new cast for ‘HSM4’

new cast for ‘HSM4’

LOS ANGELES — The Disney Channel is going back to school with “High School Musical 4.”

The fourth iteration of the popular musical franchise will begin production later this year and premiere in 2010.

The Disney Channel said in a statement this week that the new movie will introduce a new cast of characters and will focus on a cross-town school rivalry.

“High School Musical” drew an audience of 7.7 million when it debuted in 2006. “High School Musical 2” more than doubled viewership of the original with 17.2 million in 2007. “High School Musical 3” was released in theaters in 2008 and made more than $40 million its opening weekend.

teen night after show

CLEVELAND — The PlayhouseSquare Arts Education Department is hosting a special Teen Night following the March 14 evening performance of the Tony Award-winning musical “Spring Awakening.” Admission is free with a ticket from the show. Teens can enjoy pizza, a DJ, karaoke and an opportunity to meet members of the cast.

“Spring Awakening was written in the 1890s, but the issues it addresses are still relevant to today’s teens,” stated Colleen Porter, director of arts education at PlayhouseSquare. “Having the show at PlayhouseSquare gives our audiences an opportunity to talk about these issues. We do encourage parents to visit the Web site parents.springawakening.com to help them determine if ‘Spring Awakening’ is appropriate for their children.” The musical is very adult in nature and includes nudity, profane language, simulated sex and adult situations.

In conjunction with Teen Night, the Arts Education Department will host a free panel discussion for parents, presented by Your Teen Magazine, a quarterly magazine for parents of teenagers. Set against the backdrop of a repressive and provincial late 19th century Germany, “Spring Awakening” tells the timeless story of teenage self-discovery and budding sexuality as seen through the eyes of three teenagers. For tickdets, go go playhousesquare.org or call (216) 241-6000. Promotion code STARS should be used when ordering tickets for Teen Night.

beatles get in the game

NEW YORK — Rock Band is getting the greatest rock group of all time: The Beatles.

The Beatles’ management said Thursday that a Beatles version of the Rock Band video game will debut in September. In addition, they’ll sell accompanying instruments modeled after the ones used by the band.

Giles Martin, son of Beatles producer George Martin, is developing the product. The Beatles, who broke up four decades before video games were invented, have been slow in embracing new technology: their music is still not available for sale on iTunes.

The band’s management, Apple Corps Ltd., is partners in the project with MTV Games and Harmonix.