High School Musical

When a team get together for a young performer’s productions their enthusiasm for the group is paramount in successfully producing a creation to be appreciated by the audience. Let me say from the outset, an opinion echoed by many persons in the auditorium, this was a splendid show. Thank you Sarah Charlesworth for the invitation to your very flexible theatre that is able to be used by all groups in the area.

Disney’s High School Musical on Stage centres on a blossoming relationship between Troy, a high school jock, and Gabriella, the new smart girl at school. They meet on a family vacation and become attracted to each other while singing in a karaoke competition. Rediscovering each other at school, their relationship and their surprise decision to audition together for the school show are thwarted by the school’s current leading lady, Sharpay, and Troy and Gabriella’s well-meaning friends. Finally, Gabriella and Troy find a way to be themselves and are rewarded with the lead roles in the school show. Full of catchy songs and exciting dance routines, Disney’s High School Musical on Stage explores issues of friendship, first love, and acceptance.

Okay let me introduce the team. Creative Director, Vicky Byrne. Musical Director, George Parkinson, and Choreographer, Erin Hill. They of course rely on all those dedicated people behind the scenes without whom the show would not go on.

Well that has dealt with the adults. Now let’s look at the important team of youthful dramatic artists. Oh yes you have some very talented team. Please do not feel left out of my list of ladies, but Gabriella Montez played by Ella Charlesworth, Sharpay Evans played well by Emilia Buxton, Kelsi Neilsen played by Jasmine Hutchings, Ms Darbus agresfully played by Scarlet Hutchings, Martha Cox played by Polly Snape and Taylor McKessie played by Neve Saxton.

Well that has listed the girls, ok boys your turn and again apologises if you are missing! Troy Bolton played well by Louis Dexter, Ryan Evans played by Finn Boswell, Jack Scott played by Freddie Cutts, Coach Bolton aggressively well played by Drew Boswell, Zeke Baylor played by Joe Stewart and Chad Danforth played by Lewis McDowall.

 The rest of the cast please do not feel less worthy but to mention the entire members would take hours. You all were great. I thoroughly enjoyed your youth production, It is always a problem when casting boys in youth musicals as their vocals often start to change. I think you got away with it well done.

I must mention the practicalities of the scenery coupled with the ‘red lion’ motifs that decorated the set. Another well done.   

A footnote from the program:  Sharpay and Ryan didn’t like each other when they first met. Sharpay doesn’t like anybody but herself, a caricature well portrayed by Emilia Buxton!

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