[Jack]

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The Little Theatre of Greeneville proudly presents "Disney’s High School Musical" in the historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Greeneville. Under the direction of Dr. Joe Borden, over fifty mostly high school aged actors from all over the east Tennessee region are rehearsing to bring this delightful musical to the stage. This marvelous show opens Friday August 17th at 8:00 PM. It will also play on Saturday August 18th as well as Friday and Saturday August 24th and 25th at 8:00 PM. Two Sunday 2:30 PM matinees will be presented on August 19th and 26th.
“High School Musical” has swept the youth market since its premier two years ago on the Disney network. Prepare for the sequel, "High School Musical Two," premiering this month, by seeing the original live on stage in the Capitol Theatre.
"High School Musical" uses pop music styles and a loosely based version of Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet" to speak to today’s youth on a number of levels.
First, teenagers respond to the bright, melodic music, singing the tunes easily from memory and dancing the choreography used in the film.
Second, beyond the good tunes and dance, is the story. The tale of Romeo and Juliet is timeless, of course. The two young protagonists, Troy and Gabriella in this version, represent the youth of today trying to negotiate parents, school, peer pressure and young love. These two characters belong to modern versions of feuding families: high school cliques. In this case Troy is a basketball hero and Gabriella a math genius. Each is pulled by his or her own clique to avoid becoming involved with the other as they discover their talent and interest in auditioning for the school musical.
Beyond this basic conflict is Troy’s relationship with his father, who also happens to be the basketball team’s head coach. The eternal struggle of the young man coming of age and reconciling with his father adds a classic dimension to this musical that resonates with young and old. There is also a version of the story of the beautiful butterfly hidden in a cocoon as Kelsi Nielson, the student composer of the play’s musical within the musical "Juliet and Romeo" breaks forth into her own sense of worth and strength. Shy but talented teenagers relate to Kelsi when she comes into her own at the end of the musical.
There is also the poignant struggle of a truly talented but insecure student who uses unethical means to reach success when she actually does not need to do so. We see as well the struggle of her twin brother to escape living in the shadow of his "older" sister.
The musical rocks with singable tunes, laugh out loud comedy, high school memories and the deeper struggles of growing up. As the drama teacher, Ms. Darbus, says, "Kelsi has brilliantly swapped out a tragic ending for a happy ending in which both Romeo and Juliet live and move to Albuquerque!"

Do not miss the many talented young people from our area bringing this wonderful story to life on the Capitol stage. Leading this large and energetic cast are the following. As Troy Bolton is Matt Paessler. Troy’s love interest, Gabriella Montez is played by Mauriel Rodriguez. Troy’s best friend, Chad Danforth will be brought to life by Chase Lane. Chad’s opposite, the leader of the "Brainiacs," Taylor McKessie is performed by Michelle Brooks. The nemesis to all is the lovely, but treacherous Sharpey Evans, played by Brittany Kyte. Her twin brother Ryan is brought to the stage by Patrick Dalton. Rounding out the leads are Rachel Ward playing Kelsi Neilson, Jeremiah Bales as Zeke, Emily Durant as Martha Cox and Daniel Harr performing as Jack Scott, a new character not in the film.

See these great young actors along with the other forty-five actors bring this popular show to life. The wonderful sets, designed and executed by Eileen Musbach and her crew, will transport you into East High School at the beginning of the January term. Get ready and join the "Wildcats" for the city basketball championship game, the academic decathlon and the all important auditions for the great winter musical.

[brown_eyed_actress]

Go HSM! I"m happy to talk to someone who is currently in the musical and doesn't despise it like everyone else in this forum ...

I didn't care for HSM before I tried out, but now that I get to perform in it (I'm Taylor) .... I really appreciate the other actors that help bring it to life. The music is really hard for Troy, can we say ultra-high? ... I applaud you!