High School Musical at Garnet Valley High School

Theater Name: Garnet Valley High School
Show Name: High School Musical
Reviewer: Mary Siki
Opening Night: December 13, 2007
Seen: December 13, 2007
Submitted: December 15, 2007

What happens when stereotypical high school cliques get mixed up? It could only be the events of High School Musical, which Garnet Valley High School went “soaring” into last Saturday night.

Debuting in 2006 as a Disney Channel Original Movie, High School Musical tells the story of Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez, two high school students whose lives were turned upside down by a karaoke contest on their winter vacations. When they discover they attend the same high school and become friends, they learn to work together to overcome the forces pulling them apart.

Garnet Valley High School’s performance was fastened together by the ensemble numbers. The entire cast possessed a great amount of energy in the company songs, such as “Stick to the Status Quo” and “We’re All in This Together (Reprise).” On a technological note, the lighting set the mood of the show, the most noteworthy example being the clever lighting used during “Cellular Fusion.”

The leads did a good job accurately portraying their roles and were always in character while on stage. The chemistry between Troy and Gabriella (John Petrini and Julie Luzier) and Sharpay and Ryan (Dana McCloskey and Mark Hewlett) showed during their duet numbers and dialogue.

The supporting characters made the show. Sarah DeNight (Taylor) had wonderful energy and both acted and sang well. Liz Guest (Ms. Darbus) was the main comedic act of the show, having great line delivery. She also possessed a good chemistry with the basketball coach Mr. Bolton (Mike DeFlorio) who also had his moments of comedy. Alex Leiser got the audience laughing in his role as Jack Scott, the announcer of East High. Although sometimes the vocals of the individuals were weak, the whole company sounded strong with good harmonies throughout their numbers.

The lighting was well done with the skillful use of spot lights and colors. The sets were simple but effective. They took advantage of the fly space above the stage to create the hanging banners in the gymnasium as well as to create walls for different rooms. However, it was difficult to hear the individual actors and actresses for parts of the show, even though it appeared that they each had a microphone.

Although difficult for any theater group to attempt such a popular show, Garnet Valley High School “got their head in the game” and put in a good effort.