BAOS chose a great show for a large company of young people, all of whom were clearly enjoying being on stage in this lively production. Guided by a dedicated creative team, the cast displayed good acting and singing skills including some lovely harmonies.

A fantastic set along with an inspired and upbeat lighting design, with an easy to follow lighting plot, created a great American High School atmosphere full of fun and energy, including the ‘Wildcats’ basketball court with seating, which added levels to the production and the video screens positioned either side of the stage. These screens changed with the scenes emphasing the various locations, one minute is was a noticeboard, the next, a bookshelf, and then it was used to screen Jackie Scott’s announcements (the characters interacted in and out the videos at various points, which was very funny, clever and expertly timed). The props also highlighted location and situation, and the predominantly white set enabled a lot of colour to bounce around the stage.

The scene changes were carried out swiftly and efficiently and all lighting and sound cues appeared well timed.

An array of colourful costumes was provided for by Anna Sutton and the BAOS Cast demonstrating the different social groups and personalities at the school and the teaching staff. As a drama teacher myself I related well to the attire of Ms Darbus! The red and white costumes depicting the “Wildcats” team colours gave the show that traditional High School Music feel. This was ably supported by Hair and Make-up, which further embroidered the characteristics of the cast members.

The Orchestra, under the direction of MD, Ashleigh Powell, was well cued and at a good sound level to enable the young voices to be clearly heard on stage. The band was on form throughout this musical’s energetic score, as were the pitch perfect harmonies and melodies. The numbers were delivered with good vocal projection, timing, pace and tempo.

The talented band (with Ashleigh on keys 1, Lauren Davies on keys 2, Lee Moss on guitar 1, James Kendrick on guitar 2, Danny White on bass and Joe Webb on drums) situated backstage delivered all the well-loved numbers, and the transition between songs was fluid. The live music added to the overall energy, mood and atmosphere, enriching the changing emotional states and situations of the teenagers.

Directors Ewan Poole-Gleed, Peter Cottell and Jane Priddes ensured that each and every member of the cast shone and delivered a slick, high energy show featuring some fantastic characters culminating in a well-polished performance. The cast accurately captured the gawky awkwardness of high school. The opening scene had lots going on, and the high energy start to the show had a real impact on the audience, linking the scenes and keeping us up to date with the latest developments. The energy and pace successfully carried on from the cafeteria sequences to the climax of the story, in which the science decathlon, championship game and final auditions take place simultaneously. This is a testament to all involved.

Projection and diction was clear and audible and the dialogue was delivered with good interpretation, characterisation and spontaneity, especially the ‘cake in the face’ sequence with Sharpay. There were a few wobbly American accents, however, this did not distract from the performance and the stronger accents were very authentic and well sustained.

With a variety of age groups, the large company worked well as a cast, with each individual undoubtedly committed to performing to their best ability whilst supporting their peers. The stage was utilised well and blocking was well thought out, complimenting the relationships between the characters, especially in terms of where the various groups were sat in the canteen. Stage business was also well directed and everyone sustained characterisation throughout. The stage never seemed overcrowded, as there was continuous movement exactly as it would be at school, with use of the walkways between the audience, which gave the production an inclusive feel.

Heidi Lesiw’s impressive choreography was full of dynamic routines and musical numbers, from the basketball routine ‘Get’cha Head in the Game’, the innovative shapes and formations created for ‘Stick to the Status Quo’ to the memorably jazzy ‘Bop to the Top’. The stage was brought alive by the sensational big group numbers involving every member of the company. The whole cast were well drilled and in unison.

Cast

Leo Sermulins as Troy Bolton the basketball star, gave a believable and confident performance, both in his scenes with Gabriella and with his ’Wildcats’ teammates. During some of the earlier musical numbers he appeared to struggle with the range and sustaining some of the notes, however he did have an emotional connection to the lyrics and he warmed up during Act II and delivered a lovely rendition of ‘Breaking Free’.

Maddie Walker played the shy and brainy Gabriella Montez. Maddie delivered a strong and believable performance full of emotional truth and spontaneity. She is an exceptional singer and actress, and possesses one of the best voices I have heard. She had an authentic rapport with Troy, and the audience truly empathised with her. All eyes were on her when she graced the stage. A future star of musical theatre?

Megan Wingate made the part her own as Sharpay Evans. Megan captured Sharpay’s perceived superior attitude perfectly, in body language, facial expressions and general sassiness. It takes a lot of confidence to pull off this exaggerated character, however she got it just right, and she clearly relished her baddie role!

Theo Ackerman as Ryan Evans gave an energetic performance with excellent comic timing and confident vocals. He had stage presence, fantastic facial expressions, body language and was clearly a good dancer. He portrayed his role well as the ditzy brother. Although he seemed mean, it was only at the bequest of Sharpay, however Theo showed how nice and caring Ryan could be.
These two were well cast and made an excellent pairing with good repartee. Their accomplished interaction resulted in enjoyable comedic moments, as they plotted and unplotted.

Tess Morris as Taylor McKessie was proficiently portrayed, as the intelligent and mature Brainiac. Her delivery of the high-end vocabulary was well modulated and her characterisation captured Taylor’s drive, competitive spirit, and her loyalty to her friends. She also showed that she was a rather talented comedienne as well. Tess has a wonderful vocal range and sang with meaning and interpretation.

Meg Gould as Martha Cox and Dance Captain played one of the other brainiacs to good effect. She successfully showed off her wilder side when she exhibited her hip hop skills that she had concealed from the others.

Jasper Verinder (who showed promise as a future lead) as Chad Danforth and Cody Sutton as Zeke Baylor, played ‘The Jocks’. Both of these actors had good stage presence and interacted with the cast members well. They also clearly had lots of fun with their characters, especially Zeke with his secret passion for baking. This was an amusing device for this character.

Kayla Kamanga as Jackie Scott did a great job as radio announcer with both well timed humour and well thought out broadcasts. One would never think this talented young actress felt rehearsals intimidating at first! What a star now! This was an excellent role for Kayla, who put her heart and soul into this character, held good stage presence and facial expressions. Very entertaining.

Maisie Gregory as Kelsi Nielson delivered an excellent interpretation of the slightly awkward and shy Kelsi. It was entertaining watching her story arc evolve, from having her music ignored, being bossed around by Sharpay, to eventually standing up and confronting her.

Becky Merchant as Ms Darbus was very convincing and captivating as Drama Teacher, Ms Darbus. Becky clearly lives and breathes theatre and gave an excellent portrayal of her role. Her delivery and modulation were spot on, as was her characterisation. You could feel her pain, her joy, her frustration and her love of all things drama, especially her passion for her beloved drama club. Becky demonstrated that she was also a wonderful comedienne, who knew how to use physical comedy to her advantage. A fantastic performance.

Rob Hardacre as Coach Bolton played Troy’s father and team coach to great effect with maturity and a real concern for his son, as he grappled with being both Troy’s father and his coach.

All the extensive cast, The Jocks, The Skaters, The Brainiacs, Thespians, Cheerleaders, and the Teachers were thoroughly engaged throughout the performance and stayed in character, playing their parts competently, showcasing an abundance of accomplished performers.

This was a successful and enjoyable production by a talented cast of young people, supported by an equally hardworking and creative backstage crew who should be proud of their achievement.

I was impressed with the quality of acting, singing and enthusiasm shown by everyone. There was so much energy in the routines and dance numbers.

Thank you for a very enjoyable evening and I hope to see you again in the future

Disney’s smash hit and most successful musical made for television movie, comes to life on stage, it led the way for sequels HSM 2 and HSM 3, and now HSM 4 is in the pipeline due to be released this year. Since its release in 2006 it has been seen worldwide. And is perfect for amateur youth groups to present, and show off their talents, containing as it does acting, singing and dancing and a plausible storyline.

This musical was a good choice for this group, and I’m sure that the many songs in this show were familiar to the audience, and the cast worked hard and always stayed in character and part of the action and you always looked as if you were enjoying yourselves, full of energy and enthusiasm.

SET
The set designed and built by Alex Simpson, Chris Horseman and Dave Dodd is simple consisting of two sets of stairs, stage left and stage right and in the centre a pair of double doors, the many changes are carried out mainly by the cast quietly and smoothly. The screens in the front stages right and left added to the scenes and were used well.

MUSIC
Musical Director Ashleigh Powell made sure that his orchestra played at the right levels, ensuring that the soloists could be clearly heard. It was obvious that he had rehearsed them well and we were treated to some excellent singing.

SOUNDS
Sound Operator Rob Jones made sure that the cast could be heard at all times. The sound being natural despite the fact that there was a use of radio mikes.

LIGHTING
Lighting Operators Chris Horseman. Peter Larter-Stow, Alistair Barrows and Edith Hermann made sure that the cast were always well lit most of the time, however there were a couple of late spot cues and this left the soloists in the dark but this was quickly remedied.

COSTUMES
The costumes in the hands of Anna Sutton and the cast were colourful and looked right for American High School students. However, I would have liked to have seen Sharpay in more sparkle and OTT costumes which befitted the character to make her stand out.

CHOREOGRAPHY
The choreography devised by Heidi Lesiw was appropriate and Disney style and the cast had no problems in all the routines which were presented with smiles and always together. It is always difficult to invent new routines, but you managed to achieve this, well done.


THE CAST
GABRIELLA MONTEZ (Madison Walker)
Gabriella is the new girl at the school, trying to blend in and avoid any “labels” shy and attractive and smart. Madison created such a character, but we also saw a maturity in the interpretation, and we were presented with a strong character who had a mind of her own. Excellent singing and dancing, a talented actor. At home on the stage you gave a natural performance, interacting well with the other members of the cast and we could see the attraction between you and Troy growing, congratulations on an exceptional performance.

TROY BOLTON (Leo Sermulins)
Troy is the popular kid at East High, the star of the baseball team, who discovers his love of music, he is athletic, attractive a team leader, who is smitten with Gabriella. Leo has a pleasant singing voice and moves well on stage, this was a well thought out performance, there was good interaction with Gabriella, and we could see you struggle with your emotions between her and Basketball, and your singing. You have good stage presence and at all times looked relaxed and at home on the stage. Well done on a confident performance.

SHARPEY EVANS (Megan Wingate)
This character is egocentric, a diva who has always been the star of the musical shows in the school, Ryan’s older twin, the alpha person. Bitchy and self-centred. Megan had obviously thought about her role and we saw a just the right amount of attitude from you, you were the character from your manner and attitude. Good clear singing and dancing, a talented actor you became Sharpay before our eyes. Congratulations on an impressive performance.

CHAD DANFORTH (Jasper Verinder)
Troy’s best friend and star basketball player, second in command, focusing on winning the championship, slow to understand that there is more to the world than basketball, has a crush on Taylor. You brought out all sides of this character, we could see that basketball meant everything to you, you were the all American “jock” but you eventually realised that there were other things as well. You created this character and interacted well with Troy, and the interaction with Taylor was well handled, this was something new to you, well done on a confident performance.

ZEKE BAYLOR (Cody Sutton)
Basketball Player, energetic and charismatic, he has two secrets, first a crush on Sharpay and second a love of baking, which he is happy and relieved to eventually reveal. You created the character well and the confession of your love of baking was well done, you brought out the comedy of the role,”especially with the cake” and it was obvious that you had a crush on Sharpay in your interactions with her, you stayed in character at all times, well done on a convincing performance

TAYLOR McKESSIE (Tess Morris)
The competitive head of the Brainiac’s and President of the science club, a strong-willed person. You have a strong stage presence and you came over as someone that people do not mess with, this was a convincing performance, good clear singing voice and a good movement you interacted well with the other members in the cast you took command on your appearances on stage, always in character, this was a natural performance you can be proud of well done.

RYAN EVANS (Theo Ackerman)
Sharpay’s fraternal twin, a self-delusional star who feels the brunt of Sharpay’s attacks and lives under her shadow. You had obviously thought about this character and you presented us with just the right attitude and you became Ryan, good voice and dancing, you reacted well with Sharpay and the other members of the cast this was a confident and convincing performance, well done.

MS DARBUS (Becky Merchant)
The kooky eccentric drama club teacher devoted to her students and passionate about theatre. Becky looked the part and with impeccable comedy timing brought this kooky character to life, a strong and powerful performance, with a natural stage presence, clear singing and speaking voice, you interacted well with the other members of the cast , this was a convincing portrayal of the role. Well done.

COACH BOLTON (Rob Hardacre)
Troy’s father a stern basketball coach wants to succeed where he has failed, a good person and proud of Troy. Rob had to at once be the coach of the team and at the same time the father of Troy, you were enacting your failures through your son and this came over in your interactions with Troy, but in the end you were proud of him and you gave a strong confident performance and created just the right character.

JACKIE SCOTT (Kayla Kamanga)
The PA announcer, mostly seen on screen. A strong personality and clear voice you fitted the role and made the most of it, appearing on a screen for the most part, well done.

KELSI NEILSON (Maisie Gregory)
The drama club rehearsal pianist and student composer, under her shy demeanour, she is an outspoken firecracker. Maisie became the character and gave a strong and convincing performance of this role, always at home on the stage, you interacted well with Troy and Gabriella, you looked the part and always in character, well done on a first-class performance.

MARTHA COX AND DANCE CAPTAIN (Meg Gould)
A student at East High, and member of the decathlon team who confesses a love of hip hop dancing. Only a small role but essential to the storyline, this was a natural performance, always part of the action and in character, strong singing voice and good movement, you became the character, well done on a confident performance.

ENSEMBLE
CHEERLEADERS/BRAINIACS/JOCKS/SKATERS/AUDITION/THESPIANS
Any musical relies heavily on its chorus, who must be capable of singing, dancing and acting and of course just being there in character. The many roles that you all had to play were handled well, always part of the action and staying in character, excellent dancing and singing always together with smiles on your faces, each of you were always part of the story and you are to be congratulated for your performances.

I enjoyed the show and the cast deserved the standing ovation that they received, there was so much energy and enthusiasm coming from all of you and it was obvious you were enjoying yourselves, well done to the many Co-Directors and the Musical Director for all your hard work which paid off and gave us an enjoyable evening’s entertainment, and of course we mustn’t forget all the people backstage who helped to create the pictures on stage.

Thank you for your invitation and the welcome front of house, it was good to see Frankie and as I understand it she is stepping down as Chairperson, I’m sure that she will be missed. I look forward to being invited to your next production

Tony Winstone
NODA Representative – District 13