BrightLights shine with High School Musical
DISNEY channel’s hit movie High School Musical switching to High School Musical – Live became Brightlights Theatre School’s showcase end of year production.
Principal Nick Sutcliffe ensured each BrightLights school had the chance to shine as he cleverly used them on alternate nights and matinees during the three day run at Loughborough Town Hall. Attending the first night, I sat amongst the highly expectant audience, one I suspect a largely parental one, and the anticipation was palpable.
The musical itself is a light hearted romp through the trials and tribulations of an American high school and addresses issues involving first loves, family, friendships and jealousy whilst dealing with school work and outside activities, it is purely a diluted version of ‘Grease!’ even the familiar two-tiered platform set played its part that provided visual quality to the packed stage ensemble numbers!
Plotwise the main characters Troy and Gabriella both with differing backgrounds cause a huge upheaval when cast as leads in the school’s musical version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ posing a threat to the established Status Quo, cue for one of the show’s highlight songs.
It seemed as though the entire young
population of Loughborough inhabited the stage, I lost count after the first number and let the show unfold with the youngsters delivering an extremely confident and controlled performance with ability and obvious enjoyment, occasionally the accents went into cyberspace but who cares the entire cast singing and dancing throughout made for two hours of fun filled family fun.
Zak Draper and Madison Clarridge as Troy and Gabriella respectively were delightful both in their acting ability and vocally, their duet ‘ What I’ve Been Looking For’ was poignantly tender. As the jealous Sharpay Ellie-Marie Cadwallader after a tentative start settled into her
character with her shrieking performance certainly proving her prowess to project as did all the cast with dialogue although at times the musical accompaniment drowned the lyrics but improved in the second half.
Huge credit must go to Emma Phillips, the sign language interpreter, her signing was animated and she virtually evolved into the show plus congratulations to all the dedicated backstage crew who often fail to get a mention. That iconic song states ‘What have you done today to make you feel proud?’ Well, Mr Sutcliffe, you should be very proud!