Book by David Simpatico. Based on a television movie by Peter Barsocchini. Songs by Matthew Gerrard, Robbie Nevil, David N. Lawrence, Faye Greenberg, Randy Petersen, Kevin Quinn, Jamie Houston, Andy Dodd, Adam Watts, Antonina Armato, Tim James, and Bryan Louiselle. Music adapted and arranged by Bryan Louiselle. Directed by Richard Berg. A URP production. At Centennial Theatre on Wednesday, November 4. Continues until November 22

The productions from North Vancouver’s URP—formerly Uncle Randy Productions—are jaw-droppingly slick. This one, Disney’s High School Musical 2, is a formulaic entertainment. But that doesn’t matter a heck of a lot because it’s perfectly pitched to its target audience of preteen girls.

Like Archie comics, DHSM2 is a fantasy of teenage life, as imagined by kids who are still in elementary grades. When Troy, the most popular guy in high school, acquires a summer job at a local luxury resort, he manages to get all of his pals—both girls and boys—hired as well. Sharpay, the nasty rich girl, tries to get between Troy and his true love, Gabriella. The battleground is the summer talent contest. Will Troy sing with Sharpay or Gabriella? In the end, everything turns out the way the audience hopes it will and the mean people apologize, which allows everybody to be friends.

The impressive loyalty these shows have won from kids feels like a triumph of market research rather than artistic vision, however. Although written by no fewer than 12 composers, the songs are as generic as the story is.

Still, DHSM2 reinforces laudable values of honesty and inclusion, and the material provides a blueprint for a colourful, energetic entertainment, which is exactly what director Richard Berg delivers.

Scott Perrie, who plays Troy, is charismatically boyish, and he’s got a huge range and a fantastic set of pipes. The warmly charming Shannon Adams (Gabriella) is also completely at ease with the tricky intervals of the musical’s pop stylings. Julie Trepanier exhibits solid comic timing as Sharpay. And Brandyn Eddy brings both a fine voice and a subtle acting sensibility to the role of Sharpay’s brother Ryan.

Everybody in this youthful ensemble tosses off Shelley Stewart Hunt’s witty, complex choreography with winning ease and enthusiasm. Under Courtenay Ennis’s musical direction, the band is tight. And Rob Sondergaard’s lighting is sensational; several effects make you feel like you’re in the middle of a rock video.

DHSM2 ain’t Brecht, but it’s fun—especially if you’re still young enough to see the world in candy colours.