High School Musical
at Mission Viejo

Reviewed on May 3, 2019

Nicholas Jacome
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Bop to the top with Mission's "High School Musical"
written by Nicholas Jacome, a sophomore at St. Margaret's Episcopal

The two worlds of a basketball jock and a brainiac collide when the two are forced into singing karaoke at a ski lodge over their winter vacation. After saying goodbye and returning to their normal lives, young Troy realizes that his new friend Gabriella has also become his newest classmate. With basketball-dependent dancing and youthful ballads, Mission Viejo's "High School Musical" tells the story of teenage romance and learning to embrace your entire self, despite what others may think.

Ethan Cox leads the cast as Troy Bolton, commanding the stage with his powerful vocals and precise movements. Cox displays the struggle of Troy's decision to be a jock or a singer by his conflicted facial expressions such as when he sings "What I've Been Looking For" with Gabriella, played by Jenna Bowman. Bowman illustrates Gabriella's willing and confident nature by purposefully marching across the stage with a carefree look on her face. Her chemistry with Cox is visible during each of their many duets.

Acting duo Sharpay and Ryan Evans, played by Lily Ohman and Caleb Smith, add a change of tone with their beautifully-timed quips and upbeat dance routines. A stand-out moment that displays their organic chemistry is during their number, "Bop to the Top", showcasing the two dancing in tandem during their callback.

Charlie Massey delivers fun and comedic moments as radio host Jack Scott, providing details integral to the plot in a hilarious and sanguine manner. Massey's utilization of his many knick-knacks supply instant laughs, such as his plethora of hats, with a different one worn in each scene.

The whole cast produces an abundance of aesthetic moments on stage. Whether it's during "Auditions" or "Stick to the Status Quo", each of the members of the ensemble maintain their characters as well as add unique details to each scene, making scenes interesting and realistic.

Student choreographer Jacob Beaver does an exquisite job creating captivating dance numbers like "We're All in This Together", which has the cast moving in sync with seemingly complex choreography. Beaver also utilizes the dancers in the cast, as well as his own talent, to include breathtaking aerials and other difficult maneuvers to create a breathtaking performance.

Overall, Mission's "High School Musical" is a beautiful rendition of a classic childhood story, making it a must-see for any child, or wannabe child, who gets the opportunity.

Nicholas Jacome
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Bop to the top with Mission's "High School Musical"
written by Nicholas Jacome, a sophomore at St. Margaret's Episcopal

The two worlds of a basketball jock and a brainiac collide when the two are forced into singing karaoke at a ski lodge over their winter vacation. After saying goodbye and returning to their normal lives, young Troy realizes that his new friend Gabriella has also become his newest classmate. With basketball-dependent dancing and youthful ballads, Mission Viejo's "High School Musical" tells the story of teenage romance and learning to embrace your entire self, despite what others may think.

Ethan Cox leads the cast as Troy Bolton, commanding the stage with his powerful vocals and precise movements. Cox displays the struggle of Troy's decision to be a jock or a singer by his conflicted facial expressions such as when he sings "What I've Been Looking For" with Gabriella, played by Jenna Bowman. Bowman illustrates Gabriella's willing and confident nature by purposefully marching across the stage with a carefree look on her face. Her chemistry with Cox is visible during each of their many duets.

Acting duo Sharpay and Ryan Evans, played by Lily Ohman and Caleb Smith, add a change of tone with their beautifully-timed quips and upbeat dance routines. A stand-out moment that displays their organic chemistry is during their number, "Bop to the Top", showcasing the two dancing in tandem during their callback.

Charlie Massey delivers fun and comedic moments as radio host Jack Scott, providing details integral to the plot in a hilarious and sanguine manner. Massey's utilization of his many knick-knacks supply instant laughs, such as his plethora of hats, with a different one worn in each scene.

The whole cast produces an abundance of aesthetic moments on stage. Whether it's during "Auditions" or "Stick to the Status Quo", each of the members of the ensemble maintain their characters as well as add unique details to each scene, making scenes interesting and realistic.

Student choreographer Jacob Beaver does an exquisite job creating captivating dance numbers like "We're All in This Together", which has the cast moving in sync with seemingly complex choreography. Beaver also utilizes the dancers in the cast, as well as his own talent, to include breathtaking aerials and other difficult maneuvers to create a breathtaking performance.

Overall, Mission's "High School Musical" is a beautiful rendition of a classic childhood story, making it a must-see for any child, or wannabe child, who gets the opportunity.

Bella Kelso
Beckman
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Mission Viejo's "High School Musical" is a major throwback
written by Bella Kelso, a junior at Beckman High School

East High is no ordinary high school– with cliques keeping the school divided, it can be hard to navigate the hallways unless you know where you belong. It isn't until basketball star, Troy Bolton, and brainiac, Gabriella Montez, challenge the school's status quo by breaking from their respective cliques and auditioning for the school musical, a decision that they find inspires other students and allows them to believe that "We're All In This Together."

Ethan Cox is East High's resident high-school heartthrob, Troy Bolton. Cox confidently saunters along, chatting loudly and smoothly with his teammates, displaying a true jock attitude. It isn't until he is alone with the sweet and shy Gabriella (Jenna Bowman), that he is able to let his guard down. The two share cute, awkward chemistry, often stealing loving glances and darting their eyes the other way the instant the other noticed.

Proud and perfect divas are the Evans twins, Sharpay (Lily Ohman) and Ryan (Caleb Smith). The two create an enticing dynamic with Ohman's bold pushiness and Smith's innocent, willing behavior. The two shine in their duet, "Bop to the Top," as Smith squeezes in an energetic jazz-square and Ohman retaliates with a vicious shove, all while holding a forced, caricature-like smile.

Embodying perfect school spirit is Charlie Massey as Jack Scott, the school announcer. Massey is a constant source of comedy, appearing each time with a fun hat or prop and boisterously announcing each event with a new energy.

Always high in energy is Cheerleader and student choreographer, Jacob Beaver. In the opening "Wildcat cheer," Beaver expertly highlights each performer's skills through integrating thrilling aerial tricks and lively, synchronized movement that demonstrate the true, peppy spirit of the East High Wildcats.

Each clique is donned with clothing specific to their group personalities, embodying the true charm of 2006 fashion. Designed expertly by Rachel Golkin, cliques rock specific styles, such as the brainiacs in their conservative, plainly-colored cardigans and capris or the glitzed out pink styles worn by Sharpay. In the end, Golkin arranges an all-red cast, symbolizing the newfound unity and acceptance Gabriella and Troy were able to bring.

Fun and energetic, Mission Viejo's "High School Musical" creates a lovely sense of nostalgia through the spirited retelling of the beloved Disney Channel Original Movie.

Bella Kelso
Beckman
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Mission Viejo's "High School Musical" is a major throwback
written by Bella Kelso, a junior at Beckman High School

East High is no ordinary high school– with cliques keeping the school divided, it can be hard to navigate the hallways unless you know where you belong. It isn't until basketball star, Troy Bolton, and brainiac, Gabriella Montez, challenge the school's status quo by breaking from their respective cliques and auditioning for the school musical, a decision that they find inspires other students and allows them to believe that "We're All In This Together."

Ethan Cox is East High's resident high-school heartthrob, Troy Bolton. Cox confidently saunters along, chatting loudly and smoothly with his teammates, displaying a true jock attitude. It isn't until he is alone with the sweet and shy Gabriella (Jenna Bowman), that he is able to let his guard down. The two share cute, awkward chemistry, often stealing loving glances and darting their eyes the other way the instant the other noticed.

Proud and perfect divas are the Evans twins, Sharpay (Lily Ohman) and Ryan (Caleb Smith). The two create an enticing dynamic with Ohman's bold pushiness and Smith's innocent, willing behavior. The two shine in their duet, "Bop to the Top," as Smith squeezes in an energetic jazz-square and Ohman retaliates with a vicious shove, all while holding a forced, caricature-like smile.

Embodying perfect school spirit is Charlie Massey as Jack Scott, the school announcer. Massey is a constant source of comedy, appearing each time with a fun hat or prop and boisterously announcing each event with a new energy.

Always high in energy is Cheerleader and student choreographer, Jacob Beaver. In the opening "Wildcat cheer," Beaver expertly highlights each performer's skills through integrating thrilling aerial tricks and lively, synchronized movement that demonstrate the true, peppy spirit of the East High Wildcats.

Each clique is donned with clothing specific to their group personalities, embodying the true charm of 2006 fashion. Designed expertly by Rachel Golkin, cliques rock specific styles, such as the brainiacs in their conservative, plainly-colored cardigans and capris or the glitzed out pink styles worn by Sharpay. In the end, Golkin arranges an all-red cast, symbolizing the newfound unity and acceptance Gabriella and Troy were able to bring.

Fun and energetic, Mission Viejo's "High School Musical" creates a lovely sense of nostalgia through the spirited retelling of the beloved Disney Channel Original Movie.

Mina Farahbod
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Mission Viejo bops to the top with "High School Musical"
written by Mina Farahbod, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal

Welcome to East High School, a place where jocks stick to the basketball court, brainiacs stick to the science lab, and thespians stick to the stage. However, when star athlete Troy and chemistry whiz Gabriella find themselves auditioning for the winter musical, the status quo is suddenly shaken up. In their production of "High School Musical", Mission Viejo delivers a spirited and inspiring story about the importance of breaking social boundaries.

Charlie Massey maintains a charismatic presence as Jack Scott, never losing his relaxed and humorous tone as he makes P.A. announcements during scene changes. Massey adopts different characteristics with each unique hat that he wears during each announcement, growling his lines as he dons devil horns and putting on an English accent with a Renaissance hat.

Portrayed by Ethan Cox, Troy Bolton starts off as the classic jock: relaxed in gait, audacious in tone, and indifferent to everything besides basketball. He loses his brazen façade around the endearingly shy Gabriella Montez (Jenna Bowman), his facial expression softening as they gaze into each other's eyes and sing in "What I've Been Looking For (Reprise)".

Furious that Troy and Gabriella might steal the musical's leading roles, Sharpay Evans (Lily Ohman) struts around in a state of frantic anger and is quick to snap at her brother Ryan (Caleb Smith). Ohman and Smith create a powerful sibling dynamic as they engage in an energetic and chemistry-filled dance in "What I've Been Looking For".

The cheerleaders dance across the stage with zest in their movements and bright smiles upon their faces. Jacob Beaver successfully pulls off complex cheer stunts as he somersaults in the air and lands on the stage in a perfect split.

Costumes pulled by Rachel Golkin are well-coordinated and distinguish the members of each clique. The conservative and preppy brainiacs wear blouses and long skirts, while the more relaxed skaters don open flannels and beanies. To reflect how much the cliques have united, every student is clothed in white and red during the finale.

Stage manager Seadona Taloma keeps all sound and light cues well-timed, ensuring that not a single cue is missed even in busier numbers such as "Stick to the Status Quo".

Filled with plenty of vigor from a dedicated cast and crew, Mission Viejo's "High School Musical" is bright, peppy, and truly uplifting.

Mina Farahbod
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Mission Viejo bops to the top with "High School Musical"
written by Mina Farahbod, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal

Welcome to East High School, a place where jocks stick to the basketball court, brainiacs stick to the science lab, and thespians stick to the stage. However, when star athlete Troy and chemistry whiz Gabriella find themselves auditioning for the winter musical, the status quo is suddenly shaken up. In their production of "High School Musical", Mission Viejo delivers a spirited and inspiring story about the importance of breaking social boundaries.

Charlie Massey maintains a charismatic presence as Jack Scott, never losing his relaxed and humorous tone as he makes P.A. announcements during scene changes. Massey adopts different characteristics with each unique hat that he wears during each announcement, growling his lines as he dons devil horns and putting on an English accent with a Renaissance hat.

Portrayed by Ethan Cox, Troy Bolton starts off as the classic jock: relaxed in gait, audacious in tone, and indifferent to everything besides basketball. He loses his brazen façade around the endearingly shy Gabriella Montez (Jenna Bowman), his facial expression softening as they gaze into each other's eyes and sing in "What I've Been Looking For (Reprise)".

Furious that Troy and Gabriella might steal the musical's leading roles, Sharpay Evans (Lily Ohman) struts around in a state of frantic anger and is quick to snap at her brother Ryan (Caleb Smith). Ohman and Smith create a powerful sibling dynamic as they engage in an energetic and chemistry-filled dance in "What I've Been Looking For".

The cheerleaders dance across the stage with zest in their movements and bright smiles upon their faces. Jacob Beaver successfully pulls off complex cheer stunts as he somersaults in the air and lands on the stage in a perfect split.

Costumes pulled by Rachel Golkin are well-coordinated and distinguish the members of each clique. The conservative and preppy brainiacs wear blouses and long skirts, while the more relaxed skaters don open flannels and beanies. To reflect how much the cliques have united, every student is clothed in white and red during the finale.

Stage manager Seadona Taloma keeps all sound and light cues well-timed, ensuring that not a single cue is missed even in busier numbers such as "Stick to the Status Quo".

Filled with plenty of vigor from a dedicated cast and crew, Mission Viejo's "High School Musical" is bright, peppy, and truly uplifting.