

High School Musical Summer 2024
Review of a fantasic week




High School Musical Cast
Troy Bolton - Nat Swift
Gabriella Montez - Layla Harford
Sharpay Evans - Georgia Pemberton
Ryan Evans - Leo Birt
Kelsi - Roisin Swift
Taylor - Laura Jefferies
Chad Danforth - Paul Matthews
Ms, Darbus - Jodie Dwight
Coach Bolton - Ross Edwards
Jack Scott - Jayden Hill
Zeke Baylour - Ania Pogorzelska
Martha Cox - Tara Turner
Ms Tenny - Rafaella Goodman
Ripper - Bex Partlet
Mongo - Byron Pound
Kratnoff - James Blanch
Head Cheerleader & Dance Captain
Millie Rose
Jocks, Cheerleaers, Ensebl & Teachers
Paul Matthews, Charli Lucas, Olivia Martin-Almagro Parker, Lucy Windust, Daisy Anderson, Ella-Mai Hyett-Uckun, Hattie Williams, Tilly Shaw, Amy James,Penelope Steele,Toby Watkins, Eilise Watson Vicky Talbott

High School Musical Summer 2024
Noda show writeup of High School Musiacal
PROMENADE PRODUCTIONS
Sleeping Beauty Cheltenham Playhouse February 15th 2024
I am afraid I must confess to a gap in my knowledge of this show, it had completely passed me by, so this was the first time I had seen it. As the title suggests it required many younger performers, and this group has attracted a number over the last few years. The set design had been well thought out to enable swift transition between scenes, with the raised level at the back of the stage giving an excellent area for the DJ/PA Announcer, and an attachment for the basketball hoop; the practical lockers, which were on stage throughout, were clever; with other furniture moved on and off stage as required; with props which were all in keeping with the show. There were some interesting lighting effects, with good use of gobos and well controlled follow spots especially for the phone conversations. Sound effects were well cued and sound balance was mostly good, with will cued microphones and well controlled live music. All the costumes looked appropriate to the style of the show with those worn by Sharpay very different to the other girls, and those of Ms Darbus suitably theatrical.
Good use had been made of the theatre for entrances and exits, particularly in the opening number, with people pouring onto the stage from different directions. It was full of enthusiasm and a taste of things to come, with lively choreography, acrobatics, and energy. It did take me a while to tune in to the American accents, dialogue and singing as some of it was indistinct and rushed. Musical Director, Julia Glaudot had taught the songs well and kept everyone together. There were some nicely sung duets, small group, and ensemble numbers, which had the appropriate energy and feeling, there was some really lovely bad singing in the ‘auditions’.
The cast was made up of mainly young people with a few adults in the older roles. I enjoyed all the performances but am only going to mention a few. Troy Bolton, star of the basketball team and very popular, was well played, with good display of his feeling towards his father, and his unexpected interest in music. He worked well with Gabriella; they made a believable couple. Gabriella Montez, the new girl in school, was played as an intelligent young lady who does not want to draw attention to herself until she has settled in; but finds an interest in singing through a holiday encounter with Troy, they sang well together. Twins, Sharpay and Ryan Evans, are lovely roles, they are people with big egos, always the ‘stars’ of the shows, and not above using underhand tactics to achieve their goals. Sharpay, the elder of the two by a few minutes, was confidently played, a real diva, she sang, danced, and acted with real attitude. Ryan, was also confidently played, showed he believed himself to be a star in the making, but also showed his exasperation with his sister. He also sang, danced, and acted well. Chad Danforth and Taylor McKessie, best friends of Troy and Gabriella, were strong characters and supported their friends well.
Kelsi Nielson, rehearsal pianist to the drama club, and who has composed a musical, came over initially as a shy character, who is easily discouraged, but later shows she is feisty when she stands up to Sharpay, lovely character development. Jack Scott, is an important role in the show, as through his role as school PA Announcer he keeps the audience informed as to what is happening. The role demands the actor has two sides to his character, the shy insecure character when with his peers but the dynamic, confident person when he has a microphone in his hand, this role was played confidently with lots of life, very animated and dramatic at times. Zeke Baylor, a member of the Wildcats Team, has two secrets, one, he is infatuated by Sharpay, and two, he loves baking. This role was well played, his devastation when the cake he has made for Sharpay is ruined and his delight when he manages to convince Sharpay that he likes her for who she is and not because she is a star were lovely. Ms Darbus, the Drama Club teacher, was rather quirky in dress and nature. She showed she had a passion for the theatre and performance but cared about her students and encouraged them to do their best, a well-defined role. Coach Bolton, Troy’s father, was played as a determined character, almost a bully, in his passion for The Wildcats basketball team to succeed in the championship game, and for Troy to live out the dreams he aspired to. His altercation with Ms Darbus was good, as was his change of attitude to his son when he realises, Troy can sing. All other roles were carefully played with lots of energy and enthusiasm.
Director, Ceri Winrow, had been well supported by the other members of the team and they had all encouraged the cast to give of their best, in singing, dancing, and acting. There were some lovely moments, such as the reaction to Ms Darbus reading from Romeo and Juliet; the madness of the detention; the auditions; and the appearance of the performance artists. Everyone on stage appeared to be confident and enjoying themselves, which in turn lead to the audience enjoying this feel-good show where everything turns out well and everyone is a better person. Well done everyone.
Frankie Telford
Regional Representative SW District 15
