High School Musical at the Tonys?!?!

OK, so I'm in a New York-area local youth theater group that recently put on a production of High School Musical (I wasn't in it). An email was just sent out to members of the group- below is a paragraph.

"Disney Theatricals is looking to cast a group of high school aged students to perform songs from the musical. This is a wonderful opportunity to be seen by Disney and have a chance to rehearse and perform at Radio City Music Hall."
The email goes on to say that this will be at the Tony Awards broadcast, and that we would have to audition to get in.

So what do you think of High School Musical at the Tonys?

I think I remember that time when shows that aren't nominated aren't allowed to perform.

hm...could they also let Legally Blonde perform.

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If it was done as a segment saying that more young people are becoming interested in theatre, and then having the high schoolers perform the songs, then that will be great. I would have a problem if they just brought in the tour and/or movie cast.

If this is just an effort to increase ratings I'd say it's a very poor one. High School and middle school tweens aren't going to turn into the Tony telecast to watch a group of unknown kids sing songs from the movie. They can already see that on the site-that-shall-not-be-named. The ony way kids might tune in is if the cast were to perform on the telecast. And even if they did tune it, it's unlikely they would watch the awards show anyways. Most would probably just TiVo or DVR it and just skip to the HSM performance.

BUT...if they are doing this to showcase youths in the theatre, and not for the ratings, then I say go for it. I'm all for showcasing kids in theatre. Thought I wish they'd pick something else to sing besides HSM!

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Updated On: 4/29/08 at 04:33 PM

That seriously kills me.

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I've said it before, and I'll say it again HSM is the Antichrist of Broadway.

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I had a premonition that HSM will make it on broadway!

They did that Alan Menken celebration a few weeks ago with the leads from all the Disney shows. This could be that but on a bigger scale (ie. lifetime achievement award or some bullsh*t like that), with a medley of his big production numbers.

I hear Miley Cyrus will be singing "I Just Wanna Dance" from Jerry Springer.

The Tonys always try stunts like this. It's better than the Tony Bennett idea a few years ago.

While I hated High School Musical as a film, I was dragged th the national tour and I ended up really enjoying the stage production. It certainly liberally borrows from Grease and American Pie, but I actually had a good time. It was staged well, performed well and the choreography was strong. And the audience ate it up. I really don't know why people bitch so much about it other than the fact that they most likely haven't seen the stage production and desperately want to appear "cool". It's not that bad, guys, and after I saw it, I immediately assumed it must be going to Broadway as it would be a HUGE cash cow.

I've no problem with it performing on the Tonys. Personally, I would love to get a peek at some of the touring shows that do not go to Broadway such as the recent Camelot or My Fair Lady productions or the upcoming Dirty Dancing. It could certainly help boost touring ticket sales and it's not as if these shows have no connection to the Broadway musical theatre industry. It's not that big of stretch, people.

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