Ray of Light Theatre, a local non-profit company, presented “High School Musical On Stage” from Sept. 21 to Oct. 7 at School Of The Arts.

The musical, a modern twist of “Grease” and “Romeo and Juliet,” premiered on the Disney Channel in January 2006. To say that “High School Musical” is popular is an understatement. After the success of the made-for-TV movie, “High School Musical: The Concert” toured in 26 American cities. The film’s sequel premiered Summer 2007 to an audience of 17.2 million viewers, making it the most-watched basic cable program ever, according to Nielson Media Research.

The movie appeals to many. “I like ‘HSM’ because it’s more of a kids movie and the actors are our age,” senior Corinne Foong said.

Sophomore Ally Chen agreed that the show has a family appeal. “Kids love the songs and adults like the Disney and G-rated aspect of the storyline,” she said.

While many joined the “HSM” craze, some are critical. “‘HSM’ is an overrated Disney attempt at a musical,” senior Diana Wen said. “It’s just a salad-bowl of predictable clichés.”

Senior Michelle Quan agreed. “Where are the Chinese? Asians? This film is perfect for all that are deaf and blind,” she said.

Nonetheless, “HSM” was a national phenomenon. “ROLT originally wanted to do ‘Big River’ but ‘HSM’ is what’s hot right now,” director Paul Plain said. “We wanted to attract a fresher, younger audience. We wanted to step away from the movie and make it more theatre.”

The cast used the same script as “High School Musical: The Concert.” However, fourteen composers added new ideas and two songs to the script: “Cellular Fusion” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.”

“We really just want the audience enjoying themselves and for fans to come back,” Plain said. “We want those who normally aren’t into musicals to say ‘Wow, that was a great experience.’”

That they did. The cheerleading East Side Wildcats were not the only singers­­­­ — the audience sang and clapped along as well. They waved their cell phones in the air to resemble a futuristic rock show during “Cellular Fusion” in the second act.

After the show, the audience was able to meet and greet the cast. “I love Gabriella,” audience member Jessica Sullivan said. “She’s my favorite.”

Throughout the show, the cast used various techniques. During the popular song, “Get’cha Head in the Game,” cast members used basketballs, adding their own flare to the dance.

Cartwheels and toe-touches energized the crowd. “I was really surprised by all the gymnastic moves they added,” audience member Jamie Corrihan said.

Putting the show together required a lot of hard work in a short amount of time, according to Plain.

“We only had roughly five weeks of rehearsals,” he said. However, many of the cast members were veterans in the show business so putting the show together quickly was not a problem.

Senior Nina Gosiengfiao from San Ramon, who played the female lead, Gabriella, also starred in another “HSM” production in Walnut Creek. Her experiences also include a music video for The Fray’s “How to Save a Life” and a promotional commercial for “Disney’s Cheetah Girls Two.”

19-year-old Kenny Neely, who played Troy, the male lead, also had previous experience: he performed in “HSM” on the Monterey Peninsula and ten other productions this year.

With the upbeat songs, dance choreographies and remixes to the storyline, “HSM” is a show for everyone.