BATTLE OF THE BANDS IN NOHO
Rock Out with Panic! Productions
BY RYAN M. LUÉVANO
Moving set pieces, changing lights, quick changes, microphones cutting in and out, visceral energy and pure adrenaline—that’s the climate at this week’s tech rehearsal for Panic! Productions Camp Rock. None of this phased the cast of young adults as they all handled the challenges of ‘tech’ week like true professionals—they’re ready to rock out for the L.A. community!
The cast od Camp Rock. Photo Credit: Ryan Luevano.
Panic! Productions, the award-winning Thousand Oaks-based theatre company, has arrived at the NoHo Arts Center to present Disney’s Camp Rock: The Musical, based on the popular Disney Channel movie. Directed by Broadway and Hollywood veteran Barry Pearl, with choreography by Keenon Hooks and musical direction by Sean Alexander Bart, this high-energy show is produced for Panic! by Kristi Reed and Paul Panico.
What immediately jumps out from the show is the exciting choreography by Hooks. Bodies continually moving about the stage—jumping, turning, twisting, crossing in and out of unison, accented with gestures that give you a moment to pause and absorb before being whisked into the next sequence. What’s more, these kids have beautifully executed Hooks’ electric dance moves which blend jazz, ballet, rock gestures, and children’s games, bringing a whirlwind of energy into this pop/rock score. Get ready for Trae Adair (Luke Williams) who is featured as soloist throughout, highlighting his animation and popping and locking skills.
Director Barry Pearl. Photo Credit: Ryan Luevano.
Pearl’s engaging direction emphasizes the rivalry between Camp Rock and Camp Star, while bringing all the story elements and characters to life on stage. The cast rises up to the occasion, playing their roles with conviction and pride. Fifteen-year-old Allison Martinez as Mitchie Torres is the fearless leader of Camp Rock who’s strong voice is heard in many of her featured songs. Zoë Reed (Tess Tyler) is the perfect adversary: she’s tough and sassy with a bold voice to match.
Allison Martinez and Gabriel Nunag. Photo Credit: Ryan Luevano.
The set design by Rei Yamamoto creates the perfect space for the show—it’s sleek, contemporary and edgy, brilliantly blending the rock world with the world of outdoors camping. It consists of platforms that surround the stage and a massive staircase of metal and wood that is so enormous it had to be completely disassembled and rebuilt in the space.
Zoë Reed and the cast of Camp Rock. Photo Credit: Ryan Luevano.
Panic! Productions Camp Rock is a fun night at the theater for the whole family. If this is what future of performing arts looks like, then the future is brighter than ever! Be sure to keep your eye on the members of this extraordinary ensemble of actors. Camp Rock opens May 6, 2016 and plays through May 22 at the NoHo Arts Center. For more information and tickets visit: panicproductions.brownpapertickets.com.
For more photos of this talented cast CLICK HERE!
