Book: David Simpatico (based on Peter Barsocchini’s film)
Directors: Joseph Houston & William Whelton
Music and Lyrics: Matthew Gerrard, Robbie Nevil, David Lawrence, Faye Greenberg and Jamie Houston
High School Musical first burst onto screens 20 years ago, cementing Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens as an iconic Disney duo. The purposefully, brilliantly done cheesiness, collaborative choreography, feel-good songs and uplifting storyline about chasing your dreams and being true to who you are deliver in this fantastically nostalgic production.
Gabriella Montez (Leonor Correia) is new to East High School, and delighted to find out that the cute boy she met during summer vacation – Troy Bolton (Tobias Turley) – is not only at the school as well, but he’s captain of the Wildcats basketball team. Despite the school pinning its hopes of athletic success on him, and the mathletes hoping Gabriella can bring them a trophy, the pair is also intrigued by the arts, auditioning together for a part in the school’s musical. Should they stick to their designated roles, or shoot for something new together?
As soon as you enter the theatre, Andrew Exeter’s set makes you feel like an American high school student. With some on-stage bleacher seating, the Wildcats basketball court and the lockers adorning the back of the stage, it immediately captures a moment in time. Anyone who was a fan of the original movie will not be disappointed; the references, songs and even costumes (Sophia Pardon) are completely spot on, delivering a brilliant throwback to what is, for many, a feel-good comfort watch. Equally, for those who never saw the original, they will be just as enthralled – the story is so fun, and carries such a positive message about staying true to yourself and uplifting others, that, regardless of how cheesy it may be delivered, it is still wonderfully heart-warming.
Correia and Turley have big shoes to fill in taking on the roles of Gabriella and Troy, but expertly fill them; their chemistry together is believable and endearing, and they do a great job in ensuring that the similarities of Efron and Hudgens’ originals are still there, without solely completely copying them. Caitlin Tipping (Sharpay Evans) and Luke Bayer (Ryan Evans) are impeccable as the theatrical “villains”, pinning down the mean girl persona and her lackey perfectly, without making them irredeemable. Kaycee Stroh as Ms Darbus is fabulously over the top, her role as the drama teacher performed with big, brilliant energy, as she desperately tries to piece together her ‘Juliet & Romeo’ musical.
Other performers such as Simeon Beckett (Zeke Baylor), Char Burnett (Taylor McKessie), Yna Tresvalles (Kelsi Nielsen), Olivia O’Connor (Martha Cox), and Harry Judd (Troy’s dad, Coach Bolton) have slightly smaller roles, but still make an excellently entertaining impact, each ensuring their characters are all unique, likeable, full of energy and humour.
As one of the iconic songs states We’re All In This Together and nothing is truer than this production. The whole cast are wonderfully collaborative; although shining in their solo moments, the scenes featuring them all as a group are extremely well rehearsed and inject a fun feeling that is present throughout. This is a show that will surely Bop to the Top of theatre ratings, because it’s impossible not to leave the theatre grinning from ear to ear. They’re soarin’, flying – and breakin’ five stars.
Runs until 3 January 2027
The Reviews Hub Star Rating
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10
