 |
|
It may be cold outside but it will feel like summer inside NSMT as it is transformed into the Lava Springs Country Club for New England's premiere production of DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 from December 18, 2008 through January 11, 2009.
MAKING IT FABULOUS is a special behind the scenes look at the process of creating this musical for you and your family. Keep checking back for frequent updates!
|
| |
| Additional Information: |
|
|
|
BUY TICKETS NOW
Show Information & Schedule
Running Time: 2 hr. 10 min.
Content Advisory |
|
Scenes & Musical Numbers
Synopsis
Press Release
Cast & Crew Bios |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Click any image for a larger view! |
|
|
| Photo by Paul Lyden |
|
|
DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 stars last year's lead actors Addi McDaniel and David Nathan Perlow as Gabriella Montez and Troy Bolton. David and Addi returned to NSMT earlier this season to host the NSMT Spotlight Awards, and also came to the North Shore a little early to perform at the lighting of the Macy's Christmas Tree.
Also returning is Kate Rockwell (Sharpay Evans) who recently appeared in the Broadway production of Legally Blonde. They are joined by Christopher Brian Williams (Ryan Evans) and Benjamin Mapp (Chad Danforth). The cast features Mitch Dean (Jack), Carla Duren (Taylor), Omar Lopez-Cepero (Zeke), Dana Steingold (Kelsi), Emily Walton (Martha) and Ron Wisniski (Mr. Fulton).
|
| |
|
|
| The Ensemble includes: Brandon Michael Arrington, Jameson Cooper, Calli Freyschlag, Kyle Leland, Lonna Marie, Kelly Martin, Tim McGarrigal, Taela Naomi, Mara Newbery, Kristin Piro, Courtney Romano, Casey Tuma and Brenden Turanich.
Local Youth Ensemble members include: Bernie Baldassaro (Peabody, MA), Max Clayton (Manchester, NH), Michaela Della Russo (Melrose, MA), Kyla Fallon (Danvers, MA), Samantha Goober (Burlington, MA), Michael Graceffa (Waltham, MA), Molly E. Grant (Boxford, MA), Michayla Lupien (Hooksett, NH), DJ Plunkett (Lynn, MA), and Benjamin Raffalli (North Andover, MA).
CLICK HERE for photos and bios of the entire fabulous cast and crew!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Click any image for a larger view! |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
The cast of DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 has been rehearsing for a little over a week and we stopped in to watch some of the rehearsals for Sharpay's "Fabulous" number. Did you know that the shows at North Shore Music Theatre are rehearsed for only 2 weeks before they open for the public to see them?
The actors rehearse 8 hours a day, 6 days a week. For DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 the schedule is had to be adjusted to accommodate the many local teen performers. Instead of rehearsing the shows from 10 am - 6 pm, this show rehearses from 1 pm - 8 pm.
The actors rehearse in the rehearsal rooms at NSMT. The room has tape on the floor to represent any moving parts of the set like revolves and lifts, and also to show where there may be steps up or down. They rehearse with both the actual props they will be using on stage, or representative props that substitute for those that are still being found or built.
The actors do not move onto the actual stage until just a few days before the show opens. That is when the cast steps onto the real set for the first time and they add in costumes and wigs, lighting, sound, and realize that they have to deal with 50 foot aisles for entrances and exits!
|
| |
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Click any image for a larger view! |
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
NSMT's resident costume coordinator Paula Peasley Ninestein is buried in a sea of pink and orange costumes! The costumes for this production, designed by Wade Laboissonniere, who designed NSMT's 2007 production of Disney High School Musical, are very different than last year's production.
Because this show takes place in the summer and at a golf resort and spa, there are lots of vibrant colors and tropical themes as well as the sports uniforms, golf and lounge attire as well as the Wildcat's school clothes. In addition, Sharpay's talent show numbers will be glowing with her signature color... PINK!
Paula pointed out that one thing that had to be considered for the NSMT production in the round is a rethinking of the shoes. Wade's original costume designs included lots of colorful sandals and flip flops, which are perfect for summer, but due to NSMT's long inclined aisles are simply not an option for the safety and comfort of the actor's feet!
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Click any image for a larger view! |
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
| NSMT's technical staff is busy installing the set for DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2. Every set at North Shore Music Theatre is designed specifically for that production and built new from the ground up. This set includes a few fun surprises and new design features. The kitchen unit that the scene shop built had to be light enough to be moved quickly, but also strong enough to support the weight of an adult performer swinging on it. You can also keep an eye out for a fun theatrical waterfall unit, lots of custom built country club outdoor furniture, and some fabulous custom made lighting units. Aside from the lighting adjustments, scenery hanging and orchestra set up, the crew also has to spend time setting up satellite dressing areas so the actors have many places to change costumes around the theatre. You can also look for some familiar scenic pieces being reused in this show, a basketball hoop from last year's production of DISNEY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and also a fun stair unit from BYE, BYE BIRDIE. Each show's set takes approximately 4 weeks to build and a little over 1 week to completely install. |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
| |
| Campbell Baird's set design for Disney High School Musical 2 will transport audiences to Lava Spring Country Club. Campbell, who also designed the sets for The Producers, Crazy For You and Jesus Christ Superstar, gives audiences a fun and colorful set that well keep the action moving throughout the signature theatre in-the-round. The artists who work in the shops at NSMT have been busy for a few weeks now creating this set, which includes plenty of custom made lounge chairs for poolside dance numbers, tropical stage surrounds, and a full kitchen set that will also serve as a musical instrument. |
| |
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
| The props department has been creating and gathering hundreds of props that are used throughout the show. Some of the more interesting creations and finds are the custom golf club covers made from baby socks and marabou, a white baby grand piano, and tropical drinks all around! Also, audiences will see sports themed dance numbers that feature more than a dozen basketballs and baseball gloves. Throughout the show try to keep track of how many props NSMT had to gather for this production, including cellular phones, beauty products, an accordion and a sock puppet. |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
