Photo Flash: Disney's High School Musical 2 At Workshop Theatre

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 local country club, which is 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 together, 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's High School Musical 2 features numerous talented teen and adult performers from throughout the Midlands.

"As we discovered with last summer's production of the original High School Musical, this show presents an opportunity for new generations to experience live musical theatre," said Walter Graham, director of the production. "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 lifelong interest and appreciation for live theatre as they enjoy this musical with their families."

"I continue to be impressed by the level of talent in the Midlands," said the show's producer, Jocelyn Brannon. "Many locAl Young actors were featured in High School Musical last summer. We are especially pleased to give these young performers and many new fresh faces the exciting opportunity to appear on the Workshop stage this summer."

High School Musical 2 stars Ginny Sims and Jake Etheridge as Gabriella Montez and Troy Bolton. Raime Padgett is the fabulous Sharpay Evans, and her twin Ryan is played by Bart Mather. They are joined by Lori Minor (Taylor McKessie) and Matthew Phenix (Chad Danforth). The cast also features Corey Law (Jack Scott), Michael Hazin (Zeke Baylor), Lauren Shealy (Kelsi Nielsen) and Becca Cromer (Martha Cox).

The Ensemble includes Mellie Boozer, Emily Laughridge and Morgan Tapp as the Sharpettes, as well as Bradley Cockrell, Eddie Eades, Katie Foshee, Avery Herndon, Brien Hollingsworth, Lainey Johnson, Jazzmin Jolly, Bakari Lebby, Ashley McFadden, Judson Neff, Garrison Stewart, Addie Taylor and Hermon Whaley.

The show is sponsored by Blue Choice Health Plan. The creative team includes musical director Camille Jones, choreographer McCree O'Kelley, scenic designer Randy Strange, lighting designer Barry Sparks, sound designer Steve Hobson, costumer Elizabeth Ross, and stage manager Bobby Craft.

Performances are 8:00 p.m. July 10-11, 14-18 and 21-25, and 3:00 p.m. on July 19. Tickets are $20.00 for adults; $18.00 seniors and military; $15.00 for students; and $12.00 for children under 12.

Call 799-6551 for reservations - or go to www.workshoptheatre.com for tickets. Workshop Theatre is located at 1136 Bull Street, on the southeast corner of Bull and Gervais Streets in downtown Columbia.

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