Disney High School Musical On Stage

A cast of 32 talented and enthusiastic youngsters, from ages 8 18 years, took the stage by storm on the opening night of this stage adaptation of the original 2005 movie. From the opening number to the finale their energy and enjoyment was palpable. Josh McPherson and Emily Bannerman as the two lead characters, basketball jock Troy Bolton and brainiac Gabriella Montez, were perfectly cast portraying the burgeoning teenage love with all it’s highs and lows beautifully. Both had really strong voices which blended well in their duets “What I’ve Been Looking For” and “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”. Charlie Pocock-Fisher as school drama club president Sharpay Evans played the waspish diva as to the manner born. In her ploys she was ably assisted by Corey Adam as her brother Ryan Evans – their audition number “Bop to the Top” was a masterclass in over-the-top hand and footwork! Nathan Batchu and Millie McMillan as Chad Danforth and Taylor McKessie (Troy and Gabriella’s best friends respectively) gave very strong performances. Much of the humour in the piece was given by Sam Milne-Emslie’s jock Zeke Baylor in his efforts to impress and win the attentions of diva Sharpay. Strong support was given by Logan McKerron (enthusiastic announcer Jack Scott), Emily Law (school show composer/writer Kelsi Neilson), Ella Buchan (dance crazy Martha Cox) and Matthew Smith (basketball team member Jason Cross). Gemma Murdoch gave a very mature performance as drama teacher Ms Darbus and she definitely came out top in her confrontations with Dylan Shearer’s strong Coach Bolton. The singing by the principals and chorus alike was very strong. The choreography was first class and I was particularly impressed by the basketball moves and show pieces incorporated into it – not a ball was dropped! Costuming was appropriate to the era and characters. Good use was made of the multi-level stage. Congratulations on an excellent show deserving of the standing ovation.

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