'High School Musical' coming to New Castle Playhouse stage

NEW CASTLE ― “Disney’s High School Musical” opens Friday on the main stage of the New Castle Playhouse. Fifty-two young people will sing and dance to the catchy songs including “Bop to the Top” and “Get’cha Head in the Game.”

Directed by Brady Flamino, the musical will showcase the singing and dancing talent of students ages 8 to 18.

The themes of the show are loyalty, friendship, doing the right thing and dealing with peer pressure.

“The storyline is very much like 'Grease,' but age-appropriate for a younger cast. The audience will quickly see the parallels,” Flamino said.

The auditions drew 90 young people from Lawrence County, Baden, Beaver Falls, Hermitage, Grove City and other places.

The playhouse is dedicated to giving children a taste of theater and the opportunity to be involved, but because of the size of the playhouse stage, Flamino could only take 52 aspiring actors.

“It breaks my heart to have to turn them away. They are so talented, but the stage is not big enough for them all,” Flamino said. “I don’t want them to feel ‘Why bother?’ so I try to take some that were turned down last year and not take some who made it last year. It’s a little like taking turns.”

Flamino, who absolutely loves working with children, is looking forward to directing “Annie” in December.

This is Flamino’s eighth show at the New Castle Playhouse and his third time directing the Youth Theater musical.

Flamino has also directed the musicals at Union Area High School in Lawrence County for five years.

What: "Disney’s High School Musical”

Where: New Castle Playhouse, 202 E. Long Ave., New Castle

When: 7:30 p.m. May 3, 4, 10, 11and 2 p.m. May 5 and 12.

Admission: $14- $19.

For reservations, call (724) 654-3437 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Information: 724-654-3437; www.newcastleplayhouse.org online; email office@newcastleplayhouse.org

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: 'High School Musical' coming to New Castle Playhouse stage