Disney's High School Musical; musical theatre review

Promotional photograph from the smash hit film 'High School Musical'.


Teen Sensations by Linh

South Australia's newly formed musical theatre company Creative Souls Theatre does a brilliant job with the Adelaide premiere of Disney's 'High School Musical'.

'High School Musical' is a fresh take on musical elements of 'Grease - the Musical' fused with similar high energy dance sequences. The story follows two young lovers, Troy Bolton the jock and basketball star, and Gabriella Montez the highly intelligent new girl at East High. They share a secret passion to sing and fall in love when they meet at a Karaoke contest. Their attempts to audition for the high school musical 'Juliet and Romeo' are thwarted by envious drama queen Sharpay Evans and other class mates.

Sixteen year old Harry Breese plays the affable and physically flexible Troy, whose duets with Gabriella are showstoppers. Harry shows vocal maturity with fluid musicality in What I've Been Looking For and Start Of Something New, and brings humour and fine athletic abilities during Getcha Head In The Game while simultaneously dancing and bouncing basketballs.

Young performer Lucy Russell has the velvety vocals to play a sweet and determined Gabriella Monez. Lucy successfully conveys her character's emotions through song and movement in the duet I Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You with Troy and for When There Was Me And You.

The standout performer is seventeen year old Emily Clark, who plays the conniving drama queen Sharpay Evans. A member of the Power Funk Squad, the hip hop team for Port Adelaide Football Club, Emily shows star quality on stage as well as on the field. Emily gives a brilliant bitchy edge to Sharpay and belts and bops her way through Bop To The Top with Ryan, and ignites the stage with a combination of funky dance steps and exquisite voice in the jazzy version of What I've Been Looking For also with Ryan.

Multitalented Josh Sanders plays Ryan Evans, the long suffering dance and singing partner to Sharpay and her fraternal twin, with gentle understanding and patience. Ryan is the calming Yin to Sharpay's raging Yang, but they are superb when both talents are combined for their audition duets. Josh's voice has rich tonal qualities and blends well with Emily Clark's to create gorgeous harmonies to rival Troy and Gabriella. When Josh isn't performing on stage, he's directing, producing, designing sets or illuminating the stage with his lighting skills.

Other notable mentions are Linda Ellis who plays extravagantly attired drama teacher Ms Darbus, with passionate overtures for performing arts, Chris Buhagia as Coach Bolton, the competitive and demanding basketball coach, and the wonderful supporting cast provide some laughs throughout.

Director Judy Sampson manages the ensemble cast of 58 teenagers and two adults, with the amazing talents of youths aged from 10 to 20, to create a stellar production consisting of memorable tunes, fabulous costumes and excellent performances.

Choreographer Becci Schembri works her magic to provide the intricate dance sequences and cheerleading routines which complements the production's catchy musical score.

Under the musical direction of Ria Loof, the audience kept the toes tapping and applause continuing following every song and dance scene.

'High School Musical' is a special family treat during the school holidays and is not just for the young, but also for the young at heart.