'High School Musical'

Broadway San Diego at the San Diego Civic Theatre played host over the holidays to this contemporary musical comedy about a popular high school basketball star and a shy, academically gifted newcomer. Rated “G” reviewer Katie O'Nell was able to catch a performance and see how this touring stage adaptation stacked up against the Disney Channel's original movie.

By KATIE O'NELL

Review: “High School Musical” is a high-energy, fun-filled show that illustrates that you should be your own person and chase your dreams. Instead of falling into a clique that limits your ability to express yourself, you should break free and pursue your passion.

Disney's popular “High School Musical” is about Troy, East High School's basketball star, and Gabriella, a bookworm newcomer, who share a secret love for singing. They belong to two completely different groups in the school, the jocks and the brainiacs.

Conflict arises when the two audition for the leads in the school play, “Juliet and Romeo,” a modern interpretation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy of forbidden love. Their cliques want them to forget about the musical and each other. Also plotting against them is Sharpay, the jealous, snooty star of the East High stage.

My favorite part of this splashy musical was the catchy score brought to life by the brilliant orchestra. Composed by eight musicians, the boppy tunes and colorful lyrics made this show spectacular. With costumes and dances to match, this was a dazzling performance. It blew my mind with its volume, depth and vibrance.

'Go Ask Alice'

The Coronado School of the Arts Dance Department presents this lively, contemporary version of Lewis Carroll's classic “Alice in Wonderland” at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday at its new theater on the campus of Coronado High School, 650 D Ave. The circus-inspired, full-length dance concert features 15 dances that incorporate tumbling, clowning, juggling and stilt walking.

For tickets and information, call the CoSA office at (619) 522-4050 or visit cosafoundation.org.

AUDITIONS

'Aida'

J*Company Youth Theatre is holding auditions for its production of Elton John and Tim Rice's “Aida,” which will run March 1-16. Auditions will take place at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla, from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Call-backs will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday.

Auditions are open to all young artists ages 12 through 18.

Young artists should come prepared with a musical theater selection of their choice that shows off not only their vocal range, but also their acting abilities. They must bring sheet music (an accompanist will be provided), a head shot/snapshot, and a résumé (if available).

For information on classes, go to lfjcc.org/jcompany. To reserve an audition time, call (858) 457-3030, ext. 1200.

'American Girl Fashion Show'

Scripps Performing Arts Academy is holding open auditions for girls size 6 and size 10 to model in an American Girl Fashion Show. Three fashion shows are slated for April 26 and 27 in San Diego to benefit Isabella's Giraffe Club at UCSD Medical Center, Infant Special Care Center. The events will showcase historical and contemporary fashions for girls and their dolls.

Auditions will be held at both academy locations: 4 p.m. Jan. 12, at the Carmel Valley studio at 11777 Sorrento Valley Road; and 4 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Scripps Ranch studio at 9920 Scripps Lake Drive, Suite 104.

The open auditions will be held in a noncompetitive environment. About 150 local girls will be selected to model the American Girl fashions, from daywear to sleepwear to special-occasion clothing that resembles what the popular American Girl characters might have worn.

For more information about auditioning for the American Girl Fashion Show, call (858) 449-0193 or visit SuperKidsLive.com.