High School Musical - On Stage!

This stage version of Disney’s High School Musical was the perfect vehicle for this group of talented youngsters with lots of good songs, scope for energetic movement and strong characters. Joel Anderson was excellent in the lead role of Troy Bolton the basketball star torn between his loyalty to his team and his burgeoning love for fellow student Gabriella. He had a good strong singing voice and confident acting. He was equally matched by Sophie Love as Gabriella Montez his academically gifted love interest. I was particularly impressed by their rendition of “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” at the opening of Act 2. The antics of the stage-struck sister and brother Sharpay and Ryan Evans, played by Rachael Henderson and Alex Andrews respectively, as they tried to prevent Troy and Gabriella usurping them for the leads in the school musical brought much laughter from the audience. Also adding to the humour of the piece was the diminutive Ezra Usmani as radio announcer Jack Scott. Strong support was given by Sam Mitchell and Alex Donnelly as Troy’s basketball buddies Chad Danforth and Zeke Baylor, Olivia Tait and Ayla Chalmers as Gabriella’s fellow Brainiacs Taylor McKessie and Martha Cox, Eleanor Barr as Drama teacher Mrs Darbus, Daniel Park as Coach Bolton and Grace Richardson as the drama club composer and pianist Kelsi. Singing and movement of the large chorus was of a high standard. The set by Susan Begg was simple but effective and the costuming was colourful and appropriate for the characters. Well done to everyone at Junior AYMT for an excellent evening’s entertainment.

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