High School Musical On Stage!

High School Musical On Stage!

Book by David Simpatco

Music adapted, arranged, and produced by Bryan Louiselle

Directed by Sally Cregan

Musical Director: Rebecca Wilson

Choreographer: Zara Sillitoe

Honiton Community Theatre Company

The Beehive, Honiton

Saturday Matinée 5th August 2023

‘Tricia Barclay

NODA SW Representative District 6

This was a simple set which made good use of the wide space and was just right for all the action to come and for the large cast. With raised areas US, SR, and SL, striking red panels with “Wild Cats” logos, brick walls and double doors leading of USC and even a Basketball net. A clever “front-of-house “ announcement kicked off the production in character and the audience was immediately drawn into the campus of East High!

The principal characters were quickly established as the pupils caught up after the winter break and the various cliques and factions began to manifest themselves.

Troy the school heartthrob and basketball team captain was surprised to find that the brainy Gabriella , a girl he met on his recent ski trip had enrolled in the school, and the two rather upset the “status quo” when they decided to audition for the forthcoming high school musical “Juliet & Romeo”. Both performers were warm and endearing and conveyed their conflicting emotions and loyalties perfectly.

Particularly put out was the annoying Sharpay Evans, resident “hot chick” of the establishment and her “sassy” brother Ryan, who tried everything they could to throw a spanner in the works. Both gave slick, polished, and convincing performances.

Conflict was the theme throughout! 

Poor Troy tried to appease Basketball Coach Bolton, who was also his father, while keen to follow his desire to play opposite Gabriella in the musical.

Drama teacher Ms Darbus was stunning and confident as she tried every which way to scupper the plans of Coach Bolton, and generally all the pupils pursued their own agendas to suit their own designs.

Of course, all turned out happily in the end, father and son were suitably reconciled and the change in the “status quo” meant that previously overlooked pupils had their chance to shine and were “proud to do their own thing”! The cake was perfectly baked!

Scene changes were smoothly done most particularly when handled by members of the cast. There was an impressive set of lockers, the Radio Kiosk DSL worked well, and the role of DJ ably played but had some tricky exits on occasion.

There were many memorable and poignant moments throughout the production. 

Kelsi the composer of the school musical was particularly impressive at the “keyboard” in the duet “Start of Something New” when it really did seem as if she was playing the accompaniment. 

The basketball sequence in “Get’cha Head in the Game” worked well, and there was a lovely scene with the lights from the mobile phones. 

Good use was made of the stage for the classroom scenes, but it was better when set on the diagonal with the teacher addressing the pupils rather than out front.

At times it was tricky for the singers to find the right pitch against the backing tracks, perhaps another time it would be helpful to have the MD on keyboard as well to give the note.

Small points in what was a vibrant and most enjoyable production, with excellent choreography, all enthusiastically played by teachers and students alike, and sustained from start to finish. 

Well done HCTC for another successful and very well received show

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what they see at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that their assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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