The show runs Thursday through Sunday in Carli Auditorium at Churchill High School.

Junior Diamond Vinson, in her first play since seventh grade, plays a brainiac who wants to sing hip-hop.

"I like this better than Grease," she said. The two shows have often been compared. "It's up to date, more new school."

The musical is co-directed by Mary Murphy, choreographer, and Lori Porter, vocals.

It features a cast of 70 students. Senior Dan Crosby and junior Brianna Devlin play teens whose love of music brings their worlds together. Sophomore Alexa Kalasz and senior Michael Hood play the brother and sister troublemakers.

As opposed to the fall musical, the dark Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, deemed inappropriate for youngsters, High School Musical appeals to a larger audience.

"Even my 8-year-old daughter is singing these tunes," Porter said. Midday matinee shows are sold out to elementary school groups.

Tickets are also going fast for weekend performances.

The 2006 Disney musical was only recently made available for high school productions and offers plenty of opportunities in music and dance, Porter said.

"We wanted to be one of the first in our community to do the show," she said.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 8-10. The final performance is 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11.

For tickets, call the CAPA box office at (734) 968-8736.

By Rebecca Jones

Livonia Observer