Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez are “Soarin’ and Flyin'” into the hearts of people across the nation and students at the University.”High School Musical,” which was released on the Disney Channel in January 2006, has become a national phenomenon — such a phenomenon that the University’s Reilly Theatre is producing it.The production will begin Wednesday and run through Oct. 19.”High School Musical” became the most successful Disney Channel Original Movie ever produced and was so popular that Disney released “High School Musical 2” last summer and will release “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” in theaters next month. There are also talks of “High School Musical 4.”In 2006, “High School Musical” won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography and its soundtrack won the Soundtrack Album of the Year from the Billboard Music Awards.Posters, bedroom sets, clothes, accessories and even dishes feature characters from “High School Musical.”Bradley Sanchez, theater junior who plays the role of Troy in the production, said “a lot of people take ‘High School Musical’ very lightly, but there is a reason why it has caught on with so many people.”Sanchez said while the songs are very catchy, it’s really the message of the musical that is the reason for all of the hype.”The message is to accept those who may not act, dress or think like you and more importantly to accept your own quirks,” Sanchez said. “While it isn’t Shakespeare, it still delivers the message of truth to self.”Garrett Bruce, University alumnus who plays the role of Ryan Evans, also attributed the popularity of “High School Musical” to the message.”‘High School Musical’ deals with something that most people in this world have experienced or will experience,” Bruce said. “Not high school, in fact, but finding your own identity.”Bruce admitted he initially thought the script was “bland and generic” but he began to understand why “High School Musical” had become such a success.”It’s crafted in such a way that kids can find their own place in it,” Bruce said. “They can relate or empathize with each of the characters in their own terms.”But the message isn’t just for kids.”It pertains to everyone regardless of age, race or gender,” said Katie Mann, vocal performance senior who plays Gabriella.Mann said she hopes everyone who sees “High School Musical” will leave with the idea they can be anything they want to be.Several people believe that it is a good thing “High School Musical” has become so popular.”There is so much out there that gives kids the wrong message,” said Camille Rolla, musical director for the University’s production.Rolla said it’s great that a positive message has finally taken a hold of people.Kandace Tyler, accounting sophomore, has her own ideas about why “High School Musical” has become so popular. “It’s a great musical that you can’t help but fall in love with,” Tyler said. “Where else can you break out into song and dance in the cafeteria?”Tyler said everyone, even adults, can enjoy the catchy tunes and dance moves.Bruce said there will probably be a mix of audience members.”Younger kids are going to be chomping at the bit to see this show, and they’ll inevitably drag along their parents, who’ll also get sucked into the ‘High School Musical’ phenomenon,” Bruce said. “And you know there will be those college students coming to the theatre incognito. By the time the show’s done they’ll be dancing and singing along.”And cast members said college students shouldn’t be bashful about going to see Reilly Theatre’s version. “I do hope that they come into the show with open minds and embrace it,” Sanchez said. “I think the show really has something to offer any age.”Tickets for “High School Musical” are on sale now in the Student Union Box Office and the Swine Palace Box Office.For more information about the production, visit swinepalace.org.- – – -Contact Catie Vogels at [email protected]