (978) 232-7200, or stop by the box office in person at 62 Dunham Rd. Beverly, MA 01915. Theatergoers are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support local food pantries; receptacles for donations will be located in the lobby.

Free Audience Enrichment Events -

Meet the Theatre, a post show audience discussion with the artists December 29 after the 7:30pm performance and January 3 after the 2pm performance.

Schools in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire can make DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 their high school musical! With this special fundraising opportunity, participating schools can earn $10 for every ticket sold with their special promotional code. For more information or to obtain a code, please email sarar@blitzmedia.com.

Operating since 1955, NSMT has evolved into the largest non-profit producing theater in New England, with approximately 300,000 patrons annually. NSMT has gained a national and regional reputation for artistic achievement, specifically in the areas of developing new works and providing outstanding theater arts and education programs. NSMT has received numerous industry awards including The Elliot Norton Award, The Rosetta Le Noire Award from Actors' Equity, and The Moss Hart Award. NSMT annually produces a six musical subscription series and an acclaimed concert series. With its celebrated Theatre for Young Audiences program, a school touring program, and year-round classes for children, NSMT has become one of the region's leading providers of theater arts and education.