Director Janie Russell and Christian Youth Theater-South County staged this one at the beautiful Mater Dei Catholic High School theatre. Kevin McDonald is Troy, shining in the Bet On It scene as he does some soul searching about choosing scholarships over friends. He also has a humorous moment when one of his basket shots bounces off the rim and heads offstage. When the ball gets bounced back to him by an unseen force, Kevin catches the ball and glances back offstage, silently gesturing to his friends like that ghostly happening was kind of weird. Jordan Olson is a sweet and kind Gabriella with a sense of humor and good voice for Gotta Go My Own Way.

Sharpay is more than willing to help her on her way. Taylor Keene uses her voice very effectively, from the operatic to a throaty growl, whatever it takes to try to get what she wants with a Veruca Salt determination, with callous disregard to her fellow high school peers, her golf carts, and even to the audience when she prepares to drive a golf ball into the audience. Her twin brother Ryan thankfully stops her and points out that there are people out there. Paul Stine is Ryan who shows off his dancing skills in I Don’t Dance.

Some of the other standouts include Lauren Gray who has good comic timing as Ms. Fulton, the only adult character in the show. Ivanna Quiceno and Raelene Herrera have some great voices we get a glimpse of in You are the Music in Me. And the large ensemble keeps the energy high in all their numbers that include a hilarious talent show contest featuring an acrobatic accordion player, as well as a creative and fun Humuhumunukunukuapua’a scene including little girls who have fun “being the palm tree,” fighting, goofing, and going all out in their efforts. Not to mention the big opening and closing scenes that bookend the show with lively, summer-like enthusiasm.

Performed November 6 - 8, 2009.

Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre

Troy Bolton: