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HUNTINGTON -- If director Chuck Minsker had his own show it would be "old-school musical."

In 12 years of working with First Stage Theater Company he's pretty much seen it all.

But nothing quite touches the anticipation and fever surrounding the upcoming production of "Disney's High School Musical: On Stage" in the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington on Thursday, Nov. 15, through Sunday, Nov. 18.

"It is really not a stage show but more of an event," Minsker said. "It's already been phenomenal. We've already sold more tickets in advance to this than most shows we've done."

Kicked off on Wednesday with a sold-out school show, the rocking pop musical (for anyone who's exiled from the mainstream) is based on the Disney film, which has led to the top-selling music soundtrack, the top-selling DVD and the hit sequel on the Disney channel: "High School Musical 2."

For a number of reasons, the musical has rocked like no other.

"There's a positive message and a little bit of Romeo and Juliet -- the star-crossed lovers from different walks of life that get together," Minsker said, "And I think in there is the idea that you can really do anything if you set your mind to it, and you can't let peer pressure get in the way of it."

The movie and musical revolve around the story of Troy, a basketball player, and Gabriella, the bookworm, who meet over a winter break and sing together during a karaoke contest.

When she moves to his school, this odd couple, of sorts, find themselves competing together against a veteran set of theater twins for a spot in the school's musical.

"There is nothing really over the top or convoluted about it," Minsker said. "It is just a fun story. The fact that it has great music doesn't hurt. The songs are really fun."

Packed with such rocked up sing-a-long songs as "We're All in This Together," High School Musical, which became one of the highest rated Disney Channel movies of all time, has sparked a renewed interest in musicals across the country.

And the Tri-State is not immune to a little Wildcat-fed fever.

Although First Stage always gets a healthy number of kids wanting to be a part of the all-star youth theater, this production brought out some fresh faces.

"We were surprised at how many first timers we had," Minsker said. "It wasn't a ridiculous number over all but there were many first-time kids who had never been in a show. I think they just enjoyed the show and wanted to be a part of it.

"I do think that it is reviving the musical for young people," Minsker added. "It's like the Harry Potter book that gets kids to read. It's great to get kids out to see a live show and to see how energizing it is whether you're in the audience or on stage."

And there may be even a touch more excitement here since in addition to taking on one of the most popular musicals of the day, First Stage is rocking the stage of the historic Keith-Albee.

Minsker, who worked at the theater for a couple years while in college, knows that it is a rare treat for community theater to put on a production at the theater that is home to the Marshall Artists Series and the Huntington Symphony Orchestra.

"To do a local stage show, First Stage has to be one of the first ones and that is really exciting," Minsker said. "It is right in the heart of Huntington and such a beautiful showplace for any kind of show. To do a community theater show there is really exciting."

Like the other First Stage productions, Minsker said this one retains that high quality theater it has been known for thanks to the company's directing team that also includes music director Mark Smith, assistant director/ choreographer Amy Browning and producer Jeanette Rowsey.

"When you talk about children's theater people sometimes think of small children stumbling about and waving to mom and dad in the audience," Minsker said. "But anyone who saw 'Seussical the Musical,' or 'Cats' or 'Les Miserables' knows what we're all about. We're right on par with any of the other community theater groups. It's a great opportunity for the kids and we're glad to make it available for them and to let them show what they can do."

While it provides a benefit to the community, Minsker said supporting the theater also pays dividends later.

"It's so beneficial to the kids in so many ways in terms of poise and self confidence," Minsker said. "If you can get up on stage in front of a 1,000 people and perform, you can do anything."

Howie McCormick/The Herald-Dispatch

Students from area high schools are participating in First Stage Theatre Company's production of Disney's "High School Musical" which will be performed at the Keith-Albee Theater Thursday through Sunday.

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Howie McCormick/The Herald-Dispatch

Alissa Fetherolf, right, runs through a microphone check prior to Wednesday night's dress rehearsal for Disney's "High School Musical" at the Keith-Albee Theater. The show will be performed by the First Stage Theatre Company Thursday through Sunday at the theater.

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