CityView Media is a seasonal sponsor of the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. As part of that relationship, we agree to publish previews and reviews of all main-stage productions on our website. The content of that coverage, however, is independent and within the discretion of the CityView editorial team.
It’s time to get your head in the game! Disney’s High School Musical is here.
Inclement weather couldn’t stop Cape Fear Regional Theatre as it debuted Disney’s High School Musical on Saturday. Originally scheduled to open the week of January 29, icy weather had other plans and delayed the debut. But the wait was well worth it. The East High Wildcats finally hit the stage in their signature red and white jackets, bringing all the youthful spirit and high-energy fun.
Disney’s High School Musical is based on the Disney Channel original movie written by Peter Barscocchini. West Hyler takes on the director’s role in this local production. There are two rotating casts for the production—the Soaring Youth Cast, and the Flying Youth Cast. It was the Soaring Youth Cast that debuted the show Saturday and the one I’ll be reviewing.
If you’ve never seen Disney’s High School Musical and the idea of reliving high school doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry—there’s no test at the end. The theater makes it effortless: all the fun of high school, minus the academics. You get school colors and team spirit, high gym socks, and letterman jackets. Go Wildcats! It feels like a modern-day take on Grease. The musical does a great job of presenting an idealized, scrubbed-clean version of high school—yet what really shines through are the familiar school politics, clubs, and cliques.
What’s ‘High School Musical’ About?
The school’s athletic hero, Troy Bolton, falls for Gabriella Montez during an off campus karaoke party. It’s a classic opposites-attract story. Bolton, the popular jock, and Montez, the academically driven beauty. When they return to school, the two decide to audition for the school musical, crossing clique lines and shaking up the status quo.
That draws the ire of the theater-obsessed Sharpay Evans, who firmly believes the duo should stick to their lane. After all, everyone knows the stage is her domain. Sharpay Evans is determined to wreck their chances, all while Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez juggle their athletic and academic commitments as they fight for a spot in the musical.
Ben James Tyrrell plays Troy, and Riley Fincher-Foster plays Gabriella. Both did a fantastic job in their Cape Fear debuts. Sharpay is played by Keivana Wallace, a Rutgers University graduate who is also making her Cape Fear debut. It’s a thrill to see these young actors carving out names for themselves—all three have bright futures ahead.
My favorite performance of the night came from Mikey Corey Hassel, who played Ryan. Hassel is a true triple threat and delivers a standout turn as Sharpay’s fellow theater student and close friend.
In the end, the characters learn a lot about themselves and that you can be more than one thing.
Kudos to the Stage Production
The stage design at Cape Fear always amazes me. It truly feels like another actor in the show. Scenic Designer Jeremy Barnett and Lighting Designer Andrew Garvis did an excellent job transporting the audience back to high school, complete with lockers, a full basketball court with goals, and even a library.
I noticed the audience was a wonderfully mixed crowd—older theater regulars alongside high-school teens excited to see their favorite characters from Disney’s High School Musical brought to life. Everyone, regardless of age, clearly loved the show.
After the show, I spotted a family having fun and making a night of it. Billy, along with his wife Raquel and their daughter Alexis, said they thoroughly enjoyed the performance and regularly attend shows at the theater. Raquel mentioned that her daughter Alexis grew up during Disney’s High School Musical era.
They loved the effort and the explosive energy put into the show. “I was really impressed with the cheerleader who gave it her all at the end,” Raquel said.
She was referring to actress Jordan A. Barnett, who played Violet. Barnett delivered consecutive back handsprings and a flip on stage—impressive stuff! This was her Cape Fear mainstage debut, and she wowed the crowd with her acrobatics.
“They always have good shows. I’ve never been disappointed in a show at CFRT—ever,” Raquel said.
I have to agree. Whenever I see a performance at the theater, I know I’m getting top-notch professionalism and great entertainment. Saturday’s opening wasn’t sold out, but I’d bet tickets will start moving fast once word gets out about energy and cheer happening at 1707 Owen Drive.
Disney’s High School Musical runs through February 22. Tickets and more details.