High School Musical

‘High School Musical’ is no doubt the result of a Disney boardroom meeting with the intentions to revive the ‘Grease’ ingredients for a modern ‘tweenager’, the significant philosophical evolution of this is evident though this modern day version of ‘Grease’ does point out how times have moved on. The lovebirds happy union was effected only when the good girl, Sandy, abandoned her principles (and her ponytail) to embrace her beloved, Danny. You’ll recall, Olivia Newton-John backcombed her hair, squeezed herself into black spandex and shimmied like mad to get her man and signify her new beginning. This is not really a Disney (or a modern) message to send out to young girls - to abandon who they are and ‘tart up’ to attract a guy they like! So, in ‘High School Musical’, neither the academic Gabriella nor the jock Troy is forced to abandon a ‘clique’ (to use the academic term); instead they assert their independence from cultural oppression (the “status quo”) by declaring their allegiance both to each other and to the ‘High School Musical’! It is all extremely Greasy until the end where the message changes to a more Disney-esque communication that it is OK to be yourself!
For me personally, the incredibility of pieces such as this is their ability to get youth hooked on live theatre, where was this when I was at school!?

This stage version - peppily directed by Dan Jarvis and choreographed by Benedict Hurley and Matthew Rawcliffe all with a lively sense of teenage energy and drama. The music, largely unchanged from the movie's generic pop path, with nudges into rap-influenced rhythms for the jocks, power ballads for the leads, and sprightly dancey tunes for everyone else, the MyUK team and cast puts it all over with enthusiasm, high energy and passion.

In the leading roles - Gabriella Montez, the brain box, and Troy Bolton, the basketball star romantically meet in a karaoke bar over winter break then re-meet when - surprise! - Gabriella turns up as the new kid at Troy's high school …could it get more ‘Grease’!?
Mike Gardiner and Shnice Rickman portray the school sweethearts, they were both sufficient enough on their own but their vocal performances were most impressive when they sang together, Mike certainly looked the part and gave a good effort, Shnice was unforced and she kept a lid on being over stagey delivering a very enjoyable and modest performance.

Doing a fine job as comic villainess Sharpay is Ellesia Hilton with sidekick lap dog Matthew Rawcliffe as Ryan.
For me, the performance which shone the brightest was Emily Clarke as Ms. Darbus, Emily gave a very mature performance beyond her years, an incredibly charismatic presence and she naturally commanded her every scene, a terrific enactment!
This large cast gave several youngsters the opportunity for the occasional shining moment, far too many to mention them all but a few who made an impression were Ellie McLoughlin as the slightly insecure Kelsi, Jordan Pendleton as the highly energised ‘Eugene-inspired’ Jack Scott and Charlie Thomas who delivered sincerity as Taylor.

Choreography is a major ingredient for this production with the quantity of upbeat large ensemble numbers, the movement was alluring and inventive though not everyone was as clean and as together as they could have been, but still – I cannot deny the energy and ‘give’ was on full force!
Musically, the band was tight and the bouncy score was kept in check by Kimberly Holden, I do question whether the performers could hear the band clearly as on occasion pitching was off and timing between the band and the performers was occasionally out of sync.

Without question, this is a happy, lively and upbeat production. If you’re young (or want to feel young) this show is a no brainer! Sure, it’s no ‘West Side Story’ but it does have its uplifting messages of equality and acceptance in society (or high school).

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.