High School Musical Background
Originally released in January of 2006, High School Musical is one of the Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOM) most successful productions. A television sequel was released in August 2007 and a feature film sequel (High School Musical 2) following later.
Character Troy Bolton (portrayed by Zac Efron in the movie) is the captain of the East High Wildcats basketball team. During New Years' party at a ski resort, Troy is pressured into singing "Start of Something New" as a karaoke duet with Gabriella Montez (played by Vanessa Hudgens), a "nerdette" from a different school. Their performance went over big, surprising them both. An even bigger surprise was the instant chemistry both felt. The shy teenagers however, kept their "secret crushes" to themselves, only exchanging phone numbers.
A week later, as if by fate, Gabriella's mother is transferred by her employer. Gabriella enrolls at East High in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the same school Troy attends and where soon spots her in homeroom. Both soon end up in Detention, for different reasons, and renew their budding friendship.
In an attempt to "fit in" Gabriella tries to hide her impressive scholastic record at her previous school. She is soon found out and is invited to join the school's scholastic decathlon team. Gabriella becomes a key member of the team and is once again finding herself with a reputation as a geek girl - something she had hoped to avoid.
By chance, Troy and Gabriella happen to meet in the hall where there is a sign up sheet for the school's musical production try-outs. Both end up signing up and soon, they are missing (or skipping) their respective practices - hers for the scholastic team, and his for basketball.
Troy becomes torn between basketball and singing - especially singing with Gabriella. His fellow teammates, however are worried that his pursuit of singing will affect their chances at winning the championship game. They set out to thwart his singing career by using peer pressure and outright trickery. In addition to being the Wildcat captain, Troy is also, a star player and the son of basketball coach. This adds to the pressure he is feeling.
Gabriella is also torn, and feeling the pressure from her fellow brainiacs. The two decide to meet secretly and finally admit to their feelings for each other. They decide on a plan of action and, with the help of Chad Danforth, Troy's best friend and fellow basketball player, are able to pull it off. Despite several miscues, mistakes and other problems, the duos win the support of their classmates and are given the starring roles in the musical.
With a true fairytale ending, both the scholastic team and the basketball team win their championships and the whole school gathers in the gym to celebrate.