Better than Grease

You would’ve had to have made a very conscientious, hermetic effort for the past few years in order to avoid having any notion of the popularity of a particular made-for-TV movie called High School Musical. Disney continues to milk its unexpected cash cow with countless spinoffs, merchandising and sequels. Now, the most bizarre manifestation -- a musical based on the movie about a musical -- has come to town for your favorite tween’s viewing pleasure. The stage adaptation, directed by Jeff Calhoun, opens tonight at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the Denver Performing Arts Complex at 7:30 p.m., and you would be wise to purchase tickets in advance. The show runs through July 27, with a few matinee opportunities before the company skips town with a bag full of your money. Ticket options range from $25 for a single ticket to a family four-pack for $2,500, which includes a private ice-cream social with the cast -- a fundraiser that will benefit the Denver Center’s Arts in Education programs. To purchase tickets, call 303-893-4100, or get with the times and use the Internet: www.denvercenter.org.
July 22-25, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., July 26, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., July 27, 1 & 6:30 p.m., 2008