'High School Musical' is an American made-for-television musical film, produced and distributed by Disney Channel, and was released in January 2006. The television film was one of the most successful Disney Channel Original Movies produced, with a sequel recently released and a soundtrack that was the most commercially-successful album of 2006. Several extra songs have been added to the stage show that were not in the film.
CSYMT staged this production at Denbigh High School in Luton in November 2007 and sold out almost every seat for the run of 8 performances.
Luton News Review - HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL November 2007
All right, I am prepared to admit that I am a saddo - that is, someone who is well past the age of consent who actually loves the phenomenally successful High School Musical. I'm glad to say that this latest production by CSYMT did nothing to take that opinion away from me. Yes, it's cheesy and the story is banal, but the energy that emanated from the stage grabbed me and held me from start to finish.
The undoubted star for me was Rachel McDermott as Gabrielle. Here is a young lady who has all three elements of a good performer in abundance - singing, dancing and acting - and who isn't afraid to show a bit of good old-fashioned emotion on stage. An excellent performance. Joe Price as Troy showed how much he has learned since he first appeared before me at an audition as a singer. His acting and dancing skills have improved beyond recognition - well done Joe and the interaction between Joe and Rachel created a really believable relationship. The brother and sister duo played by Elly Farrar and Sam Gower was good - Elly played a very different part for her and did it well and Sam got the campness of Ryan without going over the top.
It was a joy to see him dance, so few lads these days are willing - or able- to do a decent routine. Having said that, the lads on the baseball team did a very good routine for 'Get'cha Head In The Game'. I particularly liked Charlotte Tabert, she gave a nice characterisation and created some amusing moments. The performers all seemed to be comfortable in their parts, so congratulations to Stuart Farrar and his team on good casting. With regard to the production side of things, I liked the set. It was full on and colourful and although I understand only too well the restrictions of getting people on and off that particular stage, it would have been nice to see more seamless scene changes, as with many small scenarios at times it detracted from the flow of the show. I was very aware of some sound problems and would hope this will be addressed for future shows. Young performers need the full support of the backup team to help their performance and their confidence.
The lighting was excellent and I particularly liked the effects in 'When There Was Me And You'. I felt the drummer was a little too enthusiastic at times and rather drowned out the cast in both speech and song.
Overall I liked the composition of the band, but wondered whether the percussionist should have been placed at the end, so that he didn't interrupt the view of the audience on that side. I also enjoyed the choreography. Caroline Fitch had got the right feeling to the numbers and had kept it reasonably simple but effective, so that everyone could cope.
I can't mention everyone here, unfortunately, but congratulations to all the cast. It is just great to see so many youngsters participating in a show and so obviously loving every minute - long may it continue.
Nova Horley