Press Releases

June 6, 2007

Contact:
Dale B. Stark
Public Relations Manager
Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
(515) 246-2363 : desk
(515) 770-3253 : cell
dstark@civiccenter.org
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS TO DEBUT TOURING STAGE VERSION OF DISNEY’S PHENOMENALLY POPULAR "DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL"
Civic Center announces addition to the 2007-2008 Betts Broadway Series with the Iowa premiere of the professional tour of Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines is proud to announce a new touring stage version of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL will play the Civic Center March 25-30, 2008 as a Betts Broadway Series Special Presentation. Presented by Disney Theatrical Productions, the division responsible for such smash Broadway hits as THE LION KING, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and MARY POPPINS, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is based on the 2006 Emmy Award-winning Disney Channel Original Movie.

Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL will play the Civic Center Tuesday, March 25 to Sunday, March 30, 2008. Individual ticket information will be announced at a later date.

This new touring stage adaptation of Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL will be directed by Jeff Calhoun (Big River). HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL features a book by David Simpatico (adapted from the original movie script by Peter Barsocchini), and a score including all the songs from the original soundtrack plus two new songs. The touring company includes a live orchestra and a cast of 34 professional performers.

Commenting on the announcement, Thomas Schumacher, President and Producer of Disney Theatrical Productions, said, "Our stage version of this great property has been mounted as a direct response to overwhelming demand. As someone who has been passionate about theatre since I was a kid, I am thrilled that we will be touring this remarkably popular title as a fully realized stage production, and most certainly introducing countless young people to the world of theatre for the very first time. You can’t ask for more than that." Schumacher adds, "It is a great joy and privilege for us to be able to produce and present the Disney Channel’s enormously popular property on stage."

Rich Ross, president, Disney Channel Worldwide, said, "To have the great characters, movie and music from our Disney Channel Original Movie adapted for this professional theatre tour is an honor and we hope it will provide an opportunity to introduce kids to the arts."

Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is a contemporary musical comedy about a popular high school basketball star and a shy, academically gifted newcomer who discover they share a secret passion for singing. When they sign up together to audition for the lead roles in the school musical, it threatens East High's rigid social order and sends their peers into an uproar. In a desperate effort to maintain the status quo, the "jocks," the "brainiacs" and even the drama club regulars are soon hatching convoluted plots to separate the pair and keep them offstage. By defying expectations and taking a chance on their dreams, however, the couple inspires other students to go public with some surprising hidden talents of their own.

The creative team for this new touring stage production of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, in addition to aforementioned director Calhoun, will be choreographer Lisa Stevens, scenic designer Kenneth Foy, costume designer Wade Laboissonniere, lighting designer Kenneth Billington, sound designer Duncan Robert Edwards and music supervisor Bryan Louiselle.

"HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL" premiered on Disney Channel U.S. on January 20, 2006 and posted the highest ratings for a Disney Channel Original Movie up until that time. It went on to become a smash hit internationally and, in 2006, aired on 26 Disney Channels and free-to-air broadcasters worldwide, reaching over 100 million viewers in over 100 countries. It was also the first TV movie to be offered on the iTunes Music Store. "High School Musical" delivered the #1 album of 2006, the year's #1 TV movie on DVD, licensed amateur and professional touring stage productions, a best-selling junior novel, a popular consumer products franchise at mass retailers, a themed show at Disneyland Parks and Resorts in Anaheim, Orlando and soon, Paris, a sold-out 42 date arena concert tour in North America and soon, Latin America, starring most of the cast, and a touring ice show premiering in late 2007. Adding to its success, it won the two Emmy Awards, a DGA Award, Television Critics Association Award, an Imagen Award, a Director's Guild of America Award and a Humanitas Prize nomination. Its soundtrack received a Billboard Music Award (Soundtrack of the Year) and was nominated for an American Music Award in the Favorite Album (Pop/Rock) category. Walt Disney Studios announced it will develop a feature film based on the movie for release in 2008.

Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL will play the Civic Center Tuesday, March 25 to Sunday, March 30, 2008.

The best way to ensure priority seating is by becoming a Betts Broadway Series Season Ticket holder. Season Ticket holders receive top priority when ordering tickets, which ultimately leads to securing the best seats in the house. The renewal process for current Season Ticket holders will begin in mid June; those wishing to purchase a Season Ticket package for the first time may begin placing orders beginning in July.

Groups of 20 or more can reserve their tickets now Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. For group reservations and discounts, please call (515) 246-2300.

Individual ticket information will be announced at a later date. Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is part of the 2007-2008 Betts Broadway Series as a special presentation.

More information can be obtained by visiting CivicCenter.org.

The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines is a private not-for-profit corporation celebrating 27 years of presenting the performing arts to Iowa and the surrounding states.  It is the presenter of major Broadway and educational touring companies, performers and groups, and is the performing home of many local and regional groups, including the Des Moines Symphony and StageWest.  All performances of the Broadway Series are supported by Betts Auto Campus. 

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