I don’t want to examine the phenomenon that is High School Musical, because it is undeniable. I don’t think anybody could have predicted that another Grease would work, let alone a Grease that is toned down and glossed-up – kids require violence and naughty language to be amused today, right?

The fact is, though, that High School Musical may very well define today’s era of teenagers, the very way that my generation is defined by Green Day (on a good day) and Limp Bizkit (on a bad day).

Last night I went to see High School Musical On Tour!, at Keller Auditorium. And you know what? Merc snarkiness aside, it was really fucking good.

Except for this song.

So it's not perfect. Half the songs suck, especially that “Get’cha Head in the Game” one. But, being that this was a Broadway Across America production, it was pretty well-funded. The sets were nice, the high schoolers were professional (and fucking 25 years old), and there was a shit load of confetti shot in my face at the end. Whee!

The audience was really into it, and that makes for a fun time in the normally toned-down Keller. There was the obvious gaggle of giggling children there, anywhere from 7 to 14, totally dressed up and into it. Parents were of course chaperoning, but the ride was enjoyable enough that it would be hard to not be entertained by such a show, and most parents looked like they were having fun. Then there was the whole second row (who I’m betting sprung for the stretch limo waiting outside) made up of fabulously excitable theatre geeks.

And you know when really fruity theatre kids are trying to play gangsters? I kept thinking of this commercial:

But hey, if you're into High School Musical, chances are you don't need my convincing to go and see this. That shit was packed.

And no, Zac Efron was not there.