High School Musical

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This was the first time I had seen the stage version of Disney’s ‘High School Musical’, a modern day ‘Grease’’and it was the perfect choice of show for this company. The 93 strong cast of youngsters, some as young as 8,were so obviously having great fun with strong, confident singing and giving it their all in the high energy dance numbers.

The opening ‘Wildcat Cheer’ was punchy and energetic getting the production off to a flying start.

We soon meet Gabrielle (Rachel Moir) an academic maths geek and Troy (Logan Kean) the hunky, outgoing basketball player who met and sang karaoke together during the holidays and who now meet up unexpectedly as students at East High school. This was a very well matched couple who blended really well vocally and who were very natural in portraying their characters. Their 2 duets in the second act when they are dealing with the conflict of whether to audition for the school musical or stick to their basketball and academic commitments were both first class.

Whilst they are keen to audition, obstacles are put in their way by the manipulative diva Sharpay very well played by Ellie De Marco and her partner in crime Ryan (Matthew Steel). Their duet ‘What I’ve Been Looking For’ was very well put across and contrasted with Troy and Gabrielle’s  emotional ‘What I’ve Been Looking For.’

Emily Cooper gave a wonderfully animated characterisation of the eccentric and somewhat dramatic drama teacher Miss Darbus. She controlled the auditions beautifully both on stage and from the auditorium with clear diction and projecting well. The scene in her detention room with each individual Thespian improvising the moves of various animals was very funny but I must give first prize to the worm!

This was a very well cast production. Cameron Kilgore gave a mature performance as Troy’s exasperated dad and basketball Coach Bolton. Chad (Fraser McAdam) and Taylor (Clare Wooton) also worked well together delivering confident, spritely performances. It is impossible to name all the principal characters but I can honestly say that there wasn’t a weak link in this talented cast and every young person on the stage was a star.

With such a huge cast ,excellent use was made of the stage and the auditorium which helped involve the audience in the action.There were some excellent big production numbers with varied, imaginative choreography which appeared effortless, and was slickly performed by the cast who had no inhibitions and really let their hair down.

The final Megamix with the cast mingling with the audience was fabulous.

‘We’re All In This Together’ perhaps sums up the success of this company. The huge amount of hardwork and dedication by the youngsters, production team, wardrobe team, stage crew and all connected in any way with the production resulted in a smash hit.

Very well done LY.

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