Review: High School Musical at The Arts Theatre

We’re all in this together! And with Adelaide Youth Theatre celebrating the 20th anniversary of High School Musical, there’s no better time to head back to East High, where basketballers, brainiacs and drama-club divas collide in a feel-good celebration of friendship, first love and finding the courage to be yourself.

Directed by Matt Hawke, with Reo Gerhardy as Musical Director and Tayla McDougall at the choreographic helm, this production brings together a massive ensemble of young performers ready to embrace the Disney favourite that had an entire generation singing into their hairbrushes. With its instantly recognisable soundtrack and familiar high-school rivalries, there’s plenty of nostalgic fun to be had.

Musically, the production has plenty of opportunities to hit the right notes, from the tentative romance of Start of Something New to the infectious energy of Get’cha Head in the Game. The ever-relatable Stick to the Status Quo brings the school’s competing personalities into the spotlight, while Breaking Free provides the emotional payoff as Troy and Gabriella find their voices, literally and figuratively. And, of course, the title number, We’re All in This Together, is a reminder of exactly why this musical has remained such a crowd-pleaser for two decades.

A production with such a sizeable ensemble inevitably relies on more than its leading players, and the collective effort deserves recognition. The dance sequences provide an important injection of energy, with dance captain Alissa Equizi doing excellent work in helping maintain the ensemble’s cohesion. With so many performers sharing the stage, keeping formations crisp, transitions clean and choreography unified is no small feat.

The Evans siblings are never ones to fade quietly into the background, and Kyle Mobbs and Alyssa Faranda make an entertaining brother-and-sister duo as Ryan and Sharpay. Faranda brings the requisite diva energy to Sharpay, while Mobbs complements her as Ryan, navigating the character’s theatrical flair and comic potential. Together, they capture the over-the-top ambition of East High’s resident theatrical royalty.

Sethanial Jimenea adds to the fun as Zeke, while Riley Mobbs brings basketball-court confidence to Chad. Finn Watson makes a welcome impression as Coach Bolton, and Hudson Kerr takes on the role of Jack Scott, adding to the colourful collection of personalities populating East High.

Lilly Manning does excellent work as Taylor, giving the academically focused character a strong presence and helping anchor the story’s friendship dynamics. As Ms Darbus, Stella Jackson embraces the drama teacher’s wonderfully theatrical sensibilities, bringing plenty of character to the role. With a little more attention to crisp diction and a slightly slower pace when delivering dialogue, Jackson could allow even more of the character’s humour and personality to shine through, helping every word land with the audience.

At the centre of it all are Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez, played by Charlie O’Hanlon and Maggie Bridges, whose unexpected connection sets the entire story in motion. O’Hanlon delivers a solid performance as the basketball captain discovering that his ambitions extend beyond the court, bringing a likeable quality to Troy’s journey from popular jock to aspiring performer.

But it is Bridges who truly shines.

As Gabriella, she brings a wonderful combination of naturalness, warmth and quiet confidence, capturing the intelligence and vulnerability of a young woman learning to trust her own abilities. Her characterisation feels effortless rather than laboured, allowing Gabriella’s awkwardness, determination and growing self-belief to emerge organically. Vocally, Bridges is a standout, and particularly compelling in the musical moments, where her vocal ability and emotional connection give the story its heart.

She brings sincerity to Start of Something New and helps make Breaking Free the triumphant turning point it needs to be.

The chemistry between Bridges and O’Hanlon is also a genuine asset. Their interactions feel believable, and there is an appealing sweetness to their developing relationship that gives the audience a reason to invest in their journey. O’Hanlon provides a steady counterpart, while Bridges lifts their scenes with a particularly assured and engaging performance.

With such a large ensemble and plenty of moving parts, maintaining momentum across a production of this scale is no small feat. There are a few moments where scenes and transitions could move along a little more briskly to keep the energy building between musical numbers. With some further attention to pacing and flow, the production could make even more of its lively ensemble, familiar humour and infectious musical moments.

Twenty years after Troy and Gabriella first met on that fateful New Year’s Eve, High School Musical continues to remind us that fitting in is overrated, friendship matters and sometimes the best thing you can do is step outside your comfort zone and take a chance.

Adelaide Youth Theatre’s anniversary outing offers plenty for longtime fans and a new generation of theatre lovers to enjoy.

With a committed ensemble and familiar songs that still hit the nostalgic sweet spot, there is plenty to cheer for.

Because, as the Wildcats would remind us, when it comes to following your dreams, finding your people and making a little musical magic, we’re all in this together.

Lia Loves.