Posted on Thursday, August 20 2009
Sequel to "High School Musical" moves beyond pop-rock to flex Broadway aspirations.
by Bob Curtright
Wichita Eagle Correspondent
For those over 30 who are still mystified at the phenomenal popularity of Disney's blandly pleasant "High School Musical" franchise, the good news is that Part 2 moves out of the pop-rock realm – somewhat -- to flex a few real Broadway aspirations.
Composed by 12 (count 'em: 12) song writers, "High School Musical 2" features a comic Polynesian romp with a 21-letter name whose syllables seen to bubble on forever, as well as a wickedly funny paean by a self-centered fashionista about how "Fabulous" she is. There's also a dance-challenge number called "I Don't Dance," that allows for some show-stopping choreography unhampered by annoying film cuts.
Music Theatre of Wichita is one of a handful of theaters given permission this year by Disney to premiere this show, and director Roger Castellano's age-appropriate cast (61 mostly local kids representing about 20 high schools and a couple of colleges) was more than up to the challenge during final dress rehearsal Wednesday. While some youthful voices seemed a little shaky at the start, perhaps from first-audience jitters, they quickly came up to speed as adrenalin pumped. The result was a polished preview that was actually a bit more fun for me (as an over-30 audience member) than the original two years ago.
The story is a continuation of the original "HSM," taking our teen gang of high school juniors in Albuquerque's East High into summer vacation and into jobs at a country club that hosts – surprise! -- an annual talent show. The first show's positive but rather simplistic message was that, despite social and academic differences, "We're All in This Together." This one reinforces that with "All for One."
Wichita Collegiate's Cooper Rowe as top jock Troy and Bishop Carroll's Caitlin Marrero as brainiac Gabriella are the main couple, who are designed to get important showcase moments. Marrero's haunting "Gotta Go My Own Way" during a romantic downturn is particularly lovely and Rowe's soul-searching "Bet on It" is a powerful soliloquy about a life at a crucial crossroads.
But, this sequel really belongs to sister-brother, spotlight-hogging antagonists Sharpay and Ryan, who are trying to regain being the coolest kids in school "by any means necessary." Sophie Menas (East High grad, now University of Oklahoma) makes a deliciously "Clueless" Sharpay, who swears she's trying to be a nice person while still getting her own foot-stomping way. Paul Sabala (MTW resident company member seen as Mordred in "Camelot") is hilarious as the hen-pecked Ryan, who finally widens his horizons beyond theater and discovers a bunch of new friends. Menas was in terrific voice for the smarmy "Fabulous" and Sabala wowed with his dance movies in "I Don't Dance."
Penn State's Gilbert Bailey II, playing jock Chad as the other half of the "I Don't Dance" duel, stopped the show with his break-dancing, flips, splits and one-handed handstand. And Jacob Gutierrez as Sharpay's neglected boyfriend, Zeke, was memorable in a small role, proving that, as understudy to Troy, he has the voice and presence to easily step into that lead if needed.
Director Castellano kept the pace lively and energetic without being frantic and, with Bailey as assistant choreographer, provided interesting movements for the huge cast. When all were all on stage at once, it was pure teamwork.
Music director Jesse Warkentin's 11-member combo sounded sharp and set designer J. Branson's versatile drops created many layered, surprisingly textural sets, from rock architecture to desert landscapes – all set off by David Neville's lighting that utilized strong, primary colors befitting such an exuberant show.
