Garnet Valley hits a high note with their "High School Musical"

Theater: Garnet Valley High School
Show Title: High School Musical
Opened: Nov. 8th, 2007
Seen: Nov. 10th 2007
Reviewer: Sarah Radley
Submitted: December 7th, 2007
 

Cheerleaders, jocks, brainiacs, and drama kids, spontaneously break out into song? This is only possible in the world of theater, and in Garnet Valley’s production of High School Musical.

In 2006, the Disney mega-hit movie High School Musical debuted. Instantaneously, people everywhere were singing and dancing to the soundtrack. It’s the story of the relationship between jock, Troy Bolton, and bookworm, Gabriella Montez. The school’s cliques threaten to keep them apart, and to stop them from auditioning for the “winter musicale”. Is it their destiny to perform on stage together or to “Stick to the Status Quo”?

Garnet Valley’s production of High School Musical had a fast tempo, and eye-catching designs. The large ensemble kept you guessing as to where the action would jump next. The cast and crew worked hard to successfully put on an entertaining and feel-good show.

Julie Luzier and John Petrini played Gabriella and Troy. Both provided strong performances, and Julie was a standout vocally. They had a cute, almost awkward, chemistry, often seen between teenagers in high school. Dana McCloskey and Mark Hewlett played Sharpay and Ryan. They had great comedic timing during “Bop to the Top.” Dana played the stuck-up theater snob superbly with over-the-top costumes, expressions, and gestures. The leads were highlighted by a supremely talented ensemble cast

The ensemble cast was a powerful and talented group of performers. Mrs. Darbus is the stereotypical drama teacher, eccentric, passionate, and slightly deranged. Liz Guest’s composure, props, and costumes only added to the hilarious delivery of her lines. She shone when paired with Coach Bolton played by Mike DeFlorio. Every scene they were in together got vivacious laughter from the audience. Sarah DeNight as Taylor provided another solid performance. Her entire performance was fantastic, whether she was part of the ensemble or in a more intimate scene.

The technical crew lead by Eli Horden did a sufficient job. The highlight was the rainbow lighting during many musical numbers. The difficulty level was high because the musical had many different backdrops and locations to set up, as well as several microphones to handle. The crew greatly improved as the show progressed.

Garnet Valley’s High School Musical was a dazzling effort by all involved. The musical kept the key messages and infamous songs from the movie but had many changes so that it could work on stage. The most exciting part of the show was during the finale when the cast invited all the children in the audience to dance and sing their hearts out as “We’re All In This Together” played in the background.