Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL Comes To The Rose Theater Stage 6/5-28

Based on the blockbuster movie, Troy, Gabriella and the rest of East High will come to life on the
main stage in The Rose Theater's production of Disney's High School Musical, June 5-28, 2009.
Already the biggest Box Office hit in Rose Theater history, the production will feature professional
actors and Omaha's best student talents under the direction of Rob Urbinati-a guest director
from New York City who writes for Disney Creative Entertainment and has a reputation for
directing spectacular productions across the country.

The people of Omaha-children, teens and adults, alike-have been eagerly awaiting the
premiere of Disney's High School Musical since tickets went on sale to the public in the fall, and
The Rose is ready to give them a great show.

"I expect the show to be wildly successful with audiences because the delightful and fun ‘idea' of it-the wonderful merging of ‘brains' with ‘brawn,' ‘the brainiacs' and ‘the basketball players'-is already shared by practically everybody," said Rose Theater Artistic Director James Larson. Gabriella (a "brainiac") and Troy (a "jock") take East High by storm when they return from winter break and both decide break from their cliques to audition for the spring musical. The other students plot to restore the school's social order, but are no match for Troy and Gabriella who sing their way into the lead roles and bring everyone together. 

"We are really excited to offer such a popular title to close out our 2008/2009 season," said Rose
Theater Managing Director Julie Walker. "Ticket sales have been the highest in history and we
have no doubt that it will be an amazing show. We already have people energized for Disney's
High School Musical 2 next summer!"

Rob Urbinati, a nationally acclaimed theater director hailing from New York City is directing the
much-anticipated production. "The show is really coming together," said Urbinati. "We have a
terrific cast-lively personalities, ethnically diverse, good comedians, talented singers and
dancers all!"

Once professional actors were chosen for several of the lead roles, public auditions for the best
adult and student performers in the city took place in January and March. Auditioners were
asked to do a cold reading, learn a short dance and sing a prepared piece of music. Each of the
39 talented performers cast by the show director, music director and choreographer is a "triple
threat" (actor, singer and dancer). Rehearsals began the last week in April.

"I have been very impressed with the talent of The Cast so far," said choreographer Sue Gillespie
Booton. "They are fast learners and I have no doubt that this will be one of the best shows
ever at The Rose. If they look so great this early on, I can only imagine how great they'll be by
June 5!"

The dynamic dance numbers in the production are all Booton's original choreography, but stay
true to the movie's original flavor. Booton began developing the dances just a few days before
rehearsals began and is being flexible to mold them to the needs and skills of the advanced
cast.

Music Director Kevin Smith has been equally impressed with The Cast's talents and those on
stage will not be the only ones moving to the music during the show. Disney's High School
Musical would not be complete without all of High School Musical movie fans' favorite original
tunes including "Start of Something New," "Bop to the Top," "Breaking Free," "We're All in this
Together" and "Status Quo." Some new songs have also been written for the stage adaptation
of the movie. Although the accompaniment will be recorded, all singing will be performed live.
Disney's High School Musical will be presented June 5-28 on The Rose main stage, 2001 Farnam Street, with performances at 7 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; and
2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.

The production is recommended for ages 6 to adult and will run 120 minutes with intermission.

Tickets for Disney's High School Musical are $25 (main floor seating) or $20 (balcony
seating) each and may be purchased at The Rose Box Office, 2001 Farnam Street, by calling
(402) 345-4849 or online at www.rosetheater.org. Rose 08/09 family members receive a $5 per
ticket discount. Group rates for parties of 10 or more are available by calling (402) 502-4625.
The Rose's 2008/2009 season is sponsored by Children's Hospital & Medical Center.
Disney's High School Musical is sponsored by Mutual of Omaha, WOWT Channel 6, KGOR
and the Nebraska Arts Council.

The Rose Theater credits the following artists for their contributions to the production of
Disney's High School Musical: Book by David Simpatico. Songs by Matthew Gerrard and
Robbie Nevil; Ray Cham, Greg Cham and Andrew Seeley; Randy Peterson and Kevin Quinn;
Bryan Louiselle; David N. Lawrence and Faye Greenberg; Jamie Houston. Music adapted,
arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle. Based on a Disney Channel Original Movie written
by Peter Barsocchini. Disney's High School Musical is presented through special arrangement
with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied
by MTI: 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019, Ph: 212-541-4684, Fax: 212-397-4684,
www.MTIShows.com.

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