This is a smart move.
Think of all the biggest kiddie pop divas of the last five years. Where did they all start? Right, the Disney Channel. Without the House of Mouse, there would be no Selena Gomez, no Demi Lovato and, God forbid, no Hannah Montana. (Though we’re sure at least one person wishes that were the case.)
The point is, the Disney Channel knows what it’s doing when it comes to finding young acts that can not only bring in the noise and funk, but that are actually decent actors. So it really should come as no surprise that the network was developing it’s own Glee-like show and should be less surprising that the show just got a pilot order.
From what we hear, Disney is working the High School Musical angle with this pilot, though there will only be one former Wildcat present in the cast. Described as a “music and dance-driven comedy”, Madison High will be about a troupe of theater students and their drama teacher, Ms. Darbus (yes, straight from East High) and the struggles they all face. Production on the pilot begins in March for a potential early 2012 series launch and CCO Gary Marsh thinks it is going to be HUGE. He explained to sources:
“High School Musical introduced the joys of musicals and musical theater to a whole new generation and kids and families. And now, with Madison High, we hope to give kids a whole new set of characters with whom to engage – along with more great original music, dance numbers and songs.”
Ah! There’s the kicker!
While Glee is promising some original music in the future, Madison High will start off with their own stuff right at the get go. Not sure if this is a good or bad idea, but we know that fast-tracking the show is definitely a solid. The want for more musical television is HIGH right now and since this is especially geared for kids, there is going to be tons of $$$ to be made.
We see success for this without having seen a second of footage.
Do u agree?
[Image via WENN.]
