Raleigh's "High School Musical" finally has a lead actor. Jamey Benson, a continuity director for Clear Channel Radio, will play jock-turned-thespian Troy Bolton in next month's production in Memorial Auditorium.

Benson, 25, skipped the cattle call auditions because he was concerned that he couldn't balance his job with rehearsal demands. But when he heard the producers were Troyless and desperate, he couldn't resist attending a special Troy audition last week.

"I thought this was a good opportunity and maybe a sign that I should at least go and give it a shot, so I wouldn't be disappointed in myself for not trying out," said Benson, a graduate of Raleigh's Leesville Road High School and East Carolina University in Greenville.

N.C. Theatre producer William Jones said several actors had the requisite vocal chops. But Benson's acting tryout was a slam-dunk.

"He had a nice brightness, a nice energy that really made you think it was Troy," Jones said.

The show, a co-production with Broadway Series South and Wake County schools, runs April 25 to 30. All but three of the 11 shows are sold out. Remaining tickets are $16 to $41. Call 834-4000 or go to www.ticketmaster.com.