Miley Cyrus fever hits State College

By Lori Falce

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Feel that? That trembling feeling in the ground? Relax. It’s not an earthquake. It’s thousands of Hannah Montana fans shaking with excitement as the best day of their lives comes closer and closer.

On Nov. 5, State College will be the center of the tween universe when reigning teen queen Miley Cyrus pays a visit to the Bryce Jordan Center, the only Pennsylvania stop on her 2009 North American tour.

“I love her! I can’t wait!” Rachel Owens said.

The Philipsburg 6-year-old, like most of her friends, is obsessed with the Disney Channel superstar actress-singer. Her shirt, her pants, her shoes and her backpack all feature Cyrus’ sitcom alter ego, Hannah Montana, grinning impishly. Rachel has been looking forward to the show since it was announced in June.

Her mother has adjusted to the idol worship of the highest grossing 16-year-old in show business. Rebecca sings along with “See You Again” in the car and was almost as excited as her daughter to hear Cyrus was coming to central Pennsylvania.

“I just think she’s such a nice person for a little girl to look up to,” she said. “Talented, hard-working, a nice girl who doesn’t get in trouble — like a big sister.”

But she’s also a little sister, a fact that’s hard to avoid when your big brother is with you on tour. Electropop band Metro Station is the tour’s opening act. The group is fronted by Trace Cyrus, 20, as well as Mason Musso, older brother of Miley Cyrus’ “Hannah Montana” co-star Mitchell Musso (“Oliver”). But don’t think they just got the job because of their family connections. Metro Station signed on after spending the spring touring with Fall Out Boy. Last year, they were on stage with Good Charlotte and Panic at the Disco.

But sadly for them, most of the audience likely wouldn’t care if the opening act was an Elvis impersonator or Big Bird. “I don’t know them,” said Katie Carpenter, 12, of State College. “I didn’t know anybody else was going to be there. I just want to see Miley.”

Miley Cyrus and her "Wonder World" tour will be at the Bryce Jordan Center at 7 p.m. Nov. 5. Visit www.bjc.psu.edu or call 865-5555 for more information.