|
|
|
|
|
|
Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
|
|
High energy display from class of 2011
Georgia Towler (Sharpay) in full voice in High School Musical Disney's High School Musical Youth Onstage
Old Rep, **** YOU go to see
this company in this show – and what happens? You get all you expect,
both from the show and the talented youngsters presenting it. Great
stuff! The sound did not
always do them justice on the first night, but what mattered was the
energy and joy that never flagged, and – perhaps above all – the
happiness that shone through. Director Deb Brook, who founded the group
in 2002, has a great little gang whose enthusiasm fairly fizzes. At the centre of the action, in this story of
(not very serious) conflict between the American school basketball team
and the theatrical group – while the scientists press on regardless in
their white coats – are Adam Brown (Troy, the basketball guy) and Hannah
Brook (Gabriella, who is needed for a school version of something that
was originally Shakespearian). This is an attractive pairing and they
respond splendidly to the many opportunities they have in a succession
of musical numbers.
Also in fine form are Georgia Towler (Sharpay)
and Alick Draper, as Ryan, her twin brother. Both have an eye for comedy
and he is particularly outstanding in camping up his opportunities and
earning the laughter he receives. Meanwhile, Eleanor Snowdon ( It is good to see Jasmine Rawlins (Ms Darbus)
shedding her adult responsibilities as a teacher to join the rest of the
company in the exuberant song-and-dance routines, and Hannah Thomas
makes shyness an art form as Kelsie, the creator of the school musical.
James Prescott pops up intermittently in the
unrewarding role as the student with the microphone and Gwill Milton is
Coach Bolton. This is a production, incidentally, which has one
character unusually called Kelsie – and one cast member called Kelsie
who plays two parts. Musical direction is by Andy Johnson. The company
exudes the sheer pleasure of being involved in an energy-sapping show
which is expertly punctuated by choreographer Suzy Petty's exhilarating
inventions, and it gets away with doing a disjointed flurry of waves at
the end because it is such a happy production – but it should not become
a habit, because it is a habit that eats into the professionalism of
what has gone before. John Slim Meanwhile class - settle down at the back . . .
THIS cult Disney musical has a huge
following of young people around the globe, and professional productions
in the But Youth Onstage's lively
version, with a cast whose ages range from 10 to 20, proves that
youngsters can also present the story of life at East High with
remarkable skill and enthusiasm. In fact they pass the test
with distinction and deserve a much larger audience than turned up on
opening night. Director Deb Brook – who is a
head teacher from Tamworth – has now directed more than 40 shows for
companies in The acting and singing are of
a high quality, and Suzy Petty's choreography is impressive, too, as the
students attempt to cope with the demands of a science decathlon,
auditions for a musical, and preparations for a basketball championship
– plus personal relationships. Adam Brown and Hannah Brook
are well matched as Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez, the school's
basketball skipper and the intelligent science student, and there is
some perfectly timed comedy from Alick Draper and Georgia Towler, the
plotting twins Ryan and Sharpay Evans. There is also a remarkable
performance from Jasmine Rawlins, playing determined drama teacher Ms
Darbus. Andy Johnson is musical
director of High School Musical. To 07.05.11 Paul Marston |
|
|
|
