HSM2 Reviews!

Disney's High School Musical 2 has received rave reviews and we couldn't be happier for our cast and crew!

The News & Observer says it's 'more than a preteen sequel' and that "...it's infectiously performed with energetic verve by a cast of nearly 50, enhanced by Bobby Pestka's athletic choreography..." Read more here.

The Independent Weekly: "Those who love the Disney TV movies won't be disappointed: From the explosive opening number filled with flashy lighting design and set changes, and impressive dance steps, the show's cast of Broadway and local performers give the audience just what it came to see." For the full review, click here.

The Classical Voice of North Carolina: "North Carolina Theatre’s High School Musical 2 Has a

Stellar Cast, Spectacular Sets and Costumes, and a Band That Really Knows How to Rock!" Click here for the full review.

Interview with Robert McDowell

HSM2 director Casey Hushion gives Robert McDowell some insight on directing the production of High School Musical 2. If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to check it out...there are still 8 performances left!

Tuesday, June 16-Friday, June 19: 8 PM

Saturday, June 20: 2 and 8 PM

Sunday, June 21: 2 and 7 PM

For tickets visit www.nctheatre.com!

1. When did you first see or read or hear about this musical? Have you ever worked on a previous production of this musical? If so, when and where?

I was able to see the original Atlanta production of High School Musical 2 and of course, had to watch both the High School Musical films as well. I have never worked on a previous production.

2. What do you like BEST about this musical? What made you WANT to direct it?

I love the energy of this musical. It is built on adrenaline and the audience can not help but to get swept up in that. I wanted to direct this musical for the opportunity to engage all of the young local talent here in Raleigh. I knew with the talent we had here, we had the opportunity to make this a special event.

3. What MAJOR CHALLENGES does staging this musical present to you as a director -- and to your cast and creative team?

The only challenge for us has been the size of the cast. We intended to cast thirty, but discovered so much talent that we loved- so we ended up with a cast of fifty. It can be a challenge to coordinate a group of that size, but everyone has been incredibly professional every step of the way. It was important to me to make sure everyone felt included as much as possible. The creative challenge is to make sure we find the heart of the piece and do not let that get lost in the high energy and production value. Even though it is a simple story with young characters, their emotions and their circumstances are very real and honest and there is a true innocence and heart inside the piece.

6. Please describe the SET:

The set keeps the show moving at an incredible pace.

7. Please describe the LIGHTING:

The lighting has a lot of rock and roll elements at times, but can also pull back to more subtle theatrical lighting when the show calls for it. Our lighting designer has great taste and great style and his voice adds alot to the production.

8. Please describe the COSTUMES:

The costumes are very contemporary- modern, high school looks. There are some specialty items as well--you KNOW Sharpay and Ryan have quite a wardrobe!

9. Is there ANYTHING ELSE about this musical -- or your production -- that it is important for the audience to know ahead of time? If so, what?

Only that I think there is truly something for everyone in this show. The perception of it is that it belongs to kids and "tweens" but I think the performances and production numbers are so satisfying that theatre lovers of all ages can find elements to enjoy. It brings you back to a simpler time in your life- when a break up with your high school sweetheart was life and death and your biggest problem was how to spend your summer.

HSM2 Walk-on Role Winners Announced

Five lucky ticket-buyers won the chance to be on stage with Troy & Gabriella following our five-week contest! Anyone who purchased a ticket to Disney's High School Musical 2 was entered into our drawing, and each week we pulled a name at random for a total of five walk-on roles.

The newest additions to the East High Wildcat family are:

• Melissa Edwards of Raleigh will be seen on stage with Troy and Gabriella on Tuesday, June 16^th at 8 PM. She is a rising sophomore at Enloe High School and spends most of her time cheerleading and tumbling.
• Heather Coley got her Bachelor of Arts degree in dance and religion from Sweet Briar College in 2008 and is currently working on her Masters of Fine Arts in Performing Arts Management at UNC School of the Arts. Heather will take her turn on stage on Wednesday, June 17^th at 8 PM.
• Sandi Turner has been teaching kindergarten at Aversboro Elementary School in Garner for the past 20 years. She will make her North Carolina Theatre stage debut on Thursday, June 18^th at 8 PM.
• Waverly Kennedy is eight years old and a rising 3^rd grader at Jeffrey’s Grove Elementary School. She loves gymnastics and art, and is very excited to take her turn on stage with the Wildcats on Friday, June 19^th at 8 PM.
• Larisa Burnett will make her debut on the NC Theatre stage on Sunday, June 21^st at 2 PM. She is a freshman at Woods Charter School in Chatham County, and enjoys playing the piano, writing, volleyball and cheerleading.

Congratulations to our contest winners! We are so excited for their opportunity to be on stage in the show!

Sharpay on 93.9 KISS FM & News 14 Carolina!

On Monday I took Gretchen to 93.9 KISS FM - here is a picture after the interview with morning show host, Dave Kent! Click here to watch the interview in the radio studio!

Gretchen and I also headed over to the News 14 studio where she talked with Tracey Early about the production. Check it out here!

HSM2 Sitzprobe

Last night was the "sitzprobe" for our production of High School Musical 2. If you Google it, you will learn that it’s a German word that means "sitting down and singing with the orchestra." In some circles it is referred to as "first band-call." It is the very first time during our very short rehearsal process that all elements of sound - orchestra and voices - come together and it is a very exacting and highly important process. As our Technical Director Bill Yates Jr. said, "Very few people will notice a missed lighting cue, but if something happens with sound, we hear about it." Microphones are calibrated for each of the performers and they stand on stage right in front of the orchestra pit and sing along with the musicians (and boy do they sound fabulous)! Our highly talented musical director Eddy Robinson had been working through every performer's song repertoire during the rehearsal process and now his attention is turned to the union of voices with instruments. And our sound designer, Duncan Edwards, took painstaking measures to ensure the high quality of the sound - and what a rockin' sound we heard last night! We are going to blow the roof off of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium!

High School Musical 2 Interviews

One of the fun parts of being Communications Manager involves dealing with the media. I love pitching our shows and different story ideas to the newspaper, radio and television stations and setting up interviews with different cast members. Gretchen Bieber is starring in High School Musical 2 as Sharpay - and she is the one who I will take on the interviews for this particular show. Gretchen has been in the Broadway and Broadway National Tour of Hairspray. She also was a semi-finalist in NBC's Grease: You're the One That I Want and All My Children. She starred in the regional production of Disney's High School Musical as Sharpay as well!

She had a phone interview this week on Bill & Lynda in the Morning's show on MIX 101.5. In case you missed it, click here to listen to the interview (and enter to win a Family Four Pack of tickets to the show)!

On Monday, I'm taking Gretchen to the News 14 TV studio where she'll talk to Tracey Early, then we will head on over to the Dave Kent show on 93.9 KISS FM. I will hopefully post photos and/or video from these next week!

Also, stay tuned for a feature on HSM2 with ABC11's anchor Angela Hampton. She visited our studios yesterday to interview Chandon Jones, a Sharpette, and High School Musical 2 director, Casey Hushion. They also got some great footage of the rehearsal! 

Back to High School

"High School" has been a resounding theme at NC Theatre this week with two BIG projects that directly engaged hundreds of students from across the Triangle. Cast members from our upcoming production of Disney's High School Musical 2 performed at Raleigh Fashion Week, Marbles Kids Museum and Artsplosure last weekend.  Their high-energy, crowd pleasing performance was directed and choreographed by our very own Ray Walker and Tito Hernandez - the beach ball throw at the end was a bit hit. Thanks to presenting sponsor Capital Bank for their support of this production.  

The Wildcats will perform again at North Hills this Saturday at 10:30am to spice up their weekly Farmer's Market!  Our 3rd annual Capital Awards, also sponsored by Capital Bank was a big success on Monday evening. We celebrated the outstanding achievements of over 300 students from six counties in NC with 16 awards handed out by celebrity presenters from Steve Daniels to Roy Dicks to Clay Aiken. Audiences were treated to fabulous performances and the spotlight shone brightly on high school musical theatre excellence. Thanks again to performing arts instructors, students, judges, presenters, sponsors, volunteers and audience members for supporting this important educational outreach program! Exciting new component is the National High School Musical Awards - Outstanding Actor and Actress will be heading to NY to train and perform with their peers from across the country!

Cast of Disney's High School Musical 2 To Perform in the Triangle

The cast of Disney's High School Musical 2 will appear at various community outreach events throughout the Triangle this weekend and next weekend! If you are around, be sure to catch the sneak preview before the full-scale production June 13-21 in Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. They will do three numbers from the show complete with high-energy choreography!

Friday, May 15 @ 4:30 PM: Teen Talent Showcase - part of Raleigh Fashion Week, Raleigh Convention Center

Saturday, May 16 @ 10 AM & 1 PM: Two performances in the Marbles Kids Museum courtyard as a part of their Kids Rock program

Saturday, May 16 @ 3 PM: Artsplosure in Moore Square

Monday, May 18 @ 6:30 PM: Pre-show entertainment at the third annual NCT Capital Awards

Saturday, May 23 @ 10:30 AM: North Hills Farmers Market

My First Week

It's my first week joining the team here at NCT as an intern. How exciting! Today, it was my job to run around town putting up posters and handing out fliers for the upcoming High School Musical 2. I am proud to report that I have officially mastered the art of parallel parking downtown! (after too many failed attempts to keep track of...) So to all of you who would rather park 10 blocks away than attempt to parallel; do not give up!

There is always so much going on here! Capital Awards are only 5 days away, and the countdown to High School Musical 2 has begun! Busy, busy, busy....

 

Carly

Disney's High School Musical 2 Cast Announced!

Casting is now complete for Disney's High School Musical 2, running June 13-21 in Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. North Carolina Theatre is thrilled to produce this show for the first time in North Carolina! Congrats to all who made it in the show! We had a wonderful turn out at auditions. Thank you to everyone who came out!

Chase Peacock: Troy Bolton

Renee Albulario: Gabriella Montez
Gretchen Bieber: Sharpay Evans
Jason Edward Cook: Ryan Evans
Josh Breckenridge: Chad Danforth
Kaitlin Rose Mercurio: Kelsi Nielsen
Krystal Joy Brown: Taylor McKessie
Meredith Davis: Martha Cox
Christopher Spaulding: Zeke Baylor
Jeffrey Vizcaino: Jack Scott
Jeffrey H. Richardson: Mr. Fulton
Hailey Best: Sharpette
Chandon Jones: Sharpette
Heather Shaw: Sharpette

East High Wildcats
Amarachi Anakaraonye
Clayton Bailey
Todd Beasley
Allison Bonner
Alexandra Bowers
Curtis Brown
Paige Burhans,
Nick DeVito
Kassy Edwards
Emily Gardenhire
Elgin Giles
Robert Green
Carly Jordan
Aaron Pratt
Jordan Sasser
Kelsey Walston
Corey Warren

Underclassmen
Rachel Akin
Victoria Kite
Jessica Koons
Alejandro La Rosa
Lydia Leggett
Connor Lillis
John Molloy
Kyle Perren
Nyja Peterson
Tara Polhemus
Cedric Stapleton
Joey Stephens
Adam Stern-Rand
Alex Tobey
Anna van Venrooy
Logan Williamson

Jr. High Trio
Aneesa Johnson
Shelby Kurtzman
Alexis van Venrooy

NCT Announces Viral Commercial Contest

WANTED: Aspiring television/film makers for North Carolina Theatre’s High School Musical 2 viral commercial contest. Winner will have the chance to become an exclusive producer for NC Theatre’s TV commercials. 

WHAT: A 30 second viral commercial promo for NCT’s next production: Disney’s High School Musical 2. Entries will be narrowed down to the top 5 videos. The 5 chosen videos will be posted on the NCT blog and website for people to vote and leave comments. The winner will be announced at the Target Student Preview Night on June 12th at 7pm.

WHEN: All submissions must be entered by May 31st by emailing a YouTube link of your video to kbuie@nctheatre.com.

WINNER RECEIVES:
•    The chance to become an exclusive creator for NC Theatre’s commercials
•    Your video and name published on NCT wesbite, youtube channel, eblast, etc.
•    Two tickets to the opening night show of HSM2 on Saturday, June 13th
•    Invitation to the opening night cast party

RULES:
•    Commercial must be 30 seconds
•    Include the following logos: NCT, HSM2, ABC, and Capital Bank (all logos will be provided). To obtain logos, email kbuie@nctheatre.com.
•    No photos or videos from any of the High School Musical films are allowed
•    No photos or video of Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens or any of the original film stars from the High School Musical films are allowed

For more information or questions, email kbuie@nctheatre.com or call (919) 831-6941 ext. 6942

Student Preview Night @ North Carolina Theatre

If you don't already know, NC Theatre offers a special Student Preview Night for students and teachers on the Friday night before each show opens. Our first Student Preview Night for 2009 is Friday, March 20th at 7 PM for Miss Saigon! Tickets are only $10 for ANY student or teacher - all you have to do is bring your student or teacher ID and you are good to go!

You may purchase tickets at the NC Theatre Box Office located in the basement of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in downtown Raleigh (One East South Street, 27601) OR the night of the show in the box office in the lobby of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium beginning at 6 PM.

We also have made a study guide to go along with each show in our 2009 season. To download it, please click here. Show this to your teacher and maybe they will give you extra credit for coming to the show!

Season tickets for Student Preview Night are only $46 for the entire year - and you get to keep your same seats! Call the NCT Box Office at 919-831-6941 x6944 to buy season tickets!

Upcoming Student Preview Nights:
Disney's High School Musical 2: Friday, June 12th at 7 PM ($16/ticket)
The Sound of Music: Friday, July 24th at 7 PM ($10/ticket)
West Side Story: Friday, October 16th at 7 PM ($10/ticket)