DECATUR -"Disney's High School Musical," a TV hit, is coming to Decatur.

The lively, happy show will be performed Aug. 8 to 10, in Albert Taylor Hall, Millikin University.

The cast will sing 17 peppy songs under the musical direction of Beth Creighton. Keith Creighton is the director, and Scott Hines is the choreographer. It is being produced by Michi Barber and Leslie Charveron Stewart of The Dance Centre.

Students from Argenta-Oreana, Cerro Gordo, Clinton, Eisenhower, MacArthur, Maroa-Forsyth, Mount Zion, St. Teresa and Sangamon Valley high schools will cavort in show choir-type routines.

The leading roles are played by Seth Durbin, a senior at Mount Zion, and Kat Stowell, a MacArthur junior. Durbin is a Mount Zion Swingsations Show Choir performer, and Stowell has performed at the Little Theatre-On the Square in Sullivan.

Here's the storyline:

Troy Bolton is the captain of the basketball team, the East High Wildcats. But when he shares a duet with Gabriella, he finds there's more to life than basketball. What will his teammates do when they find out he might be singing in the school musical? Will he and Gabriella get together, even though they run in different crowds? And what about Troy's dad, who just happens to be the basketball coach?

As for Gabrielle, will her star shine brightly in the school musical? Not if drama queen Sharpay Evans can help it.

"The cast has rounded into shape," Hines said. "It's cool to see students from a number of schools working together and becoming friends. Although there's a lot of music, the focus is on acting."

Rehearsals are being held at The Dance Centre. Are the students having fun? "Yes, yes," Kat answered. "Absolutely," Seth added.

The show leads off and finishes with appearances by two groups of youngsters, in first through fourth and fifth through seventh grades.

Bob Fallstrom can be reached at bfallstrom@herald-review.com or 421-7981.

If you go

WHAT: "Disney's High School Musical."

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 9 and 10.

WHERE: Albert Taylor Hall, Millikin University.

TICKETS: $11 at the door or by calling 877-8876.

CAST:

Troy Bolton: Seth Durbin, Mount Zion

Gabriella Montez: Kat Stowell, MacArthur

Ryan Evans: David Reed, Eisenhower

Sharpay Evans: Jesek West, Cerro Gordo

Jack Scott: Warren Garver, Sangamon Valley

Taylor McKessie: Hannah McElyea, Eisenhower

Chad Danforth: Keith Merriman, Maroa-Forsyth

Martha Cox: Keely Nolan, St. Teresa

Zeke: Garrett Rucker, Mount Zion

Kelsi: Angela Sabadaquia, Clinton

Ms. Darbus: Tori Stukins, MacArthur

Coach Bolton: Scott Busboom, US101 radio

Cheerleaders: Sarah Bradley, St. Teresa; Ashley Dalluge, Mount Zion

Thespians: Jordan Hoff, Eisenhower; Annie Locke, Mount Zion; Ariana Shelton, Argenta-Oreana

Skater Dudes: Jesse Sargeant, Eisenhower; Paul McCormack, St. Teresa

Jocks: Mike Walker and Chase Doolin, both of Eisenhower; Clayton Brandt, Mount Zion

Brainiacs: Chrissy Harmon and Jessica Newberry, both of Eisenhower.