Large cast needed for High School Musical

The two lead characters in Musikmaker's production High School Musical, Gabriella Montez played by Hayley Monaghan and Troy Bolton played by Zachary Clarke. Photo / Supplied

The biggest challenge in Musikmaker's production High School Musical — is getting the whole cast on stage.

Producer Maureen Cruickshank said there was loads of interest in the show at casting in early February.

"There was lots of talent. We had to break a few hearts, but there will be more opportunities. It's been 12 years since the original Disney movie which led to the stage show. High School Musical is like a modern version of Grease, a bit cleaned up. It is up-to-date with things like social media, texting and checking-out on Google which are common to today's teenagers."

In all 38 performers aged 13 to 19, along with two grown-ups, school drama teacher Ms Darbus played by Leona Lenora Robinson and coach Bolton, Scott Chaplow, will cram Riverlea's stage with song, dance and fun.

High School Musical is set in the East High School, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is launched with a spectacular performance by the school's cheerleaders in support of the local Wildcats basketball team.

The plot follows the fortunes of the two lead characters, Gabriella Montez played by Hayley Monaghan and Troy Bolton played by Zachary Clarke in the Zac Efron role.

The school is divided up into the the usual rival cliques, the Brainiacs, Thespians, Jocks and the Skater Dudes. Gabriella is new in school and highly intelligent. She falls for the B-Ball coach's son Troy.

Other parties do their best to derail the relationship but in the end the young couple come back together at the same time the school wins the annual science decathlon and the local basketball champs.

Leads Monaghan,15, Hamilton Girls' High School and Clarke, 18, St Peter's Cambridge have both performed in school shows.

High School Musical is a big job for musical director Coryn Knapper, with 20 vocal pieces from Wildcat Cheer to the finale Megamix.

Direction is by Aberdeen school teacher Julia Turner with choreography by Abby Dutton.

Musikmakers' High School Musical is at Riverlea Theatre, 83 Riverlea Rd, opening Saturday May 5 to Saturday May 19, Matinees on Saturdays, bookings iTicket or call the theatre 07 856 5450.