High School Musical

This is most definitely not the easiest musical for a young company but having performed it once in 2007 it was a good one to perform again. This lively energetic group made it all look easy.

The stage area was used well with good lighting, unfortunately the sound, at the beginning of the production was slightly erratic with the orchestra drowning out the performers. The dancing and general movement was of a very high standard, as was the singing with some superb solo and complicated vocal harmonies.

Luke Griffiths (Troy Bolton) and the superb Maddison Clarke (Gabriella Montez) were very well matched, leading us with comfort through the whole energetic show. Their voices blended so well together it was a pleasure to listen. Lola Harper (Taylor McKessie) has great stage presence and a voice to match, she was in character always. Freddie Parry and Charlie Bland (Chad & Zeke) were good at bringing out some of the comedy in the piece through their acting. Sharpay & Ryan Evans (Alys Thomas and Carter Evans) are by far the biggest characters on the stage and these two young actors didn’t disappoint. They had the look, the comedy, and the vocals and together they battled their dialogue like true siblings. Coach Bolton was played by Rhys Bishop. It’s never easy in a youth production to play an adult and made harder by being the parent of another member of the cast. Rhys coped so well with this and his scenes with Luke were excellent, a credit to them both. Our other adult character was Ms Darbus, everyone’s favourite drama teacher. Lily-Mae Nicholls played her with humour in a larger than life style which was great. I also enjoyed Dylan O’Connor as Jack Scott.  Great stage presence. 

The Mega mix finale was a celebration of the whole evening with fabulous choreography showing off each group of performers. Congratulations to all of the production team of and to everyone involved in this excellent production. I can’t wait to see what you do next.

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