PROVO — As the 20th anniversary of Disney’s High School Musical approaches, BYU’s Department of Theatre and Media Arts brings the beloved film to life at their Mainstage Theater on BYU’s West Campus. With stunning video screens, a vibrant set, energetic choreography, and a cast that truly is “All in This Together,” the production delivers a delightful night of theater for all ages.
The story follows star athlete Troy Bolton and academically gifted Gabriella Montez, who discover a mutual love for singing at a New Year’s Eve karaoke party. Their decision to audition for the school musical disrupts East High’s established social order, encouraging students to challenge stereotypes and embrace their passions.
BYU embraced this theme offstage as well, opening auditions to the entire student body—including majors far outside the theatre department. The result is a diverse and dynamic cast, reflecting the show’s message that unity and hard work across boundaries can create something special. Director Geoff Reynolds effectively highlights the many backgrounds, interests, and talents within the BYU community.
Freshman Dallen Anderson gave a standout performance in his BYU debut as Troy Bolton, exuding the confidence, grace, and charm of a true high school big shot. Senior Sophia Cabrera brought warmth and poise to the role of Gabriella Montez. Sophomores Austin Meredith Johnson and Mason Lance brought flair and charisma as Sharpay and Ryan Evans.
Notably, this cast nailed something many productions of High School Musical struggle with: the elusive “cool factor.” Too often, stage versions of high school dramas fall flat when actors can’t convincingly portray teenage swagger. But Anderson’s portrayal of Troy—especially in his sweet, respectful interactions with characters like Kelsi (Harley Crabb) and Sharpay—felt both genuine and effortlessly cool.
The rest of the cast followed suit. The opening number felt like a real high school pep rally, with cheerleaders and athletes bursting in from all directions. The choreography in “Get’cha Head in the Game,” which featured a dozen performers, each with a basketball executing flawless tricks, was particularly impressive—especially a moment where six performers planked on basketballs balanced atop their castmates.
Choreographers Bryndal Braithwaite and Thomas Jensen deserve major credit for training the cast to deliver high-energy, physically demanding numbers while maintaining strong vocals. Numbers like “Stick to the Status Quo” and “Bop to the Top” dazzled with their complexity, humor, and tight execution—complete with cafeteria tray flips, backflips, and even breakdancing.
Another standout element was the clever use of video screens. A large center screen displayed flashbacks, while two side screens mimicked smartphones broadcasting East High’s announcements, social media livestreams, and FaceTime calls. These creative segments—masterfully spearheaded by Erin Gibson and her film crew—brought the show into the Gen Alpha age with wit and style, reminiscent of Dear Evan Hansen’s digital integration.
Photo: Mark Brown | Header Photo: BYU Photo | High School Musical Plays at BYU through June 14.
Stealing many scenes was Roman Russell as Jack Scott, East High’s self-proclaimed “Velvet Fog,” who served as the charismatic on-camera emcee throughout. Whether onscreen or live, Russell’s animated performance was magnetic.
Other memorable performances included Harley Crabb as the shy composer Kelsi and Jared Hendricks as Zeke, whose exuberant confession of his love for baking brought big laughs—and big lifts. A realistic cake prop even added a frosted punchline to a scene with Sharpay.
Faculty members Dennis Wright and Haley Anderson added charm and humor as Coach Bolton and Ms. Darbus, with Anderson especially excelling in her dramatic, over-the-top delivery as the theatrical teacher.
While a few solo and duet numbers (such as the added “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”) fell a bit flat or disrupted the pacing, the ensemble numbers were always stellar. The full cast harmonized beautifully while executing rigorous choreography, especially in the show-stopping “We’re All in This Together.”
Each lead had a moment to shine: Lance’s audition scene included a clever, hammed-up nod to Singin’ in the Rain, while Johnson’s powerhouse vocals made Sharpay unforgettable. Their sibling rivalry was both fierce and endearing. Cabrera brought sincerity and sweetness to Gabriella, and Joshua Johnson (as Chad) delivered strong dance moves, though his chemistry with best friend Troy could have been stronger.
Occasionally, the pacing dragged or jokes missed their mark, but the cast—especially Anderson as Troy—helped bring the energy back up when needed.
The set design, complete with lockers, classroom desks, and Wildcat paraphernalia, helped immerse the audience in the East High experience. And with this being BYU’s final production at the old Provo High School, High School Musical felt like a fitting, nostalgic farewell.
With an enthusiastic cast, electrifying choreography, imaginative staging, and standout tech, BYU’s High School Musical is a spirited and heartwarming production. Don your red and white and catch the show before it closes on June 14.
