FSPA Summer Theater Stages HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL This Week

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) Summer Theater presents the Disney mega-hit High School Musical at 7:30 p.m. tonight, August 13 and tomorrow, August 14. The culmination of FSPA's annual two-week musical theater program, the production features students in grades 8-12 and will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

A record-breaking, chart-topping pop culture phenomenon, Disney's High School Musical is family friendly and full of fun. Based on the wildly popular 2006 Disney Channel original movie musical written by Peter Barsocchini, the stage version features the hit songs "We're All in This Together," "Bop to the Top," "Start of Something New," and "Get'cha Head in the Game." With high energy and winning style, the movie's memorable characters come to life, as star athlete, Troy, falls for brainy beauty, Gabriella, the new girl at fictional East High. When the two audition for lead roles in their high school musical, they threaten the status quo and divide the school's social cliques. Along the way, these jocks, brainiacs, thespians, and more teach audiences about first love, peer pressure, and the importance of breaking free of others' expectations and learning to be true to yourself.

The stage adaptation of High School Musical features book by David Simpatico and songs by Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil, Ray Cham, Greg Cham, Andrew Seeley, Randy Petersen, Kevin Quinn, Andy Dodd, Adam Watts, Bryan Louiselle, David N. Lawrence, Faye Greenberg, and Jamie Houston, with music adapted, arranged, and produced by Bryan Louiselle. FSPA's production is directed by Raye Lynn Mercer and Nick Paone, with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell and choreography by Mercer and Kellie Stamp.

Featured roles will be played by Michael Fajardo (Troy) of Hopkinton, Madison Asgeirsson (Gabriella) of Franklin, Katharine Waples (Sharpay) of Franklin, Sam Evans (Ryan) of Medfield, Aaron Frongillo (Chad) of Franklin, Katie Gray (Taylor) of Milford, Jason Barney (Zeke) of Franklin, and Brooke Collins (Kelsi) of Franklin. The cast also includes Brian Barrett of Foxboro; Aidan Clark, Kelly Irwin, Lauren Szcepanowski, Lindsey Wyner, and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Joey Soares and Valerie Tapanainen of Hopedale; and Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham.

FSPA's newly expanded Summer Theater program debuted this summer, with opportunities for hands-on immersion in a cabaret show, concert musical, behind-the-scenes theater design, straight play, or musical theater production. Summer programming runs through August 21 and also features one-week performing arts camps, three-day workshops, and music and dance classes. Tickets for High School Musical are $24 (adults) and $20 (students/seniors). For tickets and more information, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com.