LAND OF CLEVE REVIEW:
School Musical 'bare: a pop opera'
Offers Emotional Lessons
at Western Reserve Playhouse


Playgoers of all religions will relate to the kids attending this Catholic boarding school. Peter loves Jason and Jason loves him back but must mask his feelings while fending off the advances of Ivy. Meanwhile, Jason's sister Nadia is having an identity crisis of her own. Between hallway hookups and midnight raves, the hormonal quartet and their classmates are faced with the prerequisite fear, frustration, and guilt that comes with a parochial school education.

Brian Westerley directs the show with a balanced blend of sensitivity and snark. He is aided by Dave Stebbins raw and rhythmic musical direction and Kristy Cruz's powerfully provocative choreography.

Westerley's cast is convincing and confident beyond their youthful years. As the central couple, Nick Urbanic and Nick Sobotka earn the audience's empathy while enduring a full curriculum of emotions. Laney Davis and Korinne Courtwright earn high grades as well with their honest and heartbreaking portrayals of Ivy and Nadia, respectively.

The effective and affecting ensemble includes Dominic Sonby, Daniel Hunsicker, Kayla Lehman, Khylee Kridler, Brooke Lytton, Austin Hopson, Ben Arrington, Stephanie Malfara, and David Rusnak.

Moving to the head of the class is Dayshawnda Ash, who is literally a holy terror as Sister Chantelle. Her high-spirited musical numbers are hilarious highlights of the evening...


READ THE FULL REVIEW AT:
http://inthelandofcleve.blogspot.com/2018/07/cleve-review-school-musical-bare-pop.html