SURPRISE RESULT FOR ALHAMBRA CASTING CALL ALL THREE FINALISTS ARE CAST IN HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL ON STAGE
(Jacksonville, FL) – Before the three High School Musical Casting Call finalists took the stage today at Radio Disney’s Noon Year’s Eve event at the Jacksonville Zoo, they gave each other a group hug and wished one another other luck. Standing in front of the entire HSM cast, and with more than 500 people in the audience, they listened, hopeful and nervous, as Alhambra owner Craig Smith made his announcement. As far as they knew, two of them would go home disappointed and one would receive the opportunity of a lifetime.
All three jumped and hugged each other again when Smith announced that after a long deliberation, and considering each of the finalists’ impressive talents, it could only be fair to declare all three of them winners. What wrapped up with a surprise result to all but a few people behind the scenes at the Alhambra, started with hugs at 5:45 AM, moments before a live TV interview and an impromptu performance. The results made moms cry, fans scream and the HSM cast give high fives to each kid, welcoming them to their fraternity.
Joshua Johnson, 11, of Julington Creek, Caylin Housley, 13, of Fernandina, and Tasia Bosch, 13, of Atlantic Beach, outperformed more than 100 child actors, dancers and singers in the Alhambra’s first-ever open casting call on Monday, December 28, and they will participate together in an upcoming performance of the Alhambra’s presentation of Disney’s High School On Stage. Open to child performers between the ages of 8 and 14, contestants were invited to demonstrate their own performance strength in front of five judges, including
veteran actor/director Tony Triano, Alhambra 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 and praise, and even admitted to some astonishment.
“I was working up a sweat standing on stage, with the drum roll and all,” said Caylin Housley. “We all became good friends, everyone was such a good sport and we were rooting for each other as much as ourselves. We built a relationship with each other, and it’s really cool that all three of us get to do this. It’s a great opportunity.”
The original plan was to award just one winner a very small cameo role in the play. In what is now a second surprise, the kids will have a real song and dance number, which will be choreographed into the performance. The performance, tied into Radio Disney Night at the Alhambra -- complete with red carpet and Hollywood Lights -- will be some time in late January or early February, giving the kids ample time to rehearse with the cast.
“I’ll be honest, this started as a unique way to launch a new show” said Craig Smith. He continued, “but our mindset changed when we saw more than 100 kids waiting in line, and changed even further when we saw the talent that these kids brought to the casting room. It transformed into a real audition, and Josh, Caylin and Tasia really brought down the house. We are excited to have them as part of the Alhambra team, and I can also tell you that because of this event, these three won’t be the only ones getting future roles at the Alhambra.”
Said Director Tod Booth, “These young actors have the confidence and poise, not to mention talent, of performers 7 to 10 years older. To see them step in with the cast today and pick right up on the choreography was astonishing. I cannot wait to see them on stage next month.”
“I am really excited,” stated Tasia Bosch (pronounced Asia, with a T). She continued, “I’m sure it will be a whole lot of fun and it could open doors for all of us. We’re going to learn a lot.” In addition to being an actor, Tasia is a world champion martial artist and third degree black belt.
Disney’s High School Musical On Stage opened December 30, and will run through March 7, 2010. Show times are 8:00 PM for evening shows Tuesday through Sunday. Doors open at 6:00 PM, buffet starts at 6:30 PM. Matinees on Saturday are at 1:15 PM. Doors open at 11:00 PM and the buffet starts at 11:15 PM. Sunday matinee is at 2:00 PM. Doors open at noon and the buffet starts at 12:15 PM. Group rates are available. Tickets start at $42 and include dinner and the show.
