The Stage

High School Musical 2 to be transformed into a stage show

Published Monday 2 March 2009 at 12:40 by Alistair Smith

High School Musical 2 is being turned into a stage show and will tour the UK later this year, following the success of the first theatrical adaptation of the Disney films.

The first outing of High School Musical Live on Stage! was one of the most successful UK tours ever, opening to an advance of more than £9 million. The sequel will begin its tour at the New Wimbledon Theatre on August 22 and it is currently booked in at venues across the UK until the beginning of January. It is expected to continue touring well into 2010.

The show has the same creative team as the first stage show and features a book by David Simpatico, adapted from the original movie script by Peter Barsocchini, and a score featuring songs from the film version, including What Time Is it?, You Are The Music In Me and Fabulous.

The production will be directed by Jeff Calhoun, whose credits include the Broadway revivals of Grease and Big River and the US and UK stage versions of High School Musical Live On Stage!. The production team also includes original choreographer Lisa Stevens and scenic designer Kenneth Foy. Casting will be announced later in the year.

High School Musical 2 is produced by Stage Entertainment UK Ltd in association with Disney Theatrical Productions.

Bill Taylor, chief executive of Stage Entertainment UK, said: "We're delighted to continue the partnership with our friends at Disney to bring the next part of the High School story to audiences in Britain and Ireland. This tour has been very carefully priced in such a way as to make it accessible for families to enjoy the show together. I've never known an audience reaction like that which we experience at High School Musical shows and we look forward to welcoming more people for the second instalment."