HSM 2 all set for Manchester Opera House

Following the return of the first installment of High School Musical to the region, the sequel is now on the way.

18-year-old Liam Doyle from Coventry will play teen heartthrob Troy Bolton in High School Musical 2 Live on Stage!, after being voted into the role by GMTV viewers (See The Goss, 5 May 2009). He won out over fellow finalists Ian McIntosh (aged 20) from Great Yarmouth and James Lacey (20) from Liverpool.

High School Musical 2 received its UK premiere at New Wimbledon Theatre on 22 August 2009 before embarking on a four-and-a-half month regional tour (See News, 2 Mar 2009). As with the series’ original screen-to-stage crossover, it has a book by David Simpatico (adapted from the original movie script by Peter Barsocchini), and is directed by Jeff Calhoun, with scenic design by Kenneth Foy and choreography by Lisa Stevens. The score features all the songs from the film soundtrack, including “What Time Is It?”, “You Are the Music in Me” and “Fabulous”.

School’s out and the East High Wildcats need summer jobs! 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. The scheming siblings, whose family owns the club, make it their mission to stir things up. The action builds to the club’s all-important Midsummer Night’s Talent Show, but will the Wildcats be ready in time?

HSM 2 arrives at the Opera House in Manchester from Mon 23rd – Sat 28th November.