High School Musical

‘High School Musical On Stage’ is based on Disney’s original ‘High School Musical’ and is an excellent choice for any youth theatre group.  Described, by many, as a modern day version of Romeo and Juliet, this story tells of two high school students – ‘Troy Bolton’, captain of the East High Basketball Team and ‘Gabriella Montez’, a transfer student who is extremely academic. They first meet on New Year’s Eve whilst on a winter break, skiing; but when Gabriella transfers to East High, they meet up again and romance blossoms. Then, against a background of pressure from friends and family and a clashing extracurricular timetable, Troy and Gabriella decide to try out for the lead parts in their high school musical.  This causes major problems and upset among all the school's students. Troy and Gabriella ‘stand firm’ against peer pressure and rivalry, from the high school diva ‘Sharpay Evans’, who will do anything to, not only sabotage the friendship and romance,  but also to get the lead role in the school musical. 

This production was full of energy, enthusiasm, and pace from first note to last. I counted 67 names on the cast list, 12 principles and 55 chorus members and it was evident immediately the camaraderie and support for each other within the cast...every credit to all involved.

Troy Bolton was played by Tom Hardie and Gabriella Montez by Roisin Cook. As individuals, Tom and Roisin were well cast and as a paring they performed really well together giving the audience some lovely heartfelt moments.

Sharpay Evans played by Olivia Forshaw was a perfect choice for this role; she had it all ... blonde hair, a sassy diva personality, the facial expressions, strutting walk...job well done! But for me the ‘show stealer’ was her twin brother Ryan Evans played by Elliot Bailey.  Elliot had just about everything!  His personality was infectious and I really couldn’t wait for his next entrance. He played the role with assurance beyond his years; slightly camp, slightly dim, slightly cheeky.....should be so proud!

There was excellent support from Sam Thomas who played the part of the ‘school news announcer’ Jack Scott and from Charlotte Welsby-Riley who gave an impressive performance as Kelsi Neilson the composer of the winter musical and pianist.  Kieran Maleedy played Chad Dansforth, Troy’s best friend; John Lewis played Zeke Baylor, the basketball playing baker both portrayed their characters really well.  Izzi Watkins did a great job in her role as Taylor McKessie - Head of the Brainiacs as did Emily Caldwell as Martha Cox. Playing the adults rolls were Scott Copeland who played Coach Bolton; Troy’s father and Clara Dowling who played Ms Darbus....both gave assured performances.

The chorus, too numerous to mention, performed with great aplomb and added so much to the overall performance. 

I was particularly impressed with the choreography throughout. Good groupings, good shape and great movement.  Congratulations to Jade Harrington (Choreographer) and all those involved in manoeuvring this very large cast, with so many young dancers, around the stage safely!

When I watch any show I am always looking for those ‘champagne moments’ the song, the dance, the piece of acting that you never forget ... well for me this show had two! 
First the ‘finale’.... was so well choreographed and with so many in the cast it really was a great ending...or so we thought!.  But, just when you thought you’d seen it all, the curtains close and people start to get up to leave...then all off a sudden we are off again with a medley of songs from the show with movement and dance ....excellent!
The second moment arose from a wrongly delivered line ... Troy enters searching for Gabriella; he see’s Sharpay and her twin brother Ryan and asks Sharpay “Have you seen Sharpay” oops!  The silence was deafening... but to the rescue came Ryan aka Elliot, with a sneaky suggestion that perhaps Troy should start again, which he did... if I am honest, I then wasn’t sure where the improvising/add-libs finished...it was pure comedy genius and the audience loved it and showed their appreciation with laughter and applause!

The set wasn’t over elaborate but worked very well and the ‘tiered seating’ in the school gymnasium was used to great effect both in the scenes and in the dance routines.  Sound and lighting were excellent. Costumes were perfect with lots of variety and attention to detail which enhanced the production. 

There is little or no doubt that RTDA are blessed with an exceptionally talented and dedicated Artistic Team the results of their hard work were evident throughout this production. With Si Foster (Director) Jade Harrington (Choreographer), Wayne Oakes (Musical Director), Harry Moore (Assistant Director) and Sophie Thow (Assistant Director) in charge, the young people performing in this production where in very safe hands....well done guys!

Thank you so much for inviting us and thanks for making us feel so welcome. This was my first visit to see RTDA and I do hope it isn’t my last. Thanks to everyone…..

 

 

 

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