CTG production of 'High School Musical 2' is a success

By Alex Schildkret, SCV Independent

While many community theatres tend to display their limitations, Canyon Theatre Guild provides a unique live theatre experience which puts itself in a class by itself. It is an ambitious theatre, taking on Disney Channel’s highest-rated movie of all time, "High School Musical 2."

Under the direction of Patti Finley, and choreography of Kamber Moen, Canyon Theatre Guild’s production of "High School Musical 2" is a success. 

It is the end of junior year at East High School, and all the students are looking forward to summer vacation. They all get jobs at the Lava Springs Country Club which is owned by Sharpay’s father.

Real-life challenges and moral dilemmas are present in this plot. Protagonist Troy Bolton (ably played by Lawrence Patchin) is faced with a major dilemma. He does not have a privileged background and must figure out a way to afford college. A financial dilemma which later becomes a moral dilemma, as Sharpay exploits Troy’s concerns in an attempt to manipulate him.

Antagonist Sharpay Evans (ably played by Felice Wurst) level of privilege and her ability at manipulation make her like a chess master, manipulating Troy to get him in her favor. Troy’s relationship with Gabriella and his close friends come in conflict, and Sharpay’s pawns (a.k.a. “The Sharpettes”) are there following her every move.

This production has several standout performances. Lawrence Patchin as Troy and Kamber Moen as Gabriella have great chemistry on stage. Their song in act two, “Gotta Go My Own Way” is an example of Patchin and Moen’s chemistry and singing ability. Patchin’s convincing performance and singing ability provides great empathy for this character’s moral challenges.

Kamber Moen’s convincing on stage performance as Gabriella equals her fine ability to choreograph a large group on a small stage. She is Troy’s sweet and humble love interest. Her singing and dance ability are well executed on stage.

Felice Wurst as Sharpay gives a standout performance. Her confidence shines on stage. A beautiful voice comes out in each number. She nails the role of Sharpay, the privileged, selfish, sometimes funny, and manipulating character of "High School Musical 2."

Tim Kendall as Ryan (Sharpay’s ultra musically inclined brother) bears an uncanny physical resemblance to Lucas Grabeel who played Ryan in the movie version. Besides the physical resemblance, his mannerisms, singing and grace are a match to Lucas Grabeel’s movie performance.

Clare Tompkins-Cook as Kelsi Nielsen, the awkward, piano player brings a lot to a non-starring role. Although Kelsi is not a main character of the plot, Tompkins-Cook’s performance is impressive and she provides one of the most melodious singing voices on stage.

Besides good music and lyrics, this musical has a plot that deals with real life challenges such as numerous moral dilemmas and issues of the haves and the have-nots.

The plot also provides a good amount of humor. Sharpay’s self-centeredness and privilege brings a lot of humor to the plot and makes us remember the privileged and popular students when we went to high school.

Sharpay’s groupies (a.k.a. “The Sharpettes”) provide many laughs similar to “The Plastics” which followed around Regina George (Rachel McAdams) in the movie Mean Girls.

Troy’s overwhelming personal issues such as the future of his education, relationship with Gabriella and his friends are magically culminated in the number “Bet on It.” The voices in his head are represented by the main characters circling Troy all dressed as judges. The creative use of lighting adds more focus to this already great number.

While some people are turned off to the commercialism of Disney’s "High School Musical 2," if we look a little deeper we discover that it is a plot rich with characters resembling those we grew up with, faced with very real-life scenarios with good humor to keep things from getting too serious. Many aspects of adolescence are addressed such as socio-economic status, popularity, peer-pressure, love, cliques, jealousy, egocentrism, artists, jocks and nerds.

The realistic elements of this plot are a result of the life experiences of the writer Peter Barsocchini. It turns out that the character of Troy’s father, Tony Bolton was inspired by Peter’s real-life father Robert who was his basketball coach at Serra High in San Mateo, California.

Gabriella is named after Barsocchini’s real-life daughter, but the character is based on a girl he met when he was 11.

Barsocchini’s love of music grew and developed as a reporter for the San Mateo Times covering great performers such as Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and Elton John.      

You do not need to have a teenage daughter as reason to go to this musical, but simply an enjoyment of musicals. Canyon Theatre Guild is successful in taking a big film production and bringing it on stage for Santa Claritans to enjoy.

In a time where it is becoming more difficult to find family appropriate entertainment, Canyon Theatre Guild continues to provide an enjoyable and entertaining experience for all families in a family friendly community that is Santa Clarita. Good show!

"High School Musical 2" is playing from Feb. 6 through March 6. There are performances every Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There is also one Friday performance on March 5th. Canyon Theatre Guild is located at: 24242 Main Street in Old Town Newhall. For more information, one may call: (661) 799-2702.

Alex Schildkret is general manager of the SCV Independent.

< Prev		Next >