On the first day of school at East High in Albuquerque, Try Bolton is astonished to find out that Gabriella Montez, the girl he met in a ski lodge while vacationing the previous month, is now a classmate. The two were attracted to each other daring to do a karoke number together in the lodge. They exchanged phone numbers, but never call each other. Now they're getting a second chance, not only at a relationship, but also at performing in the school musical, Juliet and Romeo, written by classmate Kelsi Nielson. However, Sharpay Evans, the school's reigning diva, and her twin brother Ryan, her dance partner, were certain they were going to play the leads. They try sabotaging Troy and Gabriella's every move, even though there are many others who don't want Troy and Gabriella in the show. Mrs. Darbus, the musical's director, doesn't even want them to audition because they showed up a tad late. Taylor McKessie, the school's top brain, wants Gabriella--a whiz at science--to join the Science Team so that East High can win its first Science Decathalon Championship. Coach Bolton, Troy's father and coach of the basketball team on which Troy is the captain, doesn't want his son to lose focus on winning the upcoming championship (and getting that sports scholarship). Nevertheless, Troy and Gabriella fight for what they want. They wind up winning the leads, starring in a successful production, and falling in love. Even Coach Bolton comes around to give his approval. Synopsis (c) Peter Filichia