Disney Channel Prepping New Musical Comedy Pilot

BURBANK: High School Musical‘s Alyson Reed is to reprise her role as the melodramatic drama teacher Ms. Darbus in the new Disney Channel dance-driven comedy pilot Madison High (working title).

The series pilot introduces a troupe of theater students led by Ms. Darbus. Driving the story line, Madison High will feature four original songs written by noted songwriters such as Matthew Gerrard (Hannah Montana, High School Musical), Robbie Nevil (Hannah Montana, High School Musical), Jamie Houston (High School Musical), James Dean Hicks, David Lawrence (High School Musical, High School Musical 2), Faye Greenberg (High School Musical 2), Kara DioGuardi (Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam) and J.D. Salbego.

Production on the pilot starts next month, in consideration for a potential Disney Channel series to premiere in early 2012. Bill Borden and Barry Rosenbush (High School Musical and its sequels), Lester Lewis (The Office) and Paul Hoen (Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam) are the executive producers. The pilot was written by Lewis and will be directed by Paul Hoen.

Gary Marsh, the president of entertainment and chief creative officer at Disney Channels Worldwide, said: “High School Musical introduced the joys of musicals and musical theater to a whole new generation and kids and families. They embraced the themes explored in those movies—about expressing oneself and following your dreams. 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.”