High School Musical was released by Disney in early 2006 as the first installment of a triology that was described as a modern day Romeo & Juliet. At the time of it's release, it became Disney Channel's most successful Original Movie with its soundtrack becoming the best-selling album in the United States that year. The story follows opposites Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) and Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) who, despite coming from very different places (Troy is the head of the basketball team and Gabriella loves math and science), end up trying out for and landing the lead roles in their high school's musical during their junior year. As a result of this unlikely match, the school divides. The basketball players plot a way to get Troy's focus back on the team, while the scholastic decathlon team tries to pull Gabriella back to her studies. The boys realize their mistake in trying to stop Troy from doing something he's passionate about, and Troy and Gabby make up in time to audition. They're named the leads in the upcoming play and each win their respective competitions, and the whole school comes back together again!

A DVD of the film was released later that year, selling 1.2 million copies in the first six days. Disney followed High School Musical's phenomenal success with two sequels (High School Musical 2 and High School Musical 3: Senior Year), plus spin-off movies in Argentina and Brazil, and a straight-to-DVD spin-off starring Ashley Tisdale as Sharpay Evans. Disney has also launched a concert tour, stage musical, ice tour, book series, video games and even a reality series all based on the movie. The original movie and soundtrack won two Billboard Music Award for Soundtrack Album of the Year, two Emmy Awards, two Teen Choice Awards, a Television Critics Associate Award, an American Music Award for Best Pop Album, and has been nominated for countless other awards.

- Adapted from Wikipedia

JENNIFER FOGARTY (Gabriella) is thrilled to be making her debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse! Favorite credits include The Love Note (Jessie), Baby with the Bathwater (Helen), Crazy For You, A Shayna Maidel (Rose), Stop Requested (Christine), and The New Frontier (Kath). She is a recent graduate of Curry College, where she was the General Manager of the theatre for two years. Jennifer will be playing the role of Sheila in HAIR at the Turtle Lane Playhouse this fall. Special thanks to Brad, Patrick, Russell, and Robert for this opportunity. Love and thanks to her family and Curry Theatre. This one is for you Matt!

TIM HACKNEY (Troy) is thrilled to be here in Ogunquit. He comes here directly from the National Tour of The Drowsy Chaperone. Tim has appeared regionally in West Side Story (Riff), Sound of Music (Rolf) and Godspell (Jesus). Thanks to Mom, Dad and Claire and to Robert and Brad for giving him this opportunity.

LINDSAY DEVINO (Sharpay) is happy to be a Wildcat once again! She has previously appeared in Ogunquit in last year’s production of High School Musical (Sharpay) and 2007’s Hairspray (Amber). Lindsay has worked regionally at Maine State Music Theatre and Seacoast Rep and has toured with The Drowsy Chaperone (Kitty) and The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Pickles). Thanks to Brad, Robert, and Russell for everything! For JPN, always.

PATRICK DOROW (Ryan) Patrick Dorow is super stoked to be back in pink and rocking the glitter! Previous Playhouse credits include A Chorus Line, The Full Monty, Crazy for You, La Cage aux Folles, The King and I, and High School Musical. Favorite credits include Wedding Singer (George), Into the Woods (Jack), Godspell (Jesus), The Rocky Horror Show - Live! (Brad), The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus) and Ragtime (Younger Brother) for which he was nominated for a NH Theatre Award. Patrick studied Musical Theatre at Chicago CollegeHe sends his love to his incredible family and friends, and would like to send a special thank you to this amazing cast! GO WILDCATS! for Performing Arts.

CHRISSY ALBANESE (Cheerleader, Ensemble) is loving her first experience at the Ogunquit Playhouse. She will be a freshman in NYU’s CAP 21 program this fall. Chrissy has studied voice and acting with Rhonda Carlson for six years, and has received dance training from the Dance Studio of Maine. Favorite roles include Peter Pan (Peter), West Side Story (Maria), Oliver (Nancy), and Almost, Maine (Glory). Thanks to the parents and my WILDCATS!

MILES BURNS (Ripper, Ensemble) is excited to be back in High School Musical and at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Previous credits here at the Playhouse include Les Misérables (Brujon, Factory Foreman, Sailor, Ensemble) and High School Musical. Other credits include Beauty and The Beast (Beast): Seacoast Repertory Theatre, The Wizard of Oz (Lion) at PPAF. He has been a member of the Granite State Opera ensemble as well as various opera roles at UNH including the title roles in Candide and The Tales of Hoffman.

ABBY CHASE (Kelsi) is thrilled to be back at the Playhouse playing Kelsi for a second year. A recent graduate of the Boston Conservatory, Abby was last seen as Eloise in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at Worcester Foothills Theatre, directed by Russell Garrett. Listen for Abby's track on Katey Avedisian's debut album ("I'll Still Be Here"). Thanks to Brad, Robert, Russell, & her loves for everything. www.Abby-Chase.com This is for Jared, always.

SANTIO CUPON (Chad Danforth) is delighted to be back at the Ogunquit Playhouse! Regional Credits: Broadway Palms Dinner Theatre (Arizona): Hello, Dolly!; Ogunquit Playhouse: Hairspray; Maine State Music Theatre: Hairspray, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Grand Hotel, Thoroughly Modern Millie, West Side Story; American Repertory Theatre: Island of Slaves, Romeo and Juliet; Stoneham Theater Company: Once Upon A Mattress (Choreographer), Wheelock Family Theater: Seussical The Musical, Ryan Landry & the Gold Dust Orphans: Whizzin. He spent three years as a character performer at Walt Disney World Entertainment, Orlando FL.

JON DAY (Jock, Ensemble) Jon is excited to be here at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Previous credits: Oklahoma (Curly), West Side Story (Tony), Guys and Dolls (Harry the Horse). Jon has also been involved with the Gorham High School Chamber Singers as wella s the Master Works Choir. Go WILDCATS!

JOHN FARCHIONE (Kratnoff, Ensemble) John is thrilled to be a part of High School Musical at Ogunquit Playhouse! Regional credits include: Les Misérables (Ogunquit Playhouse), Les Misérables (Northern Stage), Les Misérables (Arts Centre of Coastal Carolina). He is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory, class of 2008. As always, much love to Mom, Dad, Chris, Justin, Meem, and Andy for their constant support. Thanks to Robert, Brad, and Russell for this wonderful opportunity. This one is for Evan, his new nephew!

KENNY FRANCOEUR (Jock, Ensemble) is thrilled to be working with the cast of High School Musical after having recently been seen as Tom in A Chorus Line at the Playhouse. Currently, Kenny is a freshman Music Theatre major at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina. Favorite roles include Jack; Into the Woods, Dickon; Secret Garden, and Bun Foo; Thoroughly Modern Millie.

ALEXIS R. D. HANDY (Braniac, Ensemble) is from Lewiston, Maine and a recent graduate of the University of Southern Maine where she majored in Musical Theatre and minored in Theatre. USM: Vixen in the premiere production Spirit of Reindeer, Soupy Sue in Urinetown, Kate Mullins in Titanic, and Donna Marie in Blood Brothers. Faves: Rusty in Footloose, Hope in Urinetown, and Susan in tick, tick... BOOM! Next: Ulla in The Producers.

ANDREW HASERLAT (James, Mongo, Ensemble) With Ogunquit: Les Misérables, The Producers, Fiddler on the Roof, HSM ‘08, The Full Monty, and La Cage aux Folles, director/choreographer of several Junior Player productions... and thrilled to be back! NYC: Cat’s Cradle (UTC#61) and Empire (Broadway backers reading). Regional: Bill in the world premier of Slow Dance with a Hot Pick-Up (Barnstormers), Fyedka in Fiddler on the Roof (Reagle Players), Jesus Christ Superstar (NSMT), Evita and The Full Monty (Worcester Foothills). TV/Film: “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Gossip Girl,” and Disney’s “The Surrogates.” A million thanks and love to my family and Johnny!

MICHAEL JOYCE (Jock, Ensemble, u/s Ryan) is thrilled to be making his Ogunquit Playhouse debut in High School Musical! He recently graduated from The Boston Conservatory with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. This summer, he can be seen playing Harry Beaton in Brigadoon at Barnstormers Theatre. Favorite roles: Lumiere in Beauty and The Beast, Stage Manager in Our Town, and Will Parker in Oklahoma! Thanks to Mom, Dad, and Cassie for their constant support! Go WILDCATS!

VALORIE LAKE (Braniac, Ensemble) Valorie Lake is thrilled to be in this year’s production of High School Musical, here at Ogunquit Playhouse. She is currently playing the lead in an Independent Film titled, “What God Sees”. Valorie has just finished this year’s production of A Chorus Line at Ogunquit, playing the role of Lois. She has studied dance for many years at various local dance studios, and is currently taking voice lessons from David Goulet. Earlier this year, she played Chastity in Anything Goes and is a Graduate of the Royal Academy in Yarmouth.

ERICA MIXON (Braniac, Ensemble) appeared last season on the Ogunquit stage as Sprintze in Fiddler on the Roof. She has also previously participated in many Children’s Theatre shows including Mulan and Alice in Wonderland. This year, Erica has been on stage at Wells High School in Once Upon a Mattress and at Seacoast Repertory Theater in Schoolhouse Rock: Live!. Erica will be returning to Wells High School this fall as a junior, and would like to send a huge thank you to the crew at Ogunquit Playhouse for giving her this wonderful opportunity.

ADAM MOSEY (Jack Scott, Ensemble) is ecstatic to be working at the Ogunquit Playhouse for the first time this summer. Some of his favorite previous roles include, Baby John; West Side Story, MSMT, Dean; All Shook Up, Hackmatack Playhouse, and Charlie Brown; You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Schoolhouse Arts Center. All for now peeps.

WENDY O’BYRNE (Cheerleader, Ensemble) is proud to be returning to the Playhouse after previously being seen in High School Musical ‘08 and My Fair Lady. Wendy has been dancing for seventeen years. Wendy is teacher at the Brookline Academy of Dance, and is a member of four dance companies, all based out of Boston. Favorite shows include Beauty and The Beast (Silly Girl), West Side Story (Shark/Jet), Peter Pan (Tiger Lily), and La Cage (Anne/Cagelle). Wendy sends her love to her family and friends. She also would like to thank Pat, Russell and Robert for this great opportunity!

NICK PECIARO (Jock, Ensemble) is so happy to be back in Ogunquit! Playhouse credits include A Chorus Line with Lorenzo Lamas and Disney High School Musical. Other recent regional credits include The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Oliver! Nick is currently pursuing undergraduate studies at Emerson College. He thanks Russell for just being great, and his family and friends for their love.

ZOEY RAUSCH (Braniac, Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut. She is a recent graduate of Casco Bay High School, and will be studying Dance at Rhode Island College this fall. Favorite roles this past season include Les Cagelles in La Cage Aux Folles at Portland Players, and as a Ziegfeld Girl in Will Rogers Follies at Lyric Music Theater. Zoey would like to wish the cast and crew the best of luck!

NICK REYNOLDS (Zeke Baylor) most recently appeared as Lockwood in the Mad Horse Theatre production of The History Boys. A native of Maine, he will be a senior at Gorham High School in the fall. He has performed in a variety of shows and is very excited to be participating amongst the excellent cast of High School Musical. Enjoy the show and Go WILDCATS!

MALLORY K. RINKER (Taylor) is thrilled to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut! She was recently seen in the Palace Theatre’s production of The Producers and the New England premier of The Wedding Singer! Favorite credits include: Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie), Footloose (Wendy Jo), CATS (Bombalurina), All Shook Up (Sylvia), Anything Goes (Erma), FAME (Miss Bell), and West Side Story (Minnie). Mallory is currently studying musical theatre and dance at the University of New Hampshire. Thanks to Mom, Kimmy and both families (in Manchester and Portsmouth) for their love and support and to the cast and crew for this awesome experience!

KATIE SARNO (Martha) is thrilled to be doing HSM for a second time here at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Her most memorable performance was playing Lilli Vannessi (Kiss Me Kate) at Endicott College this past spring. She will be attending The Hartt School of Music this coming fall and sends love to her family and friends for their continued support.

KERRY SCHNEIDER (Ms. Darbus) is excited to “Bop Bop Bop, Bop to the Top” again and reprise her role as the eccentric Drama teacher. Regional credits: Gypsy (Mama Rose), The Palace Theatre (NH); Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider), The Armory Theatre (WI); Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), Papermill Theatre (NH); Ragtime (Emma Goldman), The Actorsingers (NH) and over 20 of zany dinner theater comedy with Stage One Productions (NH). Love to new Granddaughter, Hannah, children Brian, Beth, Lauren and Matt and to the light of my life, husband Dennis.

KIRK SIMPSON (Coach Bolton, Karaoke M.C.) is thrilled to be here at the Ogunquit Playhouse and back for High School Musical ‘09...by day Marketing Production Manager here at the Playhouse and by night...well? He was last seen here in The Producers (Bryan, Jason Green, Judge) and as Coach Bolton in last year’s Disney High School Musical. He now calls Maine home and is loving it! Favorite roles: 1776 (Edward Rutledge), Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye), Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King), 110 in the Shade (Starbuck). Love and thanks to Jim and Rowan for all their love and support.

JENNIFER TAYLOR (Cheerleader, Ensemble) is overjoyed to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut this summer! She is 14 years old and has been performing on stage since she was 8. Jenny has been training at Fusion Dance Academy for 6 years, studying with Jaime Abdul, Angela Carter, and Aaron Tolsen. This May she was lucky to travel to Walt Disney World with the ORMS Jazz Band, performing as a featured vocal soloist as well as principal trumpet.

ALISON TRAYNOR (Skater Chick, Cathy, Miss Tenny/Moderator VO) is very excited to return to this cast of High School Musical. Other theater credits include: Annie; Annie, Tina Denmark; Ruthless!, Mary Lennox; The Secret Garden the Musical and Narrator; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Thanks to her friends and family for thier love and support!

LIZ TURNER (Braniac, Ensemble) would like to thank her 10 year old sister Brooklyn for first introducing her to! Liz was recently seen in A Chorus Line at the Ogunquit Playhouse, past credits include Granbury Opera House/Galveston Island Musicals, Hackmatack, and Prescott Park. In the fall, Liz will be entering her senior year at the Berklee College of Music as a vocal performance major. Much thanks to everyone at the Ogunquit Playhouse for this amazing opportunity!

Disney Channel's smash hit movie musical comes to life on your stage! While on their family vacations, high school jock and basketball star Troy and brainy Gabriella - two teens who are worlds apart - meet. During a karaoke contest ("Start of Something New") they discover their love for singing, and an interest in each other. After vacation, Troy discovers that Gabriella is the new girl at East High. Still a bit inspired by their holiday vacation performance, Troy and Gabriella both decide to audition for the school musical. Troy's best friend Chad and Gabriella's new friend Taylor discourage them from carrying out their plans. Troy comes to his senses and immerses himself back into basketball and the championship ("Get'cha Head in the Game"). Taylor does some online research and discovers Gabriella is a scholastic superstar and quickly recruits her for the decathalon competition. Sharpay and Ryan - the ruling school play stars - are also gearing up for yet another starring role in the school musical, and they've made it very clear that everyone else better stay out of their way! Auditions begin and all the hopefuls try out for Ms. Darbus, East High's English and Drama teacher ("What I've Been Looking For"). Not knowing each other's plan, both Troy and Gabriella decide to secretly audition and sneak into the school theatre - but too late, the auditions have just ended. Kelsi, the show's student composer feels sorry for them, and at Troy's request, plays the song for them to sing together (“What I’ve Been Looking For” Reprise). Ms. Darbus just happens to hear their performance and gives them a callback. Well Sharpay is furious! How dare they break the “rules” of East High! The whole school agrees and everyone chimes in during a lunch break (“Stick to the Status Quo”). As everyone is busy practicing for callbacks, Sharpay is plotting her revenge, the basketball team wants their star player back, and the scholastic team wants their new brainiac to help them win the decathalon. After Chad and Taylor’s plan to win their friends back seems to have worked, Gabriella is crushed that Troy would turn his back on her and their singing dreams (“When There Was Me and You”). Eventually, Chad and Taylor feel terrible that they’ve manipulated their friends for their own selfish needs and confess to Troy and Gabriella – they put their heads together to help win the basketball game, the decathalon and hopefully get them over to the callbacks just in time. Sharpay and Ryan pull off a polished performance (“Bop to the Top”) and are a shoe-in for the starring roles. Once again, Troy and Gabriella arrive too late for their callback, due to Sharpay’s conniving plans and are out of the running. But the whole school rallies behind them and they pull off a fantastic performance (“Breaking Free”). Sharpay’s iciness melts away and the whole school comes together as winners (“We’re All in This Together”).