Saturday, 1 July 2017

Review: High School Musical - on stage - The Majestic Theatre, Darlington

High School Musical – On Stage is based on the very popular Disney film High School Musical, which is still just as popular today judging by the number of children in the audience who knew the words to every song.

The story is based in East High School and begins with Troy, Nathan Morse, telling his friends about a girl he met during the holidays, Gabriella, Chloe Rowell, who it just so happens has started at East High School. This may start to sound very similar to Grease, but High School Musical is aimed at a much younger audience, therefore it flows along in the way you would expect from Disney. Troy and Grabriella stuck in their respective cliques, bond over a shared love of music despite the attempts of Coach Bolton, Peter Charlton, Sharpey, Mackenzie Swash and Ryan, Jordan Poole. Throw in a mix of songs including ‘Stick to the Status Quo’ and ‘We’re All in this Together’ and the recipe for an evening of entertainment is complete.

Chloe Rowell commands the stage as Gabriella with her singing. Nathan Morse as Troy is confident in his role. Millie Hall is superbly over the top as Miss Darbus. Jordan Poole as Ryan and Mackenzie Swash as Sharpay have a great chemistry between them. Sophie Thompson is perfect as the shy Kelsi, writer of the musical Juliet and Romeo. One of my favourite scenes was the detention when they were all made to act as animals Gareth Baker’s worm was hilarious.

They use the full width of the stage to great effect especially during dance numbers. The auditorium is also used effectively during scenes. The first entrance by Miss Darbus from the behind the audience showed such confidence from Millie Hall as she squeezed along the row.

For a show full of energy and enthusiasm Darlington College Performing Arts certainly deliver. It is always great when you can also see just how much the cast have enjoyed performing. At the curtain call you may never see a happier cast.

High School Musical – On Stage runs until Sunday 2nd July at 7:00pm

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