Don't Stop Believin' by Hills Youth Theatre Review

Don't Stop Believin' by Hills Youth Theatre Review

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Posted 2015-01-16 by Haydn Radfordfollow

Tue 13 Jan 2015 - Sun 18 Jan 2015



Hills Youth Theatre presents the contemporary, high energy, pop musical Don't Stop Believin' at the Stirling Community Theatre. This glee type production is based on the book by Craig Sodaro with music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur.

It is a simple plot with lots of energetic choreography, enjoyable music and a wonderful sense of fun displayed by the enthusiastic and spirited young cast thanks to the tutoring and dedication by Director, Judy Sampson, Assistant Director. Di Mason and Choreographer Madeline Shields. There is lots to enjoy with Don't Stop Believin' with such a large cast of young performers, of various ages, giving such likeable performances with energetic choreography and gymnastics and singing the many songs and providing lots of humour.



The various funny bits brought lots of laughter throughout the production from an audience of all ages, who clearly enjoyed the performances. It is wonderful see so many talented HYT Junior Youth to Senior Youth students working together with parents not only during performances, but on sets, costumes and other supportive roles to create such a lively production.

There is a joy in seeing the depth that everyone involved in the production provide and how the many extras are in tune with what is happening as they deliver American accents while playing the different cliche characters of nerds, street kids, gymnasts, basketball players, graffiti artists, cheer leaders, corrupt councillors, egotistical celebrity judges, tough guys and a grumpy elderly neighbour.

Matilda Hilton as Aleta Lampert, head of the Lampert Community Centre is a fine performer with a fine singing voice offering energy and humour that brought life to the musical numbers.



Ella Heywood- Smith as Coral Dahl, the lively, funny administration assistant, with outrageous outfits and the brightest red hair, is possibly the funniest of all. She was continually receiving lots of well deserved laughter from the audience. There were moments she did seemingly very little, as her mere presence provided great comic effect while supporting the other cast members during their parts.

Eloise lesue as Lola Strickles and Mitchell McFarlane as Jake Crumbly play the two greedy councillors, as Paul Abbot and Simone Growl as the egotistical judges on "We've Got Talent"; all provide the right chemistry as the villains.



Zanny Edhouse as Desiree Flambeau, as the annoyed/annoying neighbour, along with her dog Muffin were very convincing, with Muffin displaying much self-control while remaining in character.

Among the teenage characters Zoe Hilton as Nora Truitt, a high school senior with a rough past, Chloe Zodrow as Angel Brown, Nora's friend, Jack Moran as Bubba, the bully portrayed their teenage characters very convincingly.

The romantic chemistry between Raife Gehren as Brady Fisher, the college student/volunteer and Zoe Hilton was charming as the romantic couple struggling with their differences and issues arising from their different life values and lifestyle.



There are moments, the theme of these tough independent kids believing in themselves, fighting for their rights and needs, as they overcome the corrupt actions of the city council and the celebrity judges, reflects some issues that are relevant today.



#adelaide_hills
#child_friendly
#community_theatre
#disabled_friendly
#eastern_suburbs
#family_attractions
#greater_adelaide
#humour
#music
#near_adelaide
#performing_arts
#south_australia
#stirling
#theatre_reviews
#theatres
#january
!date 13/01/2015 -- 18/01/2015
%wnadelaide
211617 - 2023-06-16 06:38:24

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