(Pic: Appearing as The Wildcats: Victoria Graaf-Raw; Byron Praetor; Yaseen Noon; Jacqui Sims; Gemma Schumann; Delwin van Jaarsveld; Emile van Staden; Stephanie O’Connor; Bradley Dougans, and Joel Shepherd)Triple triumph at Westville Boys’ High (Review by Caroline Smart)
High School Musical: On Stage, based on a Disney Channel original movie, generated over 3,500 licensed productions of the first part in the series around the world, making the title one of the most popular available from Disney.
In 2007, Westville Boys’ High School became the first group in Africa to stage the first instalment of this franchise. Pieter Toerien and Hazel Feldman’s professional production followed in 2008. In association with DALRO, Westville Boys’ High now presents the second instalment which again offers strong opportunities for young singers and dancers.
Performed in the impressive R1m revamped hall, now named the Roy Couzens Theatre after an ex-Headmaster with a vested interest in fostering a culture of performing arts at the school, the opening night of High School Musical 2: On Stage represented a triple triumph for Westville Boys High. Firstly, the achievement of the show itself; secondly, the first performance in the new 450-seater theatre and, thirdly, the debut of the Theatre Band.
Director Leendert de Jager and musical director Luke Holder successfully staged Oklahoma! and Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. They have their work cut out with this production with its cast of over 50 learners drawn from the greater Durban area and a 12-piece band, let alone the technical requirements of a production this size.
The vivacious and energetic cast is well disciplined and Caeley van Doorn’s choreography is effective and vibrant. A new star is born in Gemma Schumann who plays Gabriella with a shining sincerity, charm and good musical ability, particularly with Gotta Go My Own Way. She is strongly supported by Emile van Staden who makes a good Troy, Kerryn Beattie as the ditzy self-centred Sharpay and Joel Shepherd whose dancing skills come to the fore in the role of Ryan. I was also very impressive with Delwin van Jaarsveld’s mature performance as Mr Fulton. The supporting roles are also well handled by Chad Danforth, Taylor McKessie, Jack Scott, Kelsi Nielsen, Zeke Baylor and Martha Cox.
The High School Musical 2: On Stage follows the summertime adventures of the Wildcats as they work as staff members at the Lava Springs Country Club. However, jealousy raises its ugly head and friendships are threatened. The musical numbers are well-handled, ably supported by The Theatre Band except for some glitches from the brass.
On opening night, the sound was seriously problematic but I understand that work is being done on this and it’s probably fine by now. It was a race against the clock to ensure that certain work on the theatre was completed in time for opening night and so allowances must be made. The backdrop artwork works well, representing today’s trend towards printed photographic imagery rather than painted sets.
Disney’s High School Musical 2: On Stage runs until May 1 from Tuesday to Saturday at 19h30 (matinees at 14h00 on April 26 and 27). Tickets for evening shows R50 (R30 scholars) and for matinees R30 (R20). Booking is essential and tickets are available from Westville Boys’ High School on 031 267 1330. – Caroline Smart
(NB: The Roy Couzens Theatre will be available for outside hire. Its capacity is 450 cinema-style seating and 200 in a supper theatre configuration where tables will be made available for outside hirers. The Theatre Band is part of the Durban Theatre Orchestra which is a subsidiary of the Durban City Orchestra- contact info@durbantheatre.co.za for details)
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