High School Musical Showcases Upcoming Talent at Rockdale

Disney's High School Musical will dance its way onto the stage at Rockdale Town Hall with performances starting September 26. The stage adaptation of the movie starring Zac Zefron and Vanessa Hudgens will be presented by Rockdale Musical Society for a limited season featuring a cast of some of the St George region’s upcoming talent.

Joshua Ridge will play Troy Bolton, the role that made Zac Efron a household name. "I think everyone has seen this movie - it was kind of compulsory there for a while," said Josh laughing. "Honestly though, playing these roles is great fun and actually surprisingly challenging. You really get put through your paces in this show."

Another young star, and favourite of local audiences is Gus Noakes who plays the flamboyant Ryan Evans. Both Gus and Joshua were recently selected by the NSW Department of Education Arts Unit to participate in the inaugural Solo Vocal Camp, a testament to their talent, as only a handful of students across NSW made the cut!

Cassidy Gaiter plays Gabriella Montez and Amber-Dawn Finch is relishing her role as Sharpay Evans. “We are both so excited to be bringing this iconic musical to the Rockdale Town Hall stage, honestly, this is going to be the feel-good musical of the year – we promise our audiences will leave the show with a massive smile on their face!”

The stage version of the TV movie debuted in the US in 2007 and has since become a very popular performance choice for local theatre companies. Shaan Patel, who plays Taylor McKessie in the show says she's ready to dance at East High. "We really dance up a storm! Whether you're a die-hard fan of the show or you've never seen it before, there's almost no way you're not going to crack a smile from it. It's fun and infectious and really just for everyone."

Rockdale favourite John Edge plays the stern but ultimately supportive coach Jack Bolton with his son Griffen joining his dad on stage for the first time in the young male ensemble. “Both Griffen and I have a passion for musical theatre - performing together in such a Disney classic is just wonderful! I think nearly everyone has seen this movie - it was kind of compulsory there for a while," said John.

Siblings Louisa and Frankie Perri are also dancing up a storm in High School Musical. Singing and dancing since the age of 5, the brother and sister train at Dance Theatre Network Sydney and have both performed at Disneyland, Hong Kong and Disney World, USA.

High School Musicalfirst aired in 2006 directed by Kenny Ortega with a script by Peter Barsocchini and music by David Nessim Lawrence. It became an instant hit and spawned one of the most successful Disney franchises of all time.

WHERE:ROCKDALE TOWN HALL
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 26^TH – AUGUST 5^TH

Bookings www.rockdalemusicalsociety.com
Phone: 0498 194 499.