‘High School Musical’ lives large at La Comedia

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By Eric Robinette, Staff Writer 2:56 PM Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Summer school aside, La Comedia will be the only place where high school’s in over the next few months.

That’s because the dinner theater has brought “High School Musical,” Disney’s wildly popular show, to the stage through July 5.

The stage version is the original story that introduces us to Troy and Gabriella, he the popular captain of the basketball team, she the brainy new girl in town. We also meet Troy’s best buddy Chad and the siblings Ryan and Sharpay, among others.

However, La Comedia’s version isn’t merely the TV show ported over to the stage. Those who know the TV show by heart will find some numbers they don’t know, director Darren Lee said.

“Disney commissioned writers to make a stage version so that the traditional musical is part of the piece, but there are production numbers that are not in the film,” he said.

For example, a scene where the kids are auditioning for a show was depicted as a montage on TV. Since the stage can’t duplicate that exactly, that scene has become a new number called “Auditions.”

But loyal fans should fear not: popular favorites like “Stick to the Status Quo” and “Get’cha Head in the Game” are still here, the director said.

“It’s a much larger show than anyone would guess. We have a very, very talented group of young actors ... this requires a lot of youth and energy,” he said.

The theater serves a buffet brunch or dinner, followed by the show.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.

How to go

What: “High School Musical”

When: Runs through July 5. Arrival times 5:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; matinee arrival 10:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Where: La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro

Cost: $51 to $69

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