High School Musical

MUSICAL YOUTH THEATRE STAFFORD 

Thursday 12th July 2018

Based on Romeo & Juliet, Disney's 2006 High School Musical is a story about two high school pupils from rival cliques causing division when they try out for the lead roles in a school production of Shakespeare's tragic love story. Petty jealousies, pecking orders, bullying, parental expectations, the need to fit in are all examined in this well staged show.

Troy Boulton, basketball team captain (Alex Young) played the dichotomy between the expectation from his team mates and friends and his true inner-self really well. Peer pressure affects people deeply and this gave a real incite into that world.

During winter break he meets Gabriella Montez, (Alex Lewis) a mathematics and science geek, again Alex brought a good character depth to her portrayal, singing well together the pair of them generated a likeable chemistry.

There were a lot of very good performances throughout the large cast, some stand out performaces for me were the Drama Teacher Mrs Darbus, (Lydia Thomson), she played this to a 'T', passionate, eccentric and totally out there, great. The 'too cool for school' Jackie Stone, (Lainey Ellen) exuded confidence and style; musical composer Kelsi, (Jasmine Gardner) introvert and intimidated by diva-like Sharpay, (Tabitha Carr); and finally Taylor, (Aislinn Humphries) thoughtful performance.

Director/choreographer Hannah Morris, certainly had her work cut out with over sixty five cast members to direct and move so well in such an energetic lively show. There were some moments of real finess and moments of pure pathos, especially the lead pair Trot and Gabriella's call back scene.

Musical Director Laura Foxcroft again did a fantastic job, her band covered the numbers very well and had a tight ensemble feel to them, I particularly liked the scene change link pieces they played, concise and different. Great tones throughout the band. Good cast harmonies.

Sound and lighting to the usual high standard. Costumes also very effective. A well designed simple set and props didn't distract from the flow of the show.

There is great support in Staffordshire for the development and growth of young people through the various local theatre groups that I visit and I feel quite privileged to witness some of these young people realising their potential or starting on their way in life with a well rounded appreciation of the collective success gained in putting in effort and time, working together to create something so personally satisfying and entertaining.

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.