Encore alumni in the house! We are thrilled to welcome back Xander Tilock as he returns to see the show and share his review. Once you’re part of the Encore family, you’re always part of the story. Check it out!
This January, Encore Stage & Studio returned to a millennial classic —- Disney’s High School Musical Jr., a stage adaptation of Disney’s hit film and television works. And just like those other renditions, this one will leave a smile on your face and showtunes stuck in your ears. You won’t mind that at all, though. This production is certainly worth it.
For those who haven’t seen any High School Musical content, the storyline is as follows —- star hooper Troy Bolton meets new student and math geek Gabriella Montez at a New Year’s party. They end up singing karaoke together and falling for one another, and find out that they go to the same high school. High School Musical Jr. follows the development of their relationship and how they navigate balancing their respective activities with a foray into theatre.
Brilliantly leading the way is Cameron Deas as the protagonist, Troy —- dazzling as perhaps the strongest vocalist and dancer of the 34-person cast. Deas’ flawless opening night featured a workout and a half’s worth of dancing and smooth tenor vocals without an error.
A perfect fit with Deas, Olivia McMahon starred as the co-protagonist, Gabriella. Her character development from a shy newcomer and mathematician at East High School to a confident thespian was commendable. High School Musical Jr. was the Encore debut for both her and Deas.
Also strong was the duo of Emily Akerman as Sharpay and Tommy McIntyre as Ryan. Their chemistry both comedically and vocally was consistent throughout the 75 minute runtime. Akerman’s smarmy Sharpay was certainly a crowd favorite.
Other standouts include Annika Kurnanova as the hilarious Ms. Darby, Spencer Tilock with smooth vocals and questionable baking skills as Zeke, Leah Burns as the meek and musical Kelsi, and Amelia Bell as the math leader Taylor.
The technical team was largely solid, with an efficient run crew conducted by stage manager Juli Walitt, perfect costuming from Debra Leonard and Joan Dickson, and a well designed set by Elizabeth Bell. However, microphone feedback issues dampened a strong opening to the show —- and similar issues popped up throughout the evening. The entire cast and crew powered through those challenges admirably.
On the directorial end, Joanna Henry’s Encore debut was a successful one. Some markers of high-quality directing include an engaged and energetic ensemble, a reliable core cast and a clear directorial vision. Henry checks all the boxes. The top-tier directing was a team effort as well —- Andrew Jonas joined as vocal director alongside Brian Wilson and Maddy Sadler as choreographers. With a team of multiple artists leading the talented cast, High School Musical Jr. was set up for a stellar run.
Friday night, that stellar run began with a captivating opening night. It continued with another consistent performance Saturday, and will play on Sunday at 3:00, plus next Friday at 7:00, next Saturday at 11:00 and 3:00, and next Sunday at 3:00.
High School Musical Jr. was a comedic delight and the highlight of Encore’s 2025-26 season thus far. In fact, I recommend seeing it multiple times. You’ll be glad if you do.
Thank you, Xander for coming to see the show and sharing your thoughts. We are always so happy to welcome our alumni back to Encore.
Speaking of Alumni — We’re welcoming past participants to attend the Alumni Night on Friday, January 16, 7pm! Email boxoffice@encorestage.org to let us know you’ll be there!
Photo credit: Cindy Kane Photography.