Theatrical Review: Disney‘s High School Musical.

DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Based on The Disney’s Channel Original Movie by: Peter Barsocchini
Book by: David Simpatico
Songs by: Numerous People
Directed by: Susan Jordon
Choreographed by: Evie Korovesis
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Pocono Lively Arts* production of “Disney‘s High School Musical.” There comes times in many reviewers’ endeavors to critique the work they experience when an internal debate occurs. Does what one feel about the work reflects the quality of the piece or are there other considerations to be reckoned with that goes beyond personal taste and understanding of the art. This is a debate I find myself in while watching and preparing to compose this review of “Disney‘s High School Musical.”

“Disney‘s High School Musical” is not a play I would make a considerable effort to see. I find its shallowness, departure from reality, and it’s blatant commercialism repugnant to everything I hold to be true to what the theatrical experience should be about. However, when I ask myself some pointed questions regarding the production, I begin to see a world of thoughts beyond these sensibilities. Was the play well produced? Within the confines of the play as written, yes it was. Was the play well acted? Within the confines of the characterizations created, yes it was. Was the choreography staged well? Yes and with a great deal of energy. Was the production well received? Well, considering most of the large audience consisted of family and friends of the cast, it was.

“Disney‘s High School Musical” has a very large cast consisting of many teens and adults. To say they are talented and have great potential in their future theatrical endeavors would be a gross understatement. The exuberant energy and dedication they brought to their roles were quite impressive and I’ve found myself looking forward to the day when I see many of in more challenging and meaningful work. The choreography was a nice blend of simplistic and complex movements which added an excitement which brought pleasure to the audience and enhanced the production.

“Disney‘s High School Musical” is about (as the title suggests) a High School Musical. The musical the school’s drama teacher wishes to produce is taken from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and is entitled, “Juliet and Romeo.” The story consists of the rivalry between school factions comprising of Jocks (Athletes), Thespians (Actors), and Brainiacs (Science Students). Two students become infatuated with one another during the audition process of the play and their struggle to overcome peer pressures vaguely parallels those of Romeo and Juliet’s struggle to overcome the pressures of being Monique and Capulet. The play concludes with everyone free to make their own choices in whom to associate with while the leads (Troy Bolton as portrayed by Matthew Roseti and Gabriella Montex as portrayed by Megan Griffith) of “Disney‘s High School Musical” get the leads in “Juliet and Romeo.” Surprise Surprise.

“Disney‘s High School Musical” cast consists of The Jocks were portrayed by Brandon Hanks, Peter Korovesis, Birian Gilbert, Ryan McDermott, Aaron Pappalardo, Patrick Murphy, and Brian Sullivan, The Thespians were portrayed by Ali Dickison, Grant Snuffer, Matthew Catrillo, DeJuan Thompson, Akia Williams (who also portrayed a Skater Dude), Alyssa Glueck (who also portrayed a Brainiac), Natalie Gilbert, Kim Van Camp, and Vanessa Rosas (who also portrayed a Brainiac), The Brainiacs were portrayed by Rachel Cohen, Rachel Hettinger, Dominique Perez, and Rebecca Roeber, the Wildcat (the school’s team) Cheerleaders were portrayed by Kaitie Kaiser, Jullian Dente, Anne Braggs, Jasmine Morales, and Annie Spangler, and Kevin Dwyer portrayed a Skater Dudes. The teachers were portrayed by Michael Catrillo as Coach Bolton, Antionette Martinelli as Ms. Darbus, Heather Clarkson (who also served as Stage manager) as Ms. Tenney and the Science Competition Monitor, and Luke Ackerman (who also served as Stage manager) as the Karaoke Announcer.

The Production was Directed Susan Jordan Choreographed by Evie Koroveses, The Music Director was Ronan Marino, The Production Manager was Brenda Roeber, The Technical Director and Lighting Designer was Scott DeSantis, Sound Designer was Glen Kern, and the Set Designer was Michael Eyth.

This Pocono Lively Arts* production of “Disney‘s High School Musical” by David Simpatico has already concluded it’s short run which was July 27th - 29th at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA. Their next production will be based on the Chrales Dicken’s Classic, “Oliver” running November 16th - 18th. You can reserve tickets by calling the Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 or by exploring their website at www.shermantheatre.com. While I can no longer help the reader of this review decide whether or not to see this play since it‘s already over, I can recommend how going beyond personal taste and experiences can lead to an enjoyable evening at the theatre.

Several Pictures taken by The Forwardian Arts Society could be found at the Disney at The Sherman Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.