Zac Efron named ShoWest 2009 'breakthrough performer"

"High School Musical" star Zac Efron will receive the 2009 Breakthrough Performer of the Year Award at ShoWest's award ceremony on April 2.

"When Zac Efron made his debut, with the cast of 'Hairspray' at ShoWest 2007, many in attendance took notice of this young actor's incredible talent," said ShoWest honcho Mitch Neuhauser. "His undeniable onscreen presence and charm have connected with fans around the world, and with the impending release of the comedy '17 Again,' Zac Efron is poised to break out as a true Hollywood star."

Glad ShoWest is so sure about this new film being such a hit. We have our doubts. Even though Zac's legions of fans may love it, will his non-fans?

Should the fact that Matthew Perry (the actor who has not been able to get a film career going since  "Friends") plays a grown-up Zac in the film, set off alarms?

Here's the slightly "Freaky Friday" and "When Peggy Sue Got Married" story line: In "17 Again," Efron stars as the young Mike O'Donnell, a high school (oh, here we go again) high school basketball star with a bright future using steroids ahead of him. 

But he throws it all away to marry his pregnant girlfriend. Almost 20 years later, Mike's (now Perry) glory days are over. His marriage is over, his career is in a slump, his kids think he's a loser.

Miraculously,  Mike gets another shot when he magically turns 17 again! Doncha love it when that happens? Although Mike may look 17 again, that is to say, like Zac Efron again, his mature outlook is uncool in the class of 2009. And in trying to recapture his best years, will he lose the best things in his life?

Gosh, we can hardly wait to see this. I wonder how it ends? Do you?

Related Zac Efron news:

Zac Efron copied Ellen DeGeneres' hairstyle? We knew that

Zac Efron to star in "Footloose" remake? Perfect.

Onoes. Will Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens break up?

Credit: WireImage