Songs, Sparkle, and a Whole Lot of Heart.

Curtain Call Creative’s production of ‘High School Musical Jr.’ was sheer delight from start to finish. Polished, vibrant, and bursting with youthful energy, it’s almost unbelievable that the cast managed to pull it all together in just one week of rehearsals.

The show captured the upbeat, infectious spirit of Disney’s modern classic. From the opening number, “Start of Something New,” the ensemble threw themselves into the music and movement with wholehearted enthusiasm. There were a few initial hiccups with the sound in the larger ensemble pieces, but these were fleeting and hardly detracted from the overall polish. The sustained American accents throughout deserve particular praise; it’s no small task for young performers, and it added real authenticity to the production.

Musically, the cast shone. The vocal harmonies were clear, confident, and impressively sustained, especially in big group numbers like “Stick to the Status Quo” and “We’re All in This Together.” The choreography was pitched perfectly: energetic yet inclusive, allowing every performer to shine while contributing to a cohesive whole. The final freestyle section in the closing scene was especially joyous, giving each cast member the chance to showcase their individuality and flair.

As someone who champions the value of the performing arts, I was struck by how much the young people clearly enjoyed themselves on stage. They had energy, pzzazz, razzamatazz, and that intangible sparkle that makes theatre magic. Even the background performers, often overlooked, stayed fully in character by reacting, listening, and contributing to the life of each scene. That level of commitment speaks volumes.

The scene changes, required in this script, were rapid-fire. We moved from cafeteria to detention hall to science club in the blink of an eye. At times, it was almost hard to keep up, particularly as some scenes lasted only a few lines. That said, the cast and crew weren’t fazed for a second, handling the transitions with admirable pace and precision.

While it’s always difficult in such a strong ensemble to single out individuals (well done to the Brainiacs, the Jocks, the Cheerleaders, and the Thespians) several performances deserve special mention. Freddie made an excellent Jack Scott, the smooth school DJ, linking scenes with charisma and spot-on delivery. Lucy brought fun and surprise to Martha’s secret love of hip-hop dancing. Thomas gave warmth to Troy’s dad, Coach Bolton, with a final acceptance of his son’s wishes. Daisy revelled in Ms. Darbus’ eccentricities, sweeping across the stage with aplomb. Lana’s sympathetic Kelsi added sincerity to the group. Stanley’s Zeke was good fun, especially when his secret baking obsession bubbled to the surface. The mishap with the cake (or was it a crème brûlée?) raised just the right laughs.

Sharpay and Ryan, played with wit and chemistry by Jemima-May and Noah, delivered both verbal and physical comedy with style. Jemima-May’s dancing and characterisation was really noteworthy, and even when receiving her comeuppance at the end, the audience warmed greatly to her. Frankie, Rex, Harriet, Jessie and Maisie also provided strong characterisation and steady support, proving that there really are no small roles in an ensemble show. The cameo moments for Ms. Tenny, Cathy, Cyndra, James, and Susan added extra colour to the auditions and classroom scenes, giving more performers the chance to shine and drawing laughs in just the right places.

Taylor and Chad, played by Ellen and Heston, struck a perfect balance between rivalry and romance. Their pairing at the end carried the story’s central message that there’s “someone for everyone” no matter if you’re a brain, a jock, or somewhere in between. They also impressed with strong vocals and assured stage presence, reminding the audience that there really is room for every type of character to shine.

At the heart of the production, Mary and Miles as Gabriella and Troy were outstanding. Their chemistry was believable, their diction and accents impeccable, and their vocals strong and expressive. Numbers like “Breaking Free” and “What I’ve Been Looking For” showcased their voices beautifully and anchored the show with real heart.

Ultimately, this was a production full of energy, commitment, and surprising maturity. The cast gave the audience not only catchy songs and lively dances but also a heartfelt story about identity, friendship, and breaking free of stereotypes. These are timeless themes wrapped up in glitter and fun. Well-directed and organised, both cast and creatives should feel proud of what they achieved.

Hats off to Curtain Call Creative for giving these young performers the chance to shine and for delivering such an enjoyable afternoon of theatre. Even this usually grumpy reviewer left with a grin and, to my family’s horror, has been singing “We’re All in This Together” ever since, most recently (and least tunefully) in the shower.