The Latest on "High School Musical 2"

During their part of the Press Tour Saturday, Disney announced its plans for the premiere of “High School Musical 2”…

“HSM 2” premieres Friday, August 17th at 8 p.m. with a telecast hosted from a backyard barbecue with the movie’s stars and director Kenny Ortega. An encore will air Saturday August 18th with an interactive online chat with the cast. Then, a third showing will air Sunday, August 19th as a sing-along edition.

The Friday premiere will be followed by a sneak preview of the upcoming animated series “Phineas & Ferb” and a new episode of “Hannah Montana.” This fall, Disney Channel will air “High School Musical: The Music In You,” a documentary that follows Fort Worth students putting on their version of “HSM.”

Disney Channel brass are already talking about “HSM 3.” “USA Today” is still reporting that the third movie will be a feature film, but “TV Guide” made no mention of the big screen. Disney Channel’s president told “TV Guide,” “We’re working on a script and talking to talent…We’re happily optimistic we’ll put everybody back together.”

If a third movie happens, it will have to work around Zac Efron’s busy schedule. He is set to play the lead role in a big screen remake of “Footloose.”

Speaking of “High School Musical 2,” Tuesday, you can pick up the CD single of “What Time Is It?” the first single from the soundtrack.

And don’t forget that the auditions for the First Stage Theatre production of “HSM” are this Saturday. For more details, visit Chuck Minsker’s “Tri-State Theater” blog by clicking on the link at right.

Chuck is also promising us a big announcement associated with the show. I’m hoping that he’s found some way to couple the show with a “Hannah Montana” concert. But that’s just because I’m a little obsessed…