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‘High School Musical: The Ice Tour’ @ Philips Arena
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
REVIEW. “Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour.” Grade: D+
The ice has not been nice to “Disney’s High School Musical.”
Gliding into Philips Arena for a weekend-long run, “Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour” puts a chill on the tween phenomenon that began in early 2006 with a made-for-TV film, then spawned an avalanche of hit singles, a concert tour, amateur and professional stage versions across the land and a ratings-busting August sequel.
Now all-American sweethearts Troy and Gabriella and flamboyant sibling thesps Ryan and Sharpay have hit the ice with a family singalong that turns the candy-colored slush into the artistic equivalent of a snow-cone accident.
Splat!
OK. Hold on. That’s not exactly fair. The skating is breathlessly executed by a dynamic young ensemble of athletes who have their heads (and toes) fully into the game of Charles “Chucky” Klapow’s intricate choreography.
For a story that hopscotches from a basketball gymnasium to a golf course to a baseball diamond, an arena-size skating spectacle is a smart way to create stunning visual pictures at breakneck speed (although it’s worth pointing out that the Arizona desert looks a little odd on a surface of ice).
But by all accounts, it’s virtually impossible to “getcha, getcha, getcha” axels in a triple while carrying a tune. The solution, then, is to lipsynch the songs and dialogue to a recorded soundtrack — an approach that runs counter to the very idea of putting on a musical. Instead of acting, you get a lot of exaggerated hand-waving and over-the-top pantomime.
And since fabulous hair is such a big part of the “High School Musical” hipness factor, many of the performers are required to cover their sensible real-life dos with frightful fashion don’ts: bad wigs.
Everyone knows there’s no way Sharpay would ruin her Gucci-Prada-Dolce wardrobe with clumpy blonde locks. And why would Troy want to kiss Gabriella and risk getting a fake hair in his mouth? G-ross.
What must be said about “High School Musical: The Ice Tour” is that the performances sizzle. The former professional ice-skater I invited to the show pronounced the artistry impressive and the choreography daunting.
Indeed, Brad Santer (Troy) and Amanda Billings (Gabriella) skate like angels. Their duet to “Breaking Free” (“We’re soaring, we’re flying”) is breathtaking, particularly when Santer lifts off the ice for an airborne second or two.
With his fluttery mannerisms and slender physique, Adam Loosley captures the essence of Ryan — with that trademark cap parked at just the right angle. Only Kristen Treni (Sharpay) disappoints, with a diminutive silhouette and attitude that seems too subdued for the bristling diva-devil.
“High School Musical” is a pop-culture force that is covering the planet like a carpet of karaoke kudzu. Kids know every lyric, parents cringe over empty wallets, and Disney celebrates the magic of the East High School brand. Shiver to think it: But this cavalcade of frost-friendly lipsynchers may just be the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
THE 411: 10:30 a.m and 7:30 p.m. today. 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday. Through Sunday. $15-$35. Philips Arena. 404-249-6400, highschoolmusicaltheicetour.com
BOTTOM LINE: The beloved tween brand gets rinky-dink treatment.
Comments
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By Parent
October 25, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
My daughter LOVED the show. I thought this was for kids. So who really gives a flying flip as long as they like it.
By J111
October 25, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why this show is even given the ink for a review. It’s a touring show that is going to draw its core audience and then be gone in a flash. Use your space, time and energy to review shows from companies which are actually located in the area.
By Ice Show Fan
October 25, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
Show was cute - not they best Disney on Ice show - most of that credit goes to customes and lots of artsy ice moves…but, we had fun last night, my 10 yr old daughter enjoyed it and that is all that matters. In a time when there is nothing for the pre-teen, this rocks!