Many in the Cornerstone Community Theater Manteca grew up being entertained with the Disney Channel original movies, “Camp Rock” and “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.”

That’s what made rehearsals for this weekend’s performances “Disney’s Camp Rock: The Musical” fun for the cast of 24.

“I wanted to do (the role of) one of the Jonas Brothers,” said Nihar Jain, who plays the lead character of Shane Gray made famous by Joe Jonas.

The East Union High junior has been involved with the local theater group for the past five years. Jain has enjoyed the past three weeks of rehearsals, doing the musical performances inspired from the Disney movies.

Included are a few numbers with Kyra Schneringer, who plays Camp Rock’s Mitchie Torres. The Ripon High junior drew some inspiration on her lead role from Demi Lovato, who played Mitchie in the two movies.

Schneringer along with fellow RHS junior Lily Haggerty have done various plays for the Cornerstone Community Theater over the years.

Haggerty plays Dana Turner from rival Camp Star.

“(Dana) is confident – she knows what she wants,” said Haggerty, in trying to connect with her character.

The musical is the second one at the new Manteca location of Cornerstone Community Church, now at 10948 S. Airport Wy.

Opening night for “Disney’s Camp Rock: The Musical” is Friday (July 26) at 7 o’clock. Cost for preferred seating is $20 with general admission at $15.

Show times also include Saturday (July 27) with a 2 p.m. matinee and second performance at 7 p.m., and the Sunday (July 28) encore at 4 p.m.

Camp Rock, under the direction of Michealle Hoag (assistant director is Megan Bos, vocal director is Kristin Scott, and the choreographer is Atlantah Flora), also features the new girl Rosie (Jaida Bragado), who quickly learns that camp is always fun and unpredictable.

Tess (Tera Shearin) of Camp Rock is looking to play lead in the opening jam while the couple Mitchie and Shane have split.

Will Mitchie and Shane get back together?

“This summer, they are all feeling stressed when Camp Star, a new camp across the lake, threatens to put Camp Rock out of business,” said Hoag.

She added: “They have to figure out how to be true to themselves and work as a team. At times it seems impossible, but this group of talented students are here to learn, grow, trust and make friendships that will last a lifetime.”

For tickets or more information, call 209.825.1220 or log on to www.cornerstonemanteca.com/theater.