by Terry Bearpark
Building on its success of previous musical performances, Withernsea High School has demonstrated how much talent there is on the campus by staging its third major production since 2020 with the performance of High School Musical – On Stage!
The two previous shows, We Will Rock You and School of Rock, featured many students in minor roles who have now stepped up to take on major parts in High School Musical, testament to former stars who gave them the inspiration needed for this ambitious production.
Disney’s High School Musical – On Stage! centres on the blossoming relationship between Troy, a high school jock (played by Joel Williams), and Gabriella, the new smart girl at school (played by Marianne Campbell).
They meet on a family holiday and become attracted to each other while singing in a karaoke competition. Rediscovering each other at school, their relationship and their surprise decision to audition together for the school show are thwarted by the school’s current leading lady, Sharpay (played by Paige Thompson-Milnes), and also Troy and Gabriella’s well-meaning friends.
Finally, the couple find a way to be themselves and are rewarded with the lead roles in the school show.
Full of catchy songs and exciting dance routines, the production explores issues of friendship, first love and acceptance.
Members of the year seven and eight dance group perform some great routines as support for the main cast.
Excellent music is provided by the band, consisting of students and staff and also former students who have returned to Withernsea to perform. The creative team – Beth Lewis, Richard Mabbott, Chloe Wicks, Abigail Little, Jamie Hughes, Cami Eley, Heidi Adcock-Shaw and Gracie-Mae Waites, along with musical director Lewis Fryer and ITSL Sound and Light – have worked hard over the past few months to make this production as entertaining as the last two shows.
Tickets are still on sale for tonight’s (Thursday) performance and can be obtained from the school by telephoning 01964 613123 or on the door, priced at £4 for adults and £3 for under 16s and seniors.
Doors open at 6.10pm and the performance starts at 6.30pm.
