In 2006, the Disney Channel released the movie "High School Musical," a story of teenage friendship, love and daring to be different.

Similar to the '70s phenomenon "Grease," it awakened a new fascination in a younger generation, who suddenly took an interest in musical theater.

This weekend, the Stagemakers at the J will present "High School Musical Jr." at the Jewish Community Center, Allentown.

Based on the movie written by Peter Barsocchini, book by David Simpatico and songs by Matthew Gerrard, "High School Musical Jr." features a cast of characters both the young and young-at-heart will love.

Mackenzie Lynch plays Gabriella Montez, a shy science and math student whiz, who tries out for the school play much to the dismay of her fellow nerds.

"She (Gabriella) is kind of nerdy, but she also likes to sing and act," said Lynch, an eighth grader at Orefield Middle School. "She is really very nice."

Gabriella's counterpart is Troy Bolton, a shy athlete and captain of the basketball team, who also has an itch for singing and acting.

"Troy wants to be a brave basketball player, but he realizes before auditioning for the play, he was just a shy jock and after, he is much more outgoing," said Elijah Siler, a Whitehall fifth grader who plays Troy.

Skylar Gutman, a Parkland ninth grader, plays Sharpay Evans, the stereotypical high school diva accustomed to being the best actress and singer in the school and is always getting her way.

"I love how she has so much energy and is willing to do anything it takes to get her way," Gutman said. "She's sly."

Gutman's credits include performing in "Aladdin Jr." at Parkland High School, and "Guys and Dolls" at Springhouse Middle School.

Sharpay receives help from her brother/agent, Ryan Evans played by Robert Moore, an Orefield Middle School sixth grader.

"Ryan will do anything Sharpay tells him to do and it is quite funny," Moore said. "I watched the movie and took bits and pieces for inspiration, but mostly I made the part my own."

The result of Gabriella and Troy embarking on a new passion creates friction within the students, as relayed by one of the musical numbers "Stick to the Status Quo."

Of course, both Gabriella and Troy have foils in the story with best friends who at first are not supportive.

The part of Taylor, Gabriella's best friend, is played by Elizabeth Syslo.

"She's a brainiac at school and wants Gabriella to focus on the science fair," Syslo said. "She's really nice, but also has a dark side to her."

Syslo performed in "Aladdin Jr.", "Cinderella Jr." and "Grease Jr."

Aaron Green, a Northwestern Lehigh ninth grader has taken the stage in several musicals including "Damn Yankees" and "Hello Dolly."

Green plays Chad Danforth, Troy's best friend.

"Even though he is second best on the team, Chad breathes basketball," Green said. "You won't like my character at first. He only wants Troy to play basketball, but he comes around in the end."

Director Jonathan Lynch said there are 53 young thespians from 20 middle and high schools across the Valley, in the production.

"This show has always been on my to-do list," Lynch said, adding with the support of many, including stage manager and fellow choreographer Payton Sherry and costumer Mary McCauley-Siler, he is presenting one of his favorite musicals.

"When I was younger, I remember watching it on the Disney Channel," Lynch said. "It's just a feel-good and fun show with lots of energy. It also has a great message [as one of its musical numbers suggests] "We're all in this Together."

Performances of "High School Musical Jr." will be 7 p.m. May 28; and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 31 at the Allentown JCC, 702 N. 22nd St., Allentown.

For information, call 610-435-3571.