SMT Rebounds with Disney's High School Musical   Daytona Beach, FL, June 5, 2008- Seaside Music Theater reminds us that "We're All in This Together" with its production of Disney's High School Musical, the phenomenally successful stage musical based on the Disney Channel original movie.   High School Musical, playing July 10-13, 15-20 is the story of popular high school jock Troy Bolton who falls for studious, shy Gabriella Montez while on winter vacation. Upon returning to school, Troy is surprised to find Gabriella is the new transfer student to East High and a relationship develops. However, due to social circles their friends and classmates scheme to prevent them from being together. All that changes when they both try out for the school musical, a decision that turns their world upside down.   Local auditions to cast High School Musical were held at the News-Journal Center May 30 & 31. Talented teens, who excel in musical theater performance, were sought after for this benefit production.   "Seeing the outpour of kids at the auditions made my heart swell," says Lester Malizia, SMT's Artistic Director and Director of the show. "I can't wait to showcase this extraordinary group of talent to our Central Florida patrons."   The cast boasts 40 plus students including, Chase Ferriera, Delaney Thompson, Chelsea Turbin and Nick Rischel, whom among others, were recently nominated for SMT's 7th Annual Blazing Star Awards, a ceremony that honors talented local high school students for outstanding performance in local high school musical productions.   "SMT is proud to have discovered this talent so close to home," said Gary Cadwallader, SMT's Educational Director. "Giving the kids an opportunity to learn what performing in a professional theater is like is something that SMT wants to continue for many years to come."   Disney's High School Musical is "a bright, buoyant musical comedy that will leave you clapping your hands and grinning as happily as the kids you've brought with you," boasts the Toronto Star.   Although most popular with ages 8 through 15, the family friendly musical is sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages. High School Musical has been compared to its rougher counter part Grease, which projected the same positive themes like "following your dreams" and "not being afraid to express yourself."   The music is infectious with such hits as "We're All in This Together," "Get'cha Head in the Game," "When There Was Me and You," and "Bop to the Top." Tickets for these benefit performances (July 10 @ 7 p.m., July 11 @ 7 p.m., July 12 @ 7 p.m. July 13 @ 2 p.m., July 15 @ 7 p.m., July 16 @ 7 p.m., July 17 @ 7 p.m., July 18 @ 7 p.m. July 19 @ 2 p.m., and July 20 @ 2 p.m.) are only $20 for all ages and can be purchased by calling 386-252-6200, or visiting the Seaside Music Theater box office located within the News-Journal Center at 221 N. Beach Street, Daytona Beach.        DONATE NOW!   Dear Patrons, Sponsors and Friends, This letter is to inform you that Seaside Music Theater will have to cancel its 2008 productions - Les Miserables, Backwards in High Heels, Altar Boyz, and Miss Nelson is Missing because of a severe budget shortfall due to the loss of support from the Daytona Beach News-Journal, SMT's grand sponsor for 30 years. SMT will restructure itself financially and organizationally under the supervision of a corporate advisor and looks forward to this renaissance. Seaside has been a cultural mainstay in Daytona Beach for 31 years, named "Best Professional Theater" in the state by Florida Monthly Magazine the past four years in a row. Despite the many challenges SMT is facing, we will preserve the only professional regional musical theater performing in Central Florida. As we approach this crossroad, we thank you in advance for your patience and support. It would be greatly appreciated if you would consider keeping your ticket credits with us for a future season. Or, please consider using your credit towards a tax-deductible gift to help SMT during these difficult times, and to help us continue to provide educational programs for youth in Volusia County.  REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN IF REQUESTED!  SMT will maintain community outreach and numerous fund raising events this summer including Daytona's Gotta Dance (August 9), and Walk In, Dance Out with Quanita (August 23). Also, the 3rd Annual $10,000 Play Dough Raffle drawing will be held July 11th at the News-Journal Center lobby. As Seaside Music Theater's Artistic Director for 20 years, I pledge to keep you informed of our ongoing progress! Please feel free to sign up for e-mail updates of at the bottom left of this page.  You may contact the Box Office at 386-252-6200 regarding ticketing. The staff of Seaside Music Theater looks forward to a bright future for our company and our community.

Sincerely,

Lester Malizia, Artistic Director Seaside Music Theater