'Mamma' raises bar for 'Musical'

Disney film has 'High' expectations overseas If the success of musical “Mamma Mia!” is any indication, Disney won’t have trouble hitting the high notes at the international box office with “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” which opens in two weeks. The “High School Musical” franchise is as wildly popular abroad as it is in the U.S. In addition to the two “High School Musical” television movies, the franchise has spawned live stage shows and local-language productions. “HSM3” begins its international rollout on Oct. 22, two days before it debuts in North America. Last week, Disney premiered the pic in London to whip up the already heightened interest. No one could have predicted “Mamma Mia” would bank north of $377 million to date internationally, since musicals have never traveled well. But the Meryl Streep starrer once... [read full story]