High School Musical Jr

As Norwich School continued their fantastic end‑of‑school year celebration of the arts, “Gather 26”, with a musical and a play already under their belts, I was very much looking forward to seeing High School Musical JR, which featured Year 9 and 10 pupils – or “Inters” aged between 13 and 14.

I remember very well the excitement among young people when the original 2006 Disney Channel film was released. Its infectious songs, relatable themes and energetic choreography quickly made it a cultural phenomenon, spawning two sequels, numerous spin‑offs, and hugely popular stage adaptations that amateur groups enthusiastically embraced in the years that followed.

This whirlwind version was full of energy, with some excellent choreography (Zara Mace) and a cast that were having the time of their lives. With the raked seating in situ at the Blake Studio, and a sell-out audience, everyone left smiling and the cast were given a rapturous applause which was richly deserved.

Using scenic graphics of school images to the rear, such as the gym and classroom, well-placed props were added to give the set some depth, such as a school locker, desks, and a keyboard for Kelsi during the drama classes and audition scenes. Costumes were also good with the East High School red and white theme.

The casting was excellent and very believable. American accents were mostly very good, and, apart from the odd occasion where projection and diction were slightly lost, understandable in a show that ran at this pace, the comedy was well delivered and the whole cast worked tirelessly throughout as one unit, which enhanced the show’s theme of teamwork and coming together as one. This particularly shone through in the very cleverly choreographed “Get Your Head in the Game,” as the company had to sync it with dance and playing basketball, with excellent vocals led by Rory Sexton as Troy Bolton.

Isis Gurney and Jamie Kidd took on the adult roles of Ms Darbus and Coach Bolton with confidence, and I really enjoyed Bruno Ashford’s delivery of school announcer Jack Scott. Norah Hashen’s interpretation of the shy, super intelligent composer and musician Kelsi Nielson was spot on, remaining calm and protective of her work against the egotistical Sharpay Evans.

For the “brainiacs,” Sophia Knight, as Martha Cox, and Lucy Platten, as Taylor Mckessie, were excellent, as well as the “jocks,” with Jimmy Knowles as Chad Danforth and Noah Buchan as Zeke Taylor. There was a rousing rendition of “Stick to the Status Quo” from them and the whole company, as all the students began breaking away from their stereotypical norms.

Abi Budd and Archie Woodward were terrific as Sharpay Evans and Ryan Evans, and their fast moving and technically tricky “Bop to the Top” was excellent.

Rory Sexton, as Troy Bolton, and Evie Alexander, as Gabriella Montez, both put in performances of a quality that far exceeded their years. Being the pivotal threads throughout the story it was lovely to see them effortlessly ease from scene to scene with such energy and confidence. Their duet of “What I’ve Been Looking For,” was beautifully sang and harmonised.

Finally, congratulations to Directors Levite Oyelakin and Louis Baker, in producing such a very enjoyable and uplifting production.

Thank you to all at Norwich School for a very enjoyable evening.

 

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