Two decades after the hit movie was released, High School Musical is as popular as ever. A movie that has stood the test of time has now been adapted into a brand new production currently running at The Lowry, Manchester. An explosion of colour, sequins and energy, High School Musical is a fantastically joyous production.
Show: High School Musical
Book: David Simpatico
Directors: Joseph Houston and William Whelton
Choreographer: Aaron Renfree
Theatre: The Lowry Theatre, Manchester, followed by Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London
Runs until: 19th September in Manchester, then 12th October – 3rd January in London
Rating: ★★★★★
High School Musical is a beloved film series that spans generations. The audience of the new musical is a testament to this. There are young children in attendance who weren’t born for even the third film, their love for the franchise passed on to them from their parents, all the way up to grandparents who are beyond the target audience but have come along for a fun night out. Even the Jason Donovan fans who came along left with a smile on their faces!
Before you even set foot into the theatre, the creators of this show clearly know their audiences. In the foyer, there are photo opportunities at East High lockers and Sharpay’s dressing table, with fun details from the world of the movies. There is even a karaoke booth, so if you have excited energy to burn before the show, audiences can get their hearts in the songs too. It was heartwarming to see people of all ages enjoy these fun areas before the show, everyone sharing their excitement together.
The immersion from the foyer then continues right into the auditorium, as this is a show where audiences can sit on the stage in bleachers, as if they are right on the basketball court in East High School. This seating arrangement feels very fitting and really immerses people right into the heart of the show. Whilst audiences in the bleachers are sat at the side of the stage, this doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the show at all, as thanks to Joseph Houston and William Whelton’s direction, the cast use all the space and ensure everyone feels included both onstage and in the auditorium. Houston and Whelton’s direction also ensures that from start to finish, High School Musical is full-on in every sense of the phrase. Full-on energy, sharp choreography and strong vocals all come together to create a show that feels like more than just a musical; it feels like an experience.
The cast are bopping to the top, fabulously so. They take these iconic characters everyone knows and loves and put their own spin on them to make them their own. Tobias Turley as Troy Bolton and Leonor Correia as Gabriella Montez steal hearts; the pair’s chemistry and the emotions from both their performances feel natural and genuine. Whether it is the tentative performance of Start of Something New, the moving rendition of When There Was Me And You, or the determined Breaking Free, throughout the whole show, Turley and Correia display the character growth Troy and Gabriella go through with skill and beautiful voices that blend well together.
Caitlin Tipping and Luke Bayer as Sharpay Evans and Ryan Evans dazzle with sparkle and sass as the characters demand. Tipping has found a balance between being the show’s antagonist and also displaying Sharpay’s vulnerability in a way that feels authentic and adds layers to her character. Bayer’s Evans is lovable, and he brings the role to life so Ryan is much more than just Sharpay’s brother. Combined, the pair bounce off each other well, and their performances of What I’ve Been Looking For and Bop To The Top are camp, glittery and perfectly executed.
This is a show that is a clear and perfect example of how crucial every member of the company is. From Jordan Benjamin and Char Burnett as Chad Danforth and Taylor McKessie to Yna Tresvalles as Kelsi Nielsen, KayCee Stroh as Ms Darbus and Jason Donavon as Coach Bolton to the stellar ensemble, everyone on that stage is a star in their own right.
Whilst High School Musical is an adaptation of the movie, it is a new, non-replica version, which means this show is a unique, fresh take on the classic film, almost like a different entity of the same story. It feels like the characters from the movie have been more fleshed out for their transfer to this stage show. This is clear for the duration of the whole show, and Counting On You is a number that really validates the extra characterisation. Everyone’s hard work was clearly shown throughout, and Bop To The Top in particular was a very cleverly constructed scene. It was also heartwarming to see the company present in songs previously not featuring the ensemble, such as in Breaking Free and Start Of Something New. Whilst these are typically songs featuring the leads, the added use of the ensemble within these scenes only elevates them.
High School Musical is a marathon of a show. The choreography, courtesy of Aaron Renfree, requires a lot of enthusiasm, which everyone more than delivers. In Getcha Head In The Game, the cast makes it look easy, not only dancing, but dancing with basketballs, something which is far from an easy feat but was mesmerising to watch. From We’re All In This Together to Stick To The Status Quo, there’s never a step out of place, and the passion from each cast member is palpable.
The costumes, set and lighting, thanks to Sophia Pardon, Andrew Dexter and Rory Beaten, also aid in making High School Musical a feast for the senses. The attention to detail with these elements ensures that High School Musical is full of creativity and colour and so full of life. Throughout the show, these components in High School Musical demonstrate just how much they can heighten a show. Breaking Free is one song in particular that was visually stunning. When all these details of the music, cast, choreography, set, lighting and costume come together, the result is a show such as this that feels really quite special.
Arguably, one of the most important parts of this show is that it is fun. Theatre can be amazing for so many things: telling stories, raising awareness of certain issues, allowing people to experience lives different to their own…but it can also bring joy. It can help people escape the world for a while; it can make us smile and laugh, something I think the power of cannot be understated. Not all theatre needs to be life-changing, philosophical think pieces. Theatre that is fun is crucial and important too, and High School Musical is one such show that is fun, jovial and a perfect show to leave one with a smile on the face and a lightness of the heart.
Whilst at face value, this is a fun musical set in a high school everyone knows and loves, High School Musical has so much heart to it and something everyone can take away from it. It’s a show about breaking free, being yourself, and not being restricted. It’s a show about individuality, how our own limitations can come from ourselves, and still so much more- something I think we can all relate to in one way or another.
I left High School Musical with my feet tapping, a beam on my face, and feeling very happy. The show reminded me why I fell in love with theatre in the first place and made me thankful we live in a world where theatre exists.
To take High School Musical, something so nostalgic and beloved, and turn it into a show brings high expectations, but this new production of High School Musical delivers in every aspect. It is clear that this show is a labour of love, and everyone’s hard work that has gone into it both on and off stage has absolutely paid off. Bringing people of all ages together, this is a show for everyone. High School Musical is cheesy and camp in the best way, and an all-round brilliant musical. This production of High School Musical may be the start of something new, but hopefully it is here to stay.
High School Musical runs at The Lowry, Manchester until 19th September and then at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London from 12th October until 3rd January.
You can find out more and buy tickets here: https://highschoolmusicalonstage.com/
One Show at a Time 