KEY POINTS:
It was the social event of the year for the under-10 market. A sea of bubblegum pink and other highlighter shades filled Vector Arena on Thursday night, eagerly anticipating the coming show.
Even those without children will be aware of the pop cultural phenomenon that is the High School Musical franchise. This is the jewel in that franchise's crown The Ice Tour.
For months children have pleaded with parents to buy tickets to the show, in town until Monday. Not all were successful, judging by the ominous clusters of empty seats throughout the upper bowl.
With tickets ranging from $28.50 to $58.50, the price tag isn't unreasonable for an international show. But add to that the exorbitant programme price ($26), some popcorn ($16), a Sno Kone in a flashing collectible cup ($22) or candy floss with a plastic trilby hat ($20) and it becomes a rather expensive night out.
But, as one mother in front of us rationalised, it's all part of the experience.
One could hear the effects of all that sugar as the lights went down over the polished ice rink, which took up two-thirds of the arena's floor space, and a booming American voice over welcomed the crowd to East High School and introduced the main players.
As the crowd cheered wildly for their heroes Gabriella and Troy, one astute six-year-old pointed out that ice-Troy didn't look anything like the films' version, played by actor Zac Effron. She raised a good point. But then, it must be tricky to find professional skaters with the youthful good looks of a Hollywood poster boy.
The cast is comprised of 34 former champion skaters, though for the most part, the skating is basic; On-ice adaptations of the film's simple choreography. It's not until Gabriella (Gladys Orozco) and Troy (Trey Ehre) take to the ice in solo sets that you see the skaters' true talent and skill.
At 75 minutes long, split by a 20 minute interval, the show tells the abridged version of both films, High School Musical and High School Musical 2. A narrator, in the form of playwright Kelsi, is used to jump the story forward between dance numbers.
From an adult point of view, the second half is the best, with a clearer narrative and more striking choreography, costumes and effects. Where the first half simply reels out the film's key songs, the latter half uses more dialogue to drive the story.
However, for the youngsters in the crowd, the second act seemed to take its toll, with many becoming restless and scratchy.
An impressive fireworks finale regained the young crowd's attention, cheering fervently as sparklers rained down on the ice. But with that last burst of energy it was well and truly time for bed, many of the little 'uns too tired to walk out on their own. Sleepy but smiling.
