Disney Camp Rock, The Musical.
Book by Robert L Freedman & Faye Greenberg
Directed by Barry Pearl
Choreographed by Keenon Hooks
Musical Direction by Sean Alexander Bart
Produced by Kristi Reed & Paul Panico
This lively new show at NoHo Arts Center is a musical based on the popular Disney TV spectacular movie, ‘Camp Rock.’
I can see why the people at Panic! Productions, who produced this show, chose this particular musical for this particular cast…a perfect fit!
Set in a rock music summer camp, Camp Rock takes us on a journey through teenage angst, but it’s not your usual predictable fare, no way, there are plenty of dramatic twists and turns and many, many excuses for the cast to break out into memorable and brilliantly arranged songs and dance numbers.
This is a wonderful family show, and the cast do a really excellent job of bringing all the characters to life. This really is an ensemble piece, and the young actors have created a truly believable connection to each other. Sparks fly between the two leads, but their relationship remains sweet, charming and innocent. There are more sparks flying of a different kind when Camp Rock meets their rival summer camp, Camp Star, which nicely sets up the competitive story of these arch rivals, culminating in a do or die sing off which Camp Star has magically maneuvered into a TV slot.
I have to say I was more than impressed with the talents of these wonderful performers. They danced, they sang and they acted their hearts out, and the commitment was thoroughly entertaining…
The live band was a terrific touch, it really pulled the whole production together, and the set was inventive and dynamic, much like the direction of the entire play!
Ultimately this is a show for the rock musical theater lover, and someone who can appreciate the potential of youth…all these earnest young performers reminded me of how important our dreams and passions really are, and how admirable it is to see them bloom.
They did a fantastic job of adapting a very popular movie into a fun and engaging stage show, without replicating or mimicking performances or characters at all, very well done to the entire cast
This is a very short run at the NoHo Arts Center, but if you have a spare evening I highly recommend checking out this phenomenally talented bunch!
Disney’s Camp Rock runs from May 6th through May 22nd at The NoHo Arts Center.
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm.
11136 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Tickets are $35/$30 child and senior, with group rates available, and can be purchased at www.panicproductions.brownpapertickets.com .
Cast
Trae Adair, Mackinnley Balleweg, Hannah Cohen, Batya Conn, Tate Downing, Madison Foreman, Maya Galipeau, Sam Herbert, Justin P. James, Tatum Krainman, Haley Ligsay, Kailee McFerran, Jade McGlynn, Jamie McRae, Allison Martinez, Gabriel Nunag, Jaden O’Neal, Adelle Panico, Elaine Panico, Paul Panico, Zoë Reed, Jenna Shechter, Bailey Stillwell, Scott Strauss, Ashley Kiele Thomas, Noah Varav, Kylie Vincent, and Allison Zatlin.
Production Crew
Band Director - Jeff Gibson
Production Stage Manager - Amber Bruegel
Assistant Choreographer - Amanda Meade-Tatum
Set Design - Rei Yamamoto
Lighting Design - Shaun Hara
Sound Design - Darryl Harrelson
Assistant Stage Manager - Juliet Delgado
Backstage Crew - Jake Sosa, Stephanie Jutariu
Costume Assistant - Melissa Castanon
Production Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator
Publicity & Promotions - Robert Weibezahl
Promotions Coordinator - Jessica Herbert
Production Photographer - Paul Cranmer
Video Editor - Sean Spence
House Music & Video Design - Barry Pearl
Poster Design/Program Layout - Natalie DeSavia