“High School Musical is a revival that’s been brought back with brilliance”
High School Musical likely needs no introduction. 20 years on from its original film release, the story that stole the hearts of the millennial generation has arrived on stage. The Lowry, Hope Mill Theatre, and Chris Harper Productions, directed by Joseph Houston and William Whelton, have delivered an excellent production that honours this feel-good classic.
The early 2000s answer to Grease, High School Musical follows the serendipitous encounter of high school students, Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez, as their skiing holiday romance goes to the next level when Montez joins Bolton’s school. As a jock and self-proclaimed ‘freaky genius girl’ face the challenges of defying the status quo, their friends and teachers all play a part in understanding the importance of difference and embracing all the sides a person can be. A heartfelt message of acceptance and understanding is woven throughout, presented in a genuine, fun, and relatable way that reminds us of the importance of embracing our true selves and others.
Tobias Turley and Leonor Correia are this era’s Troy and Gabriella. Turley is the cool basketball heartthrob. He feels like the leader the character is intended to be, holding his own in the solos. Correia is wonderful. Her sweet-natured Gabriella is supported by her equally impressive vocal performance. They are a great match and will surely receive the love and attention they deserve for their efforts.
We all love to hate the bad guys, but wow, it is hard to find a flaw in Caitlin Tipping and Luke Bayer. Bopping to the top is certainly no challenge for this pair as Sharpay and Ryan Evans. They are simply wonderful. Tipping brings all the sass and charm Sharpay is famous for, never once missing a beat or hair flick. She is able to command the stage with ease and brings so much vocally to Sharpay. Bayer is the perfect Ryan. It is a complete pleasure to witness. He embodies Ryan as if he was born to play this role. In every sense, he delivers a standout performance. With impressive credits already, it feels like these roles will catapult them both into major success.
Any fan of the show will instantly whoop with glee when KayCee Stroh graces the stage as Ms Darbus. What an outstanding graduation. Stroh brings the energy and flair to the role, her presence makes it hard to look away from her in any scene she appears in. She is, of course, an exceptional dancer and a heartfelt thank you to the decision for her moves in the closing number, tears of joy were certainly not missing from The Lowry during the press night.
All this said, every member of the cast brings playfulness and energy to their roles. The introduction of Jack Scott, a radio host narrator, brings a fresh energy and helps to narrate the unfolding plot. Curtis Scott is excellent and makes this role a central part of the show that feels like it was there all along. And of course, one of the great icons of theatre, Jason Donovan is Coach Bolton. He’s having fun, the audience is having fun, and it’s a great casting choice for the show.
There are few films that can hold such a nostalgic place in a theatre kid’s heart as High School Musical. It is no surprise that the audience is full of millennial fans and parents who clearly enjoyed the original themselves, as well as a whole new generation of fans who are now in awe of the spectacle on stage. This is a comeback done perfectly. It almost feels like the world needed this revival. The choice to leave flip phones and early 2000s fashion at its heart has to be commended.
Any fan of the original Disney film, or someone looking for a fun night of theatre, should get their head in this game and catch High School Musical at The Lowry before 19th September, ahead of the show’s move to London this winter.