Jan. 23 at Kemper Arena
Walt Disney would have scarcely believed his eyes and ears had he witnessed
the extravaganza Tuesday night at Kemper Arena.
A sellout crowed of about 15,000 showed up to see the road-show version of
the multi-platformed marketing triumph "High School Musical," one of the
the Walt Disney Company's biggest franchises. The audience, it appeared,
was predominantly girls between the ages of 6 and 13. Giddy with pre-teen
spirit, many sported "High School Musical" T-shirts. Throughout the show,
they screamed and waved green glow sticks.
Given that sales of the soundtrack are approaching 4 million units, it's
hardly a surprise that the young fans (and through osmosis, their parents)
know the musical by heart. The sweet-natured film continues to air regularly
on the Disney Channel, so the real attraction for fans was the chance to see
and hear the relentlessly attractive cast in person.
They weren't disappointed.
Befitting Disney's reputation for high quality, the production and sound
were stellar. Footage from the movie and live images from the stage and
audience were projected on five video screens. All 10 songs from the movie
were faithfully rendered, but an equal emphasis went towards promoting the
burgeoning music careers of its cast.
Lucas Gabreel, relegated to a minor role in the movie, acted as master of
ceremonies. A gregarious ham, Gabreel conducted silly interviews with his
colleagues and drew attention to the show's supplemental dancers and
six-piece backing band. Of the songs from the musical, the clear audience
favorites were the lovely "What I've Been Looking
For" and the rapturous "Breaking Free." Both were duets between Drew
Seeley and Vanessa Hudgens.
The wispy Hudgens also sang three songs from her debut solo album. Her Janet
Jackson-styled material is appealing, but her squeaky voice is not. And
Hudgens' stage patter consisted of little more than giggles. The giant pink
"V" that was lowered from the ceiling as she sang displayed more personality
than Hudgens.
Ashley Tisdale, also a star on Disney television's "The Suite Life of Zack
& Cody," fared better. She looked and sounded like Gwen Stefani as she
performed the title track of her forthcoming CD, "Headstrong." All that was
missing was a rap cameo by Snoop Dogg. Tisdale's voice is unremarkable but
she possesses excellent stage presence.
Corbin Bleu also impressed. His winning smile and natural charm point to a
successful long-term acting career. Of the cast, only Tisdale and Bleu seem
to possess the charisma and talent that would allow them to prosper without
the patronage of Disney.
The appealing Monique Coleman was scarcely featured. Also known for > her
stint as a contestant in "Dancing With the Stars," Coleman showcased her
dancing skills as Seeley crooned the awful "Dance With Me." The only other
disconcerting element of the show was the arguably inappropriate apparel and
dance moves on display. The performance sometimes resembled a milder
version of risque pop act the Pussycat Dolls. I'm guessing some parents may
have been tempted to shield their children's eyes.
As the cast took bows 95 minutes after the production began, the screen
behind the stage proclaimed "High School Musical 2: Coming Summer 2007."
Is that Disney magic or just crass star-making machinery? Walt would likely
recognize a little bit of both.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
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