A guide to the High School Musical characters

Kids adore it and a great deal of parents secretly enjoy watching it too. In fact, there are not many people who have not heard about High School Musical. However, who are the main characters starring in one of Disney's most successful musical movies ever?

The story

First aired in 2006, the made-for-television movie produced by Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) follows the story of Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez. Two teens that are worlds apart, Troy and Gabriella first cross paths at a New Years Eve karaoke party. Upon returning to East High school, Troy is both surprised and delighted to find out that Gabriella is the school's new student. In what is sometimes referred to as a modern day Romeo and Juliet, Troy and Gabriella decide to audition for the approaching school musical. What happens next, is a series of events that will turn their lives and the school upside down.

The characters

Troy Bolton Played by Zac Efron, Troy is the popular kid at East High School, captain of the basketball team and oozing confidence. However, will his friends approve of his decision to audition for the school musical? Gabriella Montez Vanessa Hudgens takes on the role of Gabriella, the new girl at the high school and always focused on her academic studies. Nevertheless, Gabriella's focus changes after sharing a song with Troy. Sharpay Evans Super confident Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) has been singing since she was in nappies and is almost certain of East High's lead musical part. Hence, the emergence of Gabriella generates a fierce rivalry. Ryan Evans Played by Lucas Grabeel, Ryan, brother of Sharpay, has always been the star of the school musicals. With Troy now competing for the lead role we see a new side to Ryan's character. Taylor McKessie As captain of the East High Scholastic Decathlon team, Taylor (Monique Coleman) battles to keep Gabriella away from singing and focussing on her academic abilities. Chad Danforth Corbin Bleu stars as Troy's best friend Chad. Chad must try to convince Troy to choose basketball over the musical. Mrs Darbus Alyson Reed plays Mrs Darbus, East High's no nonsense drama teacher with a well-publicised disliking for sports. Coach Jack Bolton Coach Bolton (Bart Johnson) is not only the basketball coach at East High but also Troy's father. How will he react to his son's decision to audition for the musical?

Additional movie information

Since its release, High School Musical has received extremely positive critical reception. In 2006, the movie was given the Billboard Music Award for Soundtrack Album of the Year. For more information, visit the movie's official Disney page: Tv.disney.go.com (disney channel) (original movies) (high school musical)