Making a musical 1: The diary begins

I've been thinking about making a musical for a while (yes, it is largely due to the influence of High School Musical if you must know), but now, I'm actually doing something about it.
I am on a mission to create a musical by 2010.
But not some terrible looking, dry film where there's just music in the background... no... I'm talking about an full on, all singing, all dancing, cheese laden musical extravaganza.

It's going to be hard, considering I have no experience at directing anything musical or dance-y in nature; nor have I ever directed a feature - so it's all new territory.
I'm also quite a mediocre musician, so that's not going to help when I score the whole thing. Oh yeah, on top of all that, I can't dance either; and as I plan to play a role in the film, that's not really ideal.
But you know what? You can't let something like the lack of skills stand in the way of ambition right?

I would say that the creation of this diary is stage one on the journey to making this musical... but it's not. I've actually already written 3 of the songs, and about 1/3 of the screenplay. So it already is on it's way.
So why make the diary at all? Well, I want some kind of a documentation of the highs and lows of the film making process, but with the feedback of others (hint to comment). Then I can look back one day and reprimand myself for all the time I wasted in my youth trying to make a musical.

But seriously though, this really is a dream of mine, and through this diary, I hope to keep you all informed of the progress.
And, on that note, let me tell you what's currently happening...

The film is to be set in London and filmed in the summer of 2010 (it's not as far as you think, trust me).
Between now and then, I need to finish the screenplay, write all the songs, learn to dance, work on some dance choreography (with my flatmate Marc who is to be choreographer), find a cast, train said cast, find a crew, raise a tonne of money to pay for all of this, and remember to breathe. All of a sudden, 2010 feels far too close.

As I mentioned, the screenplay is coming along nicely, and some of the songs have already been written. I have also found a dance school to enroll in (yes... me... dancing :S ).
The main thing I need are a dedicated cast and crew that don't mind NOT being paid :S
And that's the other reason for the diary - perhaps it can entice some of you to come on board.
If you have acting/singing/dancing/filming/photography/musical/camera experience, and want to get involved, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE contact me.
Without good, dedicated help, this is NEVER going to happen.

Well, that's all for today I think.
There will be more to come as time goes on and things develop. I'm sure you'll be getting a podcast as some point from myself and perhaps some of the other crew involved.

Keep singing (and dancing) -Mo
p.s. - Did I also mention it needs to be made in the most cost-effective way possible? Because, let's face it... I'm not made of money.