If you have kids at home today, you're probably taking reservations for seats in front of the screen for the TV premiere of Disney's High School Musical 2. It's a stroke of marketing genius: kids across America are having "viewing parties" at home for the hyped-up, much anticipated sequel to High School Musical. But kids aren't the only ones watching: the immensely popular show has swept the country picking up fans of all ages. The NY Daily News talks about the phenomenon:
"We must play 'High School Musical' every day in the car," says Sean, a 37-year-old radio host. "We sing the songs. The whole family's hooked on it. We can't wait for Friday night."He first dismissed the flick as preteen trash, but became a fan during outings with his three kids, who range in age from 3 to 7.
"After it was playing in my car, I'm like, Oh, my God, this is like a different version of 'Grease,'" he says. "It's awesome."...And they're not alone. In fact, Sean and Jill are hosting 30 guests to watch the sequel - and half of them are far past their high school years. "A lot of adults are into it," says Jill, a 38-year-old graphic designer.
The hoopla surrounding the final episode of the Soprano's pales in comparison to this viewing event. Baristaville, is High School Musical a hit in your house? Tell us if you're partying tonight.
I'm not. But I am excited for the kids who are looking forward to it.
It must be like Christmas for them.
Or like me waiting for the next episode of Big Brother, Top Chef, Project Runway (whenever it comes back on) or any Mets game.