Theatre Palisades Youth’s latest show, “Disney’s High School Musical JR,” is adorably cute, and credit should be given to director Dorothy Dillingham Blue for assembling her cast of 19 actors, ranging in age from Calvary second grader Caroline Weller to Palisades High School freshman Joel Rosenthal, and achieving stellar results.
Based on Disney Channel’s 2006 smash hit musical, jock Troy Bolton (Trey White) and smart kid Gabriella Montez (Natalie Turgeman) are trying to be more than their labels, and support each other as they audition for the leads in the school musical. Unfortunately, the president of the drama club, Sharpay Evans (Daniela Renzo), and her twin Ryan (Jake Lyon), are not interested in relinquishing their title as top thespians.
This was White’s first stage performance. Not only does the sixth grader at St. Matthew’s have a pleasing voice, but he commands excellent stage presence. He was paired with Turgeman, an eighth grader at Revere, whose natural performance was seamless.
Marquez fifth grader Renzo, as Sharpay, came close to stealing the show with her character’s dramatic scheming. Balancing her nicely was another Marquez fifth grader, Lyon, who finally stands up to his sister at the end of the show, revealing her scheme to keep Bolton and Montez in their place.
In her seventh TPY show, Megan Lewis playing drama teacher Ms. Darbus was practically perfect. The Revere eighth grader was passionate, but still had the maturity the role needed. Rosenthal, who played a teacher and Troy’s dad, was a standout as he made it clear that basketball and winning the championship should be the most important focus in any teen’s life.
The costuming, designed by Dawn Baker, Nancy Handler and Adriana Ruhman, is fun. Especially cute were cheerleaders, Mia Ruhman and Elle Baker, who, complete with pom poms, start the show with a yell and cartwheel onto stage.
Free advice to the sound team: please turn down the canned music, so the audience can more easily appreciate all the lovely solos.
The show was sold out last Saturday. Remaining performances at Pierson Playhouse are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets ($14) call (310) 454-1970 or visit theatrepalisades.com.
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