Guest Review of High School Musical

Guest Review of High School Musical

Calling all Wildcats! It’s time to “get your head in the game” and get down to Indian Creek High School to see their vivacious production of “High School Musical’. Worlds collide as bone-headed jocks, nerdy brainiacs and lonesome skater-dudes question the true purpose of their respective cliques. Polished with colorful technical aspects and evident cast unity, this is one show you do not want to miss!

 

Based on the 2006 movie starring Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, “High School Musical” follows the love story of characters Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez after what seems to be a fateful meeting. Brought together by an innocent karaoke competition, Gabriella finds herself as the new transfer student at none other than Troy’s school several weeks later. Tempted to explore their singing talent but trapped by their respective stereotypes, “High School Musical” communicates a larger message of defying limitations and defining who you are.

 

Tackling an iconic story can often present difficulties due to preset expectations. Indian Creek, however, put their own unique spin on this popularized tale. Staying true to the characters while still putting adding originality into particular tactics and interpretations, Indian Creek kept the performance fresh and engaging from start to finish. The ensemble energy was unmatched and continually increasing, leaving everyone jumping and cheering long after the show finished.

 

Lucy Baukhages (Gabriella Montez) gave a sweet performance, embracing the girl-next-door vibes that Gabriella Montez is known for. Baukhages created a believable character arc as she struggled with her extracurricular interests and making the tough decision between science and performing. McKenzie Jenkins (Troy Bolton) created the perfect match, balancing harsh flashes of jock-based determination with softer displays of passion and care. Together, Jenkins and Baukhages captured hearts as they changed the halls of East High for the better.

 

Shannon Sullivan (Sharpay Evans) was a dynamite performer, from her high kicks to her speedy vibrato. Sullivan demanded attention each time she strutted on stage, truly embodying the glitz, glamour and conceited manner of her character. Whether begging for Troy’s attention or “bopping to the top” at callbacks, Sullivan was a performer that you could not take your eyes off of. Despite being the antagonist of the show, it was hard not to root for her hysterical desires.

 

Music was creatively directed by a student   AJ Jones taught and organized the music for the entire production. This is a beyond impressive task for a high schooler to take on, and with correct harmonies, exact tempos and rounded numbers, it was an effective endeavor. Hair and Makeup executed their job exceptionally well. Taking on a more everyday look, ensemble members all had their hair curled and their features highlighted and visible. This is an aspect that often goes unnoticed, but was integral in this particular production.

 

Grab your pom-poms and grab your tickets! “High School Musical” is certainly not a show you want to miss. Dances are energetic, actors are respectable and school pride runs ramped   what are you waiting for?!

 

 

by Lauren Bishop of Liberty