HSMTMTS Review: Showtime (Season 2 Episode 11)
It’s opening night in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 2 Episode 11, “Showtime, ” and East High is bringing Beauty And The Beast alive in ways even the Menkies are bound to find impressive.
“Showtime” is the shortest episode of the season; clocking in at just under 28 minutes, it uses time wisely by only taking on half of Beauty And The Beast, before ending with cliffhangers so big, you’ll be salivating for answers until the finale.
Everything in “Showtime” culminates into a giant, explosively fun time that will have you singing until you laugh, laughing until you cry, and crying until you’re left completely speechless.
“Be Our Guest” and “Something There” — two of the most highly anticipated musical numbers of the season — are both performed and filmed exceptionally. They are treated as opportunities not only to showcase the incredible talent of the HSMTMTS cast, but assist in telling stories for so many of the principal characters.
“Be Our Guest” is a magnificent and magical ensemble number, one that not only highlights the on-stage production, but follows the cast behind the scenes, detailing the work and frenzy that goes into a theatre performance.
It’s an incredibly clever way to frame things; feeling more like a documentary than a scripted series, it throws any veteran of high school theatre right back into memories of the adrenaline felt on opening night.
“Something There’ slows things down slightly to hone its focus on Ashlyn, and Julia Lester proves exactly why she was chosen to play Belle. Her performance is absolutely astounding — hitting notes that only a true musical theatre veteran could attempt, she delivers some of the best vocals of the show to date.
How “Something There’ is utilized becomes two-fold, helping tell a wordless story between characters backstage.
While Ashlyn sings the pointed “Who would have ever thought that this could be,” HSMTMTS zeros in on longing looks between EJ and Gina, mirroring their budding romance and a surprising second chance at love.
Offstage or on, there isn’t a single second of “Showtime” that isn’t used wisely, even when it’s breaking our hearts.
The introduction of Jordan Fisher as Jamie Porter is both delightful and emotional, adding depth and complexity to Gina’s background. The two have a natural chemistry that sells their sibling relationship effortlessly.
There is a multitude of guest stars this season who have been used as plot devices in the larger narrative, and Jamie is no exception. Starkly juxtaposed with the heartwarming moment of brother and sister reunited, he also throws a wrench in the adorable romance that is “Portwell.”
The dramatic irony at play makes for a perfect angst-filled ending to the episode. The audience is aware of how Gina feels about EJ, but is useless in course-correcting Jamie’s well-meaning but grave misjudgment.
Miscommunication inevitably feeds on EJ’s insecurities, threatening to ruin what the two might have together, and viewers are left throwing things at their television screens in frustration.
HSMTMTS knows how to do many things well, but it executes romance flawlessly.
EJ and Gina have a beautifully simple story; one that has helped both characters heal and grow. With a last-minute conflict jeopardizing everything, budding tension between characters only promises the end payoff will be that much sweeter.
That’s the thing about HSMTMTS; eventually, it always makes the right story choice — one that both connects the dots and leaves you ultimately satisfied (they had us with that Lily and Ricky swerve for a second, we won’t lie).
Episodes like “Showtime” are what make HSMTMTS stand out from all the other shows of its kind, proving the series knows exactly what it’s doing.
If there’s anything truly surprising about “Showtime,” it’s how excellent East High’s Beauty And The Beast actually is. Everything shown during rehearsal has been just short of abysmal, but perhaps that’s HSMTMTS’ elaborate way of dazzling its audience.
If so, it’s working.
With one episode left, the show certainly has its fair share of questions unanswered. They may have started off strong, but with Ms. Jens meltdown, a very important harness missing, and so many characters ruffled with personal conflict, things feel grim for our Wildcats.
If anyone can defeat the odds, it’s East High. At least everyone stuck to the same role this time.
Random Thoughts:
- The parallels to HSM opening night are lovely flourishes to the episode.
- Nini handing out cards feels like a version of the character we haven’t seen in a while.
- EJ being aware of “the chocolate” situation (and being secure about it) is a nice way to highlight his growth.
- Ashlyn getting Big Red flowers after he got them for her is *chefs kiss.*
- “We don’t do it for them, we do it for us” is an outstanding line of dialogue.
- Gina and Nini not speaking about the chocolates feels unfinished.
- Julie Lester and Joshua Bassett are an excellent (and underused) comedic duo.
- What is Big Red planning for Ashlyn in the south hallway?
- Will Ricky and Nini figure out what to say on their cards?
- Who was on the phone with Mr. Mazarra?
- Will North High be disqualified from The Menkies for stealing the harness?
- Will EJ and Gina ever get that risotto? So many questions!
What did you think of this episode of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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High School Musical: The Musical: The Series airs Fridays on Disney+.
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Kat Pettibone
Kat Pettibone is an aspiring TV writer, artist, and poet. As a Pacey Witter Fan Club lifer who never missed a TGIF, she has dreams of becoming your generations small screen Nora Ephron. She's also an avid lover of coffee, dogs and all things spooky.