All kudos to DAS and the company for rising
to the challenge and demands of this musical. (Review by Caroline Smart)
The Durban Actors Studio, known as the DAS
Factory, is bursting with energy with their current production of Disney’s High
School Musical 2 Junior.
Durban Actors Studio’s Stage School
Program, in association with KickstArt Theatre Productions, has given 23 young
performers, aged 9 to 16, the opportunity to embark on a performance training
journey like none other.
The show is directed and designed by Sanele
Sibiya who is also the choreographer and musical director. Assistant director
and stage manager is K’Lee Gibson assisted by Debbie Creighton.
Making use of the DAS large studio with the
help of set construction by Bryan Hiles and Banele Khomo, the simple use of
double black flats and a few rostra as well as some greenery in the form of
fake bushes – all movable - different scenarios are achieved, making the most
of the space available.
It’s the last class of the school year and
the students who make up the East High Wildcats team are abuzz with what’s
ahead for them.
((Left: Hannah
Brissett as Sharpay Evans)
Manipulative and cunning, Sharpay Evans is
used to getting her own way and one of the first things she is going to do is
to tear Troy Bolton away from his girlfriend Gabriella Montez, and she’ll go to
any lengths to do it. Her brother, Ryan, fast becomes disillusioned with this
and as the Wildcats split up according to their loyalties to Sharpay or
Gabriella, he chooses the opposite team.
The four main characters are well
portrayed. The part of Sharpay requires much passion and energy and Hannah
Brissett gives her all to this role. Ryan Robertson handles the complex
character of Troy Bolton with confidence and Savhannah Regnard is a spunky Ryan
Evans who sticks to her scruples despite the domineering influence of her
sister. Milla di Paolo impressed as Gabriella Montez with her consistency and
focus.
Tayo Haley was charming as the musical
Kelsi Nielson, and Carl Oosthuizen gave Fulton a strong sense of command while
Amani Langa gave strong energy to the role of Chad Danforth who tries to get
the team back together again.
Supporting members of cast are Brandon
Strydom; Caomhe Lalla, Madison Opland, Jaimee Coxwell; Jessica Lilly; Calene
Lalla, and Dakota Gooderson.
The ensemble is made up of Makayla Naicker,
Joslyn Walters, Julianne Draycott, Nsika Langa, Rachael Shorey, Stella
Clarisse, Erin McCalgan and Luella Reardon.
The costume crew comprises Sanele Sibiya,
K’Lee Gibson, and Iona Joshua. Technical director is Sbusiso Masitheng with
Wired Media making up the lighting and sound crew.
All kudos to DAS and the company for rising
to the challenge and demands of this musical.
There are two more performances of Disney's
High School Musical 2 Junior, (presented by arrangement with DALRO (PTY)LTD,
representing Musical Theatre international, New York). They take place tonight
(June 14) at 19h00 and tomorrow (June 15) at 14h00. Tickets R80 and there is a
pre-order meal option. Seating is limited, and booking is essential. You can
order tickets and pre-order meals at www.durbanactorsstudio.co.za/the-factory
The DAS Factory, at Durban Actors Studio is
situated at 114 Intersite Avenue, Umgeni Business Park. – Caroline Smart
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