This could be the Start Of Something New, it feels so right to be here… at The Tivoli Theatre watching a group of talented young performers putting on a stage version of High School Musical.
I was 10 when the much-loved film came out and I – like many younger Millennials all over the world – immediately fell in love with the 2006 Disney classic.
So, when I discovered that Aberdeen’s GizGiz Youth Theatre was going to “get their head in the game” and stage High School Musical at The Tivoli, I knew it would make for a nostalgic night out.
What I didn’t expect was that theatre fans would witness a star being born. I’m referencing a different musical here, I know, but Emily Bannerman (Gabriella Montez) truly delivered a star-making performance.
Always hitting the right note, Emily’s beautiful voice reverberated throughout The Tivoli.
Bright future for Emily Bannerman
Falling in love with theatre during her time with GizGiz, the young performer told the P&J of her plans to pursue an acting career.
With such a great stage presence and strong vocals, we cannot wait to see what she does next.
But back to the 2000s phenomenon that was the High School Musical trilogy.
Just like the film, the stage version follows basketball player Troy Bolton (Josh McPherson) who meets academic genius Gabriella Montez at a holiday karaoke party. Returning to school after the festive break, Troy reunites with Gabriella who transferred to East High School.
Despite not initially being supported by their social groups and drama club president Sharpay Evans (Erin Mehigan) and her brother Ryan (Logan McKerron), they both try out for the lead roles in the school musical.
Catchy songs and fab props
About a decade must have passed since I last saw the film, but the catchy songs were still somehow drilled into my brain. And the 30-strong GizGiz cast did a remarkable job of bringing hits such as Breaking Free and We’re All In This Together to life.
Not only did Erin and Logan (thespian siblings) sound great when performing What I’ve Been Looking For, their choreography was brilliant, too.
Dressed in oh-so-fabulous 2000s fashion, the show even featured decade-appropriate props.
“Some of the phones must be older than the kids,” remarked my lovely colleague Ana who joined me at The Tivoli.
One of the highlights of the musical was the moment when three events – theatre callbacks, Troy’s basketball game and Gabriela’s science competition – take place at the same time.
While easily filmed and edited for the screen, it was no easy feat to do so in the theatre – but the youth group and their director Lauren Ritchie executed the important scene splendidly.
Large cast of talented young performers
A huge shout-out also has to go to the live band and backing singers and dancers who lit up the Guild Street venue with their dazzling performances.
The family-friendly musical is relentlessly cheerful and silly – last night’s show even included an impromptu physical theatre moment that had many audience members in stitches.
Both big and little kids in the audience enjoyed GizGiz’s High School Musical and its ever-so-important message of acceptance, being true to oneself and supporting each other in pursuing different interests.
So go and cheer on Wildcats and GizGiz while at The Tivoli. High School Musical runs until Saturday July 9.
Click here if you wish to purchase tickets.
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