Big Field Narrowed to Three Finalists For a Role in
Disney’s High School Musical On Stage
Winner to Be Announced on New Year’s Eve Day
(Jacksonville, FL) – 11 year-old Josh danced and sang like Michael Jackson. At 13, Tasia had the voice of an angel. And at 10, a very confident Caylin never broke eye contact with veteran actor and judge-for-a-day, Tony Triano. These three finalists outperformed more than 100 child actors, dancers and singers on their road to winning a cameo spot at a future Alhambra performance of Disney’s High School Musical On Stage during Radio Disney Night at the Alhambra.
The first-ever Alhambra open casting call was open to child actors, singers, dancers and cheerleaders between the ages of 8 and 14. Some arrived before Theatre staff, at least as early as 6:45 on a cold, December morning. Contestants were invited to demonstrate their own performance strength in front of four judges, each experienced in the theater arts. There was no set script or music, and attendees were limited to thirty seconds. 22 of the initial 103 were selected for call back performances, a choreographed song and dance number from the show. Those 22 were whittled to a final five, and of those were selected three finalists. Those three will attend Radio Disney’s Noon Year’s Eve event at the Jacksonville Zoo, where one will be announced as the winner of the Casting Call and receive a cameo performance on stage with the full cast. In addition, each finalist will go back stage for a meet and greet with the fan-voted Disney future star, Jasmine.
The competition was judged by veteran Alhambra actor Tony Triano, General Manager Tod Booth, Managing Partner Craig Smith, Dancer/choreographer Alexis Stanford and local Radio Disney Promotion Director Tod Loomis, each of whom offered encouragement, praise and even admitted a little bit of astonishment.
“These kids were outstanding,” began Mr. Triano. “I’ll be honest, I did not know what to expect today. While all of the talent was truly impressive – and I mean that – these three showed poise, professionalism and talent of performers in their teens and twenties. I cannot wait to see them on stage next month.”
Joshua Johnson of Jacksonville was supposed to be in Barbados this week visiting family. Instead, upon hearing of the casting call he convinced his dad to go without him while he and his mom stayed in town for the audition. Josh and his mom were in line by 7:45 – and he won’t be making the trip to Barbados. Tasia Bosch of Atlantic Beach skipped hanging out with her friends and planned a day with her mom to make the audition. And Caylin Housley of Jacksonville was in line with her parents by 11:00. In addition to beating out 100 other talented kids, all three braved several chilly hours waiting in line outside the theatre, the nervousness of wondering if they made it through to the call backs, then through four unrehearsed song and dance routines and three rounds of preliminaries. When they were announced as the finalists, the three hugged each other like they were old friends.
“I can really be myself when I dance,” began Joshua. “”Dancing really brings me and my family closer together. We’re always dancing around the house.”
Alhambra Managing Partner Craig Smith will announce the winner at the Zoo at approximately 11:00 AM during Radio Disney’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration. The entire High School Musical On Stage cast will be at the Zoo with Craig to make the presentation, and they will also perform several numbers from the play. “Some of the feedback we heard when I bought the Alhambra was that we needed to add more variety to our lineup,” said Smith. “With HSM we’ve done that. This is a fun show that will certainly appeal to the family audience in our market, and it will also be great entertainment across the board. The musical and dancing are fantastic, and the story is great. Any and all live theater and musical fans will love this production.”
Disney’s High School Musical On Stage opens on December 30, 2009 and will run through March 7, 2010. Show times are 8:00 PM for evening shows Tuesday thru Sunday. Matinees on Saturday are at 1:15. Call the box office at 904.641.1212
