Review- High School Musical @PFT

WOW! The Wildcats of East High are working it out in Harford County in Disney's "High School Musical"! I had such an awesome time tonight! For an opening night, there were obvious snags that come with first-night jitters, but this cast covers like professionals and moves on swiftly. First, the set, though simple, works for the purposes of the show. The lighting design was especially noticeable, and really did wonders for each scene. PFT's Technical Department is getting better and better, and it really helps the overall production value of their shows. The lights really shone (half pun intended...I guess?) in "Status Quo", the Act 1 closer. Bambi Johnson doesn't disappoint with her choreography, as I expected she wouldn't. The cast is running, jumping, spinning and hip-hopping like crazy, and she has created dances that get both the cast and crowd going. The Megamix, which happens after Curtain Call (so stay in your seats!) is the night's show stopper, with some surprise choreography worthy of the ESPN Cheerleading coverage (you'll see what I mean).

Eyvo Johnson directs this production, and he clearly knew what he was doing. The cast seems comfortable with what they are doing on stage, no matter how cheesy it may be. It is also apparent that he allowed these actors some space to create their own characters, most obviously with Sharpay and Ryan Evans (more on them later) so they felt at home on stage. I'm going to suggest that this new Creative Dream Team PFT has stay in place, because they know how to put on a show for sure!

Alright, onto what you all (all 5 of you) want to know...How was the cast? Starting with Lexie Wohlfort, who plays Gabriella. Lexie, a student at John Carroll in Bel Air, plays the role to perfection. Gabriella isn't the most fun character to play. but Ms. Wohlfort does it very well. She has a pretty voice that lends itself well to her character's various ballads, and on top of that, her costumes only highlight her sunny disposition on stage! Bravo, Lexie! Tyler Fritz, as Troy Bolton, is also a JC student and tackles the role with great energy but falls short of his cast mates most of the time. It might have been opening night jitters, but Mr.Fritz has to play a lot of catch up to match the level of talent on that stage. Adam McDowell and Kelleigh Pangratz as Chad and Taylor, play well off of each other and bring lots of smiles to the audience's faces. Standout Mackenzie Brockmeyer is adorable as Kelsi, the composer-in-the-making of the show. She is clumsy and lovable and you can't help but like her. Matthew Feldman is another star of the evening, playing the school announcer, Jack Scott, to perfection. He knows how to make a crowd laugh, and succeeds greatly. The two real stars of the evening though, were Elisabeth Johnson and Ryan DeVoe, who play wonder twins Sharpay and Ryan Evans. Both have incredible acting skills, which they use to their advantage constantly. They shoot death stares at "lesser students" like it was their job. Ms.Johnson has a pretty voice and looks gorgeous in her costumes, and plays Sharpay like a true pro, and makes you hate to love her within 10 minutes of the show starting. It seems like a role that she was "born to play" and play it she does! Mr.DeVoe is comic genius, turning Ryan into a ditzy, hysterical sidekick to Sharpay and has the audience bursting with laughter every time he is on stage. The boy has insane comedic timing and he knows how to use it, and redefines the word "scene stealer". On top of that, he can work a visual gag like no other, using his various props and day-glo costumes (including a pair of Lady Gaga-esque sunglasses) to his advantage. Together, the pair steal the show, and have arguably the best voices out of the cast.

It isn't just the principals who stand out, though. The ensemble features some amazing talent as well! Leslie Perry, the head cheerleader, looks fantastic in her dance pieces and pulls off a back handspring like a true varsity cheerleader would! Conor DeVoe pulls out a dead-on Kristen Wiig impersonation in the "Auditions" number, as well as showing off his incredible dance ability at various points throughout the show. Beth Higbee shines in two small roles, one as a ditzy cheerleader (she doesn't have lines, but keep an eye on her, she knows how to work an ensemble spot) and as an up-tempo and sequin-loving auditionee in the "Auditions" number. Joe Novak somehow manages to dance in an oversized mascot costume, so kudos to him for avoiding an on-stage heat stroke.

Okay, so this was a little long winded, I'm aware, but I'm also getting the hang of writing reviews, too. They will become a little less crazy over time, I promise! Plus, I'm a Disney fan, so I could go on forever about this production!

I say unto you all, GO SEE THIS SHOW. It is a GREAT time for kids and families, and even those of us who just love some good Disney showtunes! I give the production an A-, the minus for some of the casts shortcomings and a weird rendition of "Cellular Fusion" late in Act 1. Overall, though, the show is awesome and I loved it. I might even return next weekend once the cast has really hit their stride!

Again, ticket information can be found on Harford's website

www.harford.edu

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