Soarin' & Flyin' at Garnet Valley High School

Theater: Garnet Valley High School
Show Title: High School
Opened: November 8, 2007
Seen: November 10, 2007
Reviewer: Sarah Moore
Submitted: December 7. 2007

The jocks, brainiacs, rebels, cheerleaders and drama geeks were soarin’ and flyin’ this weekend at Garnet Valley High School’s production of the hit Disney movie, High School Musical. This hit movie premiered on Disney Channel in January of 2006, and the overwhelming response has since spawned a movie sequel and ice show.

On the first day after winter break at East High, Troy Bolton (played with ease by John Petrini) finds out that Gabriella Montez (Julie Luzier), whom he’d met over winter break, has transferred to East High. Gabriella is the only one who knows this basketball star’s hidden talent of singing. When the two decide to audition for the school musical, the diva duo of Sharpay and Ryan Evans (Dana McCloskey and Mark Hewlett) plot to do all they can to keep Troy and Gabriella away from their show. Troy and Gabriella’s respective cliques also don’t like the idea of the two in the musical, and encourage them to ‘stick to what you know’. McCloskey and Hewlett showed great brother/sister chemistry in their fun dance number of “Bop to the Top”, and Luzier’s fantastic voice blended beautifully with Petrini’s in their endearing duet of “When There Was Me and You”.

This production of High School Musical was also anchored by great supporting performances. Liz Guest played drama teacher Mrs. Darbus with fabulous stage presence and perfect comedic timing, and had wonderful chemistry with Coach Bolton (Mike DeFlorio). They were able to create the perfect tension between the basketball coach who wants a championship and the seriously dedicated musical director. Friend of Gabriella and fellow brainiac Taylor (Sarah DeNight) was a standout, as well, in her chemistry with the jocks and strong vocals. Zeke (Tony Cedrone), Chad (Jordan Parenti) and Jack (Alex Leiser) were also strong comic actors in this production.

The ensemble tied the production together with their infectious enthusiasm and distinctive characterizations. The separate cliques kept their own personalities but were able to work as a team in group musical numbers like “Stick to the Status Quo” and finale number “We’re All in This Together”. The ensemble also brought great energy to the choreography. These musical numbers were also highlighted with impressive lighting effects and attractive sets, chiefly led by Eli Horden.

The most admirable aspect of this production was that it was everything the audience expected from the movie, and the cast and crew added their own style to it. And after all, what’s not to love about a show where basketball players break into song?