High School Musical Jr

Most Amateur Productions take months of planning and rehearsing so it is amazing to see what can be achieved in just 8 full-on days when a Group takes on a Summer School Production. This is precisely what HC Vocal and Performance Academy treated us to with a rousing performance of the Disney favourite, High School Musical Jr.

If you didn’t know the background to the production you would be convinced that this has been developed and practised for months such was the quality of the routines, the standard of set and costuming and in how slick a production this was. As if this wasn’t enough then the core of principal roles were split into 3 teams allowing almost everyone involved in the Summer School a chance to shine and to get their teeth into character development.

I was lucky enough to get back from holiday just in time to catch the final show, the Sunday Matinee and I am over the moon that I made it back on time because what an incredible, high octane performance I was treated to. For anyone who has seen the films, have to admit I’m a bit of a fan, the reason they were such a success is the levels of energy and pure enjoyment that the casts portray and this is exactly what the large cast from HC delivered.

The show is packed with Huge, well known numbers, ideal for this large cast and whilst everyone got a chance to shine with lots of solo and small group work, the staging and choreography was well worked to ensure the stage never looked too overcrowded. Clever use of a rear scaffolding platform allowed multiple scenes to be on stage with clear definition between each one, the levels gave the staging depth and height and allowed the scenes to flow without the need for clumsy scene changes.

The use of the area in front of the stage was well utilised allowing the huge ensemble numbers to be carried off with extra detail. The wheeled on cafe style tables in Stick To The Status Quo a great example of this with every soloist visibly in the spotlight.

The scene that really showed off how much thought had gone into the staging was Bop to the Top. On top of the platform we had the Science Competition, the main staging had our wonderful Sharpay and Ryan in their audition number whilst the flooring had a full on Basketball Match in full flow. Every picture was defined, the characters had space to perform and it allowed the vocals to blend brilliantly together. The basketball match was great fun to watch with some lovely skill and the wheeled on Hoops made it feel truly authentic.

Except for the Main Principals, every member of the cast had multiple roles, from Cheerleaders to Jocks, from Academics to Students, there was so much for everyone to do for the whole show. With so many named characters it was great to see how well a lot of the Academy Students are really starting to shine and develop their skills on stage.

The minor roles were well played with Mia Tenny as the Science Teacher Ms Tenny was beaming with confidence and Francesca Lloyd really stood out as Susan, not only in this role but in all of the big dance numbers where she played a key role, demonstrating great movement and acrobatic ability even with a strapped up knee.

Freddy Hugill was fabulous as the roving reporter Jack Scott, keeping us on track from his mini studio box, his lines delivered with great diction and pace. Lily Riley continues to get better in every show, her beaming smile showing just how much she enjoyed this role and delivered some lovely, well controlled vocals. When it comes to dominating scenes, Zoe Hardy is becoming a bit of an expert. Her stage presence was brilliant as the Jock Chad, her character totally believable as Troy’s right hand man. She made her lines in the song her own and her characterisation was superb. 

As members of the Smart Decathlon Team Millie Cadman (Taylor) and Arabella Lowrie (Martha) were both absolutely perfectly cast. The Two young performers really owned their roles, fun in their own nerdy styles yet both full of energy and passion in their scenes.

Another student who really made their character shine was Olivia Mays as Kelsi, the young composer and pianist. She switched from excitable musician to the shy and bullied girl with ease and showing true definitions between the characters.

The Story has two central Adult roles and two of the older students of HC really made these their own. George Richardson (on his 16th Birthday) gave us a forceful and committed Coach Bolton. His energy and mannerisms full of power yet it was good to see an obvious switch to a softer side with his Son later on.

Louise Lelson was a commanding force as Ms Darbus, the Head of Drama. With energy levels through the roof she really was a dominant character not to be messed with. Her battles with the coach raised the roof and she really captured the theatrical side of this dramatic character (hopefully she hasn’t picked this up from Holly!).

If there is an actress who gave total commitment to their character then it has to be Lacey Simpson as the iconic character Sharpay. Her stage presence, mannerisms and total style were perfect for this Diva role. Lacey gave it absolutely everything, her solos were full of power and she even managed to deliver a bad vocal with excellence (it is written to be sung badly by the way). Lacey not only looked like a total menace with her glamorous outfits and brilliant sulky exits but her stylish choreography with high leg kicks and completely over the top movement helped make this a knockout performance. Her treatment of her brother Taylor was disgusting and Avea Clavert did a brilliant job of making sure she wasn’t overshadowed in the role. Instead Avea did a lovely way of being a little sheep, running around after Sharpay whilst still making her character vital to the scenes. It was great to see Avea show a different side to Taylor when finally stitching up her friend and the drag off stage completed the transformation.

Troy and Gabriella have probably become the most famous Love Interest in Modern Musical Theatre for a younger audience and on Sunday afternoon it was great to see Chloe Craig and Amber Evans really bring this Duo to life. Not only did they both really deliver with their own characters but as a couple were totally believable. The shy and almost giggling scenes creating the young interest whilst developing their connection and relationship as the story develops.

Having seen Amber Evans in a number of large comical leads recently it was great to see this different side to her as the quiet girly girl Gabriella. She was so believable as the character stuck between every stereotype in American High School Culture, the new girl desperate to please everyone yet truly hankering to follow her own heart with the school production and relationship with Troy. Amber not only looked the part but her line delivery was exceptional helping to demonstrate all the different sides to her character.

Chloe Craig was sensational as the School Heart Throb and captain of the Basketball Team, Troy. The swagger and style always at loggerheads with the quiet romantic and softer side to the character and both sides were conveyed with clear definition. From running around the Basketball match sticking his tongue out on every point to his soft gazes at Gabriella in their duets this performance gave us everything. The dancing was stunning with Chloe a centre piece in the Street Dance Style numbers demonstrating a professional level of movement.

Vocally wise these two were quite simply amazing. Not only did both Amber and Chloe deliver on their solo lines with excellence but together they came together in beautiful harmony, the two complimenting each other's voices without trying to over power each other, Breaking Free really the icing on the cake with a stunning rendition.

Director Holly and her team of Gareth, Daniel and Josh really brought out the best of all the students involved. The detail in the choreography was fantastic, from basketball choreo in Get’cha Head in the Game to an absolute stage takeover in We’re all in This Together every number was polished and slick. Are you sure you did this in just 8 days HC??

The vocal numbers were not only well delivered but technical and despite being such well known numbers had detail with some great harmonies and control. With well know hits it is very easy to slip into the "Just Belt It Out" attitude but the numbers really had light and shade helping to continue the story and themes of the production.

I absolutely loved the Finale where Holly allowed the much younger members of the cast individual solo lines, the beaming smiles on their faces backing up the decision, you could see how much it meant to them all. 

A huge thank you everyone, not only on stage but also behind the scenes, special mention to Holly’s husband Matthew who never seems to get a mention but works his socks off backstage and in the main scene changes. This was not just a showcase after a Summer School, this was a polished and thoroughly enjoyable performance after 10 days of hard work. For any of the students considering performing as a career this is a great crash course in how it is done professionally and by what I saw commitment is certainly a huge strength of every HC student.

With more huge productions on the way this year and in 2027, it is surely an exciting time to be a part of this group and with a lot of the younger members getting better and better I have no doubt that with the great leadership these shows are also going to be resounding successes.

 

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