The UK producers of the upcoming stage sequel to High School Musical are launching a TV competition with GMTV to find an actor for the leading role of Troy Bolton.
Director Jeff Calhoun and his team will hold auditions in central London on April 19th and 20th. Performers will then be shortlisted and show finalists will perform live on GMTV during the week of May 4th, before the public vote to choose their favorite potential Troy.
The winning performer will be announced on air on the ITV1 show on Friday May 8th and will then go on to star in the UK touring production of the hit Disney musical.
High School Musical 2: Live On Stage! opens at the New Wimbledon Theatre on August.
Adam Spiegel, producer from Stage Entertainment UK, remarked that "High School Musical is one of the most positive and uplifting shows around and we're delighted that our cast will be lead by someone discovered and voted for by the public. Whoever and wherever he is, he's going to get one of the best jobs in musical theatre today."
High School Musical Live on Stage! was one of the most successful UK tours ever, opening to an advance of more than £9 million reports.
What's On Stage reported earlier that producers announced that High School Musical 2 Live on Stage! will receive its UK premiere this summer, opening at south London's New Wimbledon Theatre on August 22nd 2009 before setting out on a four-and-a-half month regional tour.
The Creative and Design Team from the original Atlanta production of Disney's High School Musical: On Stage and HSM2 Live on Stage returns for this UK tour production. Director Jeff Calhoun has an impressive history with the High School Musical franchise as he was the Director of the original Atlanta production of Disney's High School Musical: On Stage and the worldwide touring productions Disney's High School Musical: On Tour and Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour. Calhoun's Broadway credits as Director and Choreographer include the award-winning Deaf West production of Big River, Brooklyn the Musical, and the 1994 revival of Grease! Other Broadway credits include Annie Get Your Gun (Co-Choreographer), Tommy Tune Tonight (Director) and Grey Gardens (Musical Staging) and the current LA hit PIPPIN.
Choreographer Lisa Stevens brings her expertise as a performer, teacher and choreographer to this production. Her theater choreography includes the national tours of Disney's High School Musical: On Tour and Bombay Dreams. Her other credits include Le Belle Epoche (Broadway showcase), Bravo's Christmas special The Swinging Nutcracker, as well as regional and Canadian productions of Fiddler On The Roof, Hello Dolly!, Cabaret, Guys & Dolls and Urinetown.
Calhoun and Stevens are joined on the Creative and Design Team by Bryan Louiselle (Musical Director and Special Musical Adaptations / Arrangements), David Simpatico (Book), and Kenneth Foy (Scenic Design). 
High School Musical 2 Live on Stage! is produced in the UK by Stage Entertainment UK Ltd in association with Disney Theatrical Productions, and is supporting by The Co-operative Food reports WhatsOnStage.com.
Steve Fickinger, Disney Theatrical's vice-president of licensing, said in a press statment. "We at Disney are thrilled that the UK has so enthusiastically embraced the stage adaptation of High School Musical, and we can't wait to share the continuing adventures of Troy, Gabriella, and all your favourite Wildcats with High School Musical 2."
