Thursday, November 21, 2013
Exceptional Cast Headlines NOISES OFF at Lake Minneola High School
Are you anticipating a crazy roller coaster filled with comedy, humility, and many many doors? Well, that's exactly what Lake Minneola High School is offering as they perform Noises Off a play within a play filled with many twists and turns that captivate the audience and keep them on the edge of their seats.
Noises Off is a 1982 comedic play and was written by Michael Frayn. The story revolves around the fact that the cast is actually a completely other cast in a play known as Nothing On. The cast takes on two character roles the Noises Off character and the Nothing On character which can make things hard to follow at times but Lake Minneola definitely pulled it off.
Overall Lake Minneola kicked off the year with a huge bang! The energy and commitment of the cast truly shined on stage. The cast all worked well together and complimented each other perfectly. Besides that the overall projection and other aspects were very well done and, even though diction was a problem in certain areas, the overall production was fantastic.
This show was led by two very talented individuals Jeanne Ley (Dotty/Mrs. Clackett) and Jonathan Melendez (Gary/Rodger) who brought their characters to life and commanded the stage. The emotion these two brought made it very easy to understand and connect the audience to their characters and made it easy to understand when they were on stage in the play and when off stage as their other character. There projection and movement were never without purpose and their comedic timing kept the audience laughing and wanting more.
The supporting cast was also outstanding and never left the audience with a dull moment. The entire supporting cast, Trevor Colt (Llyod Dallas), Jennifer Santiago (Brooke/Vicki), Alyssa Smith (Poppy Norton-Taylor), Caleb Russel (Frederick/Phillip), Mariah Morton (Belinda/Flavia), Angelia Vang (Tim Allgood), and Nathanael Tria (Selsdon/Burglar), did a phenomenal job of performing this very difficult production. They not only showed great acting abilities but also great dedication as we watched a few of them fall down stairs and watched them use a variety of different but necessary props that all added to the overall effect of the show.
On the technical aspects Lake Minneola brought their set two life by having a two story house with multiple doors all perfectly created and sturdy. Lighting and sound also was done exceptionally (Marrisa Fontes, Ashling Richard, Joseph Mercer) never leaving the cast without a voice or in the dark.
Overall, Lake Minneola has outdone themselves this year with their production of Noises Off. Bringing this difficult play to life with their exceptional cast makes the audience eager for their next performance to hear another line and to share another joke at Lake Minneola.
by Dalton Kersey of South Lake High School
Dracula at Winter Springs A KILLER HIT
In the midst of Transylvania, where the wolves howl and shadows lurk, lives one blood thirsty creature who stands above the rest. Waiting for her prey. Winter Springs High School delivered “Dracula”, a tale so unnerving, nothing will save you.
“Dracula” is a stage play that was adapted by Hamilton Deane from Bram Stoker’s famous novel. Since 1924, the show has undergone a plethora adaptations. In this version, the story follows Lucy and her friend Mina as well as their companions, Jonathan and John as they are tormented by the Count and search for clues that will assist them in her defeat. With the aid of Abraham Van Helsing, the company realizes exactly what Dracula is and make a desperate attempt to put an end to her madness.
The show opens with a monologue from Gannon Kolzielski (Renfield), in which he displays his use of crisp and precise diction accompanied by ample amounts of projection. However, what really made him so memorable was his impeccable physicality. He covered both ends of the spectrum, being both poised in once scene, and a complete lunatic in the next. He made use of the stage and well as his own body by crouching and contorting, crawling and cringing. Kolzielski acted from head to toe, giving his character depth and significance and deserves the upmost of praise. His parallel, Amari O’Neill (Lucy), delivered an unforgettable performance as well. Her character’s humility in the beginning came off as genuine and natural, allowing the audience to believe in the story she was telling. Her lines were never lost, and her piercing shrieks frightened the audience as intended to, shivers down their spines.
Jordyn Coleman (Dracula) herself was a spectacle to be seen. Her seductive Transylvanian accent was consistent and easy to follow. Coleman too had sharp physicality. From the way she walked to how she would bite necks, her performance seemed authentic. Also, Nate Elliot (Abraham Van Helsing) spoke with such equanimity that it was hard to believe he was a high school student.
The ensemble strongly contributed to the “spook” factor of the show. The asylum patients added layers to the story, each keeping a consistent character throughout long periods of time which is difficult to do. However, it was done successfully. The cast as a whole acted wonderfully together. Connections were made and believed though their intimacy, nothing seemed fabricated.
The technical aspects of this show really raised the standard. Reed Truslow did a remarkable job with lighting. He crafted it in a way to direct attention to where it needed to be and would set the mood through different washes and intensities of light. Costumes were impressive as well. The entire cast donned a specific color palate that was appropriate to the show as well as to the progression of the story.
Winter Springs High brought the world of Transylvania to their stage as if it was a page ripped out of Bram Stoker’s novel, and it was a killer hit.
In the midst of Transylvania, where the wolves howl and shadows lurk, lives one blood thirsty creature who stands above the rest. Waiting for her prey. Winter Springs High School delivered “Dracula”, a tale so unnerving, nothing will save you.
“Dracula” is a stage play that was adapted by Hamilton Deane from Bram Stoker’s famous novel. Since 1924, the show has undergone a plethora adaptations. In this version, the story follows Lucy and her friend Mina as well as their companions, Jonathan and John as they are tormented by the Count and search for clues that will assist them in her defeat. With the aid of Abraham Van Helsing, the company realizes exactly what Dracula is and make a desperate attempt to put an end to her madness.
The show opens with a monologue from Gannon Kolzielski (Renfield), in which he displays his use of crisp and precise diction accompanied by ample amounts of projection. However, what really made him so memorable was his impeccable physicality. He covered both ends of the spectrum, being both poised in once scene, and a complete lunatic in the next. He made use of the stage and well as his own body by crouching and contorting, crawling and cringing. Kolzielski acted from head to toe, giving his character depth and significance and deserves the upmost of praise. His parallel, Amari O’Neill (Lucy), delivered an unforgettable performance as well. Her character’s humility in the beginning came off as genuine and natural, allowing the audience to believe in the story she was telling. Her lines were never lost, and her piercing shrieks frightened the audience as intended to, shivers down their spines.
Jordyn Coleman (Dracula) herself was a spectacle to be seen. Her seductive Transylvanian accent was consistent and easy to follow. Coleman too had sharp physicality. From the way she walked to how she would bite necks, her performance seemed authentic. Also, Nate Elliot (Abraham Van Helsing) spoke with such equanimity that it was hard to believe he was a high school student.
The ensemble strongly contributed to the “spook” factor of the show. The asylum patients added layers to the story, each keeping a consistent character throughout long periods of time which is difficult to do. However, it was done successfully. The cast as a whole acted wonderfully together. Connections were made and believed though their intimacy, nothing seemed fabricated.
The technical aspects of this show really raised the standard. Reed Truslow did a remarkable job with lighting. He crafted it in a way to direct attention to where it needed to be and would set the mood through different washes and intensities of light. Costumes were impressive as well. The entire cast donned a specific color palate that was appropriate to the show as well as to the progression of the story.
by Desiree Rodriguez, Cypress Creek High School
Winter Springs High brought the world of Transylvania to their stage as if it was a page ripped out of Bram Stoker’s novel, and it was a killer hit.
In the midst of Transylvania, where the wolves howl and shadows lurk, lives one blood thirsty creature who stands above the rest. Waiting for her prey. Winter Springs High School delivered “Dracula”, a tale so unnerving, nothing will save you.
“Dracula” is a stage play that was adapted by Hamilton Deane from Bram Stoker’s famous novel. Since 1924, the show has undergone a plethora adaptations. In this version, the story follows Lucy and her friend Mina as well as their companions, Jonathan and John as they are tormented by the Count and search for clues that will assist them in her defeat. With the aid of Abraham Van Helsing, the company realizes exactly what Dracula is and make a desperate attempt to put an end to her madness.
The show opens with a monologue from Gannon Kolzielski (Renfield), in which he displays his use of crisp and precise diction accompanied by ample amounts of projection. However, what really made him so memorable was his impeccable physicality. He covered both ends of the spectrum, being both poised in once scene, and a complete lunatic in the next. He made use of the stage and well as his own body by crouching and contorting, crawling and cringing. Kolzielski acted from head to toe, giving his character depth and significance and deserves the upmost of praise. His parallel, Amari O’Neill (Lucy), delivered an unforgettable performance as well. Her character’s humility in the beginning came off as genuine and natural, allowing the audience to believe in the story she was telling. Her lines were never lost, and her piercing shrieks frightened the audience as intended to, shivers down their spines.
Jordyn Coleman (Dracula) herself was a spectacle to be seen. Her seductive Transylvanian accent was consistent and easy to follow. Coleman too had sharp physicality. From the way she walked to how she would bite necks, her performance seemed authentic. Also, Nate Elliot (Abraham Van Helsing) spoke with such equanimity that it was hard to believe he was a high school student.
The ensemble strongly contributed to the “spook” factor of the show. The asylum patients added layers to the story, each keeping a consistent character throughout long periods of time which is difficult to do. However, it was done successfully. The cast as a whole acted wonderfully together. Connections were made and believed though their intimacy, nothing seemed fabricated.
The technical aspects of this show really raised the standard. Reed Truslow did a remarkable job with lighting. He crafted it in a way to direct attention to where it needed to be and would set the mood through different washes and intensities of light. Costumes were impressive as well. The entire cast donned a specific color palate that was appropriate to the show as well as to the progression of the story.
Winter Springs High brought the world of Transylvania to their stage as if it was a page ripped out of Bram Stoker’s novel, and it was a killer hit.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Hagerty's Production A Joy To See
by Madison Bernstein, Lyman High School
Bright lights, opening night, an entire row of critics; this combination is a perfect recipe for a flock of butterflies to nest themselves in your stomach, but this did not seem so for the cast of Hagerty High’s production of “The Miracle Worker” by William Gibson, on October 19, 2006.
A play with almost a two-year run time on Broadway, along with such a strong message and story is bound to be a winner. The basis to “The Miracle Worker” is the story of Annie Sullivan’s development into a well educated, intelligent, and efficient teacher to the deaf, dumb, and blind. Annie met Helen and her family in 1887. Helen was a spoiled child, who Annie was determined to change, with awful manners and terrible temper tantrums.
Leah Goetzke, who played Annie Sullivan, convinced the entire audience she was Annie Sullivan by transforming from a young girl freshly out of school who didn’t know much about the world or how to teach, and blossoming into a history making miracle worker.
Helen and Annie are an unstoppable duo. The relationship they expressed to the audience was one of true compassion to help one another. Annie obviously gave Helen the tools to transform her into a contributing member of society. Just as Annie was molding Helen into the person she turned out to be, Helen styled Annie into a successful and knowledgeable teacher who will go down in history.
With such strong actors it’s easy for inexperienced actors to go unnoticed. On stage it is prudent to speak loudly and clearly or be drowned out.
The set for Hagerty’s production was simply delightful. The creation of the different level for Annie’s bedroom gave a more realistic feel to the Keller’s home. Besides the marvelous décor of the Keller’s household, the working water-pump was not only a shock to see, but intensely wonderful to see the commitment of dedicating to the major revelation of Helen’s life.
Hagerty’s production was a joy to see and a true attention grabber. From their choice of actors to the actual play they chose to perform, was a strong and good decision.
Originally published in The Backstage Noise, Fall, 2006
Bright lights, opening night, an entire row of critics; this combination is a perfect recipe for a flock of butterflies to nest themselves in your stomach, but this did not seem so for the cast of Hagerty High’s production of “The Miracle Worker” by William Gibson, on October 19, 2006.
A play with almost a two-year run time on Broadway, along with such a strong message and story is bound to be a winner. The basis to “The Miracle Worker” is the story of Annie Sullivan’s development into a well educated, intelligent, and efficient teacher to the deaf, dumb, and blind. Annie met Helen and her family in 1887. Helen was a spoiled child, who Annie was determined to change, with awful manners and terrible temper tantrums.
Leah Goetzke, who played Annie Sullivan, convinced the entire audience she was Annie Sullivan by transforming from a young girl freshly out of school who didn’t know much about the world or how to teach, and blossoming into a history making miracle worker.
Helen and Annie are an unstoppable duo. The relationship they expressed to the audience was one of true compassion to help one another. Annie obviously gave Helen the tools to transform her into a contributing member of society. Just as Annie was molding Helen into the person she turned out to be, Helen styled Annie into a successful and knowledgeable teacher who will go down in history.
With such strong actors it’s easy for inexperienced actors to go unnoticed. On stage it is prudent to speak loudly and clearly or be drowned out.
The set for Hagerty’s production was simply delightful. The creation of the different level for Annie’s bedroom gave a more realistic feel to the Keller’s home. Besides the marvelous décor of the Keller’s household, the working water-pump was not only a shock to see, but intensely wonderful to see the commitment of dedicating to the major revelation of Helen’s life.
Hagerty’s production was a joy to see and a true attention grabber. From their choice of actors to the actual play they chose to perform, was a strong and good decision.
Originally published in The Backstage Noise, Fall, 2006
East Ridge's Sleepy Hollow A Definite Success
by Adam Pegram, Cypress Creek High School
A man engulfed by the threat of an eerie presence, a quivering, young schoolmaster of an unknown past, and a symbol of progress, Ichabod Crane merely stepped into a precarious situation at one of the worst possible times in East Ridge High School’s production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Ichabod Crane, the new schoolmaster, arrived in Sleepy Hollow in a rather unorthodox fashion, bringing with him some odd traditions that aroused the interests of the townspeople. Soon enough, his cordial nature impressed the ladies, including Katrina Van Tassel, the town’s most sought after female. The men of Sleepy Hollow were much less enthralled, in particular, Katrina’s admirer, Brom Bones, who immediately began plotting Ichabod’s defeat only moments after his arrival. Issues surged to a climax during the Van Tassel’s Halloween party, after which Ichabod is meets a terrifying apparition, the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. The next morning Ichabod vanished. His hat was the only evidence of his existence.
Although somewhat limited by shaky transitional phases, the quality of the production was quite admirable. The set and costumes were both indicative of the eighteenth century, and the thematic music aided the production’s suspenseful nature. The introduction by Narrator Zachary Hassan also served as a dramatic and somewhat humorous component of the production, setting the stage for future events.
Michael Crowley (Ichabod Crane), Garrett Jablonski (Brom Bones) and Tori Rapp (Katrina Van Tassel) each demonstrated consistency and professionalism in their roles, supplementing the storyline with versatile and dynamic lead characters. Michael Crowley’s emphasis on Ichabod’s tentative and naturally quiet nature greatly contributed to the suspense of many of scenes of the play. Garret Jablonski and Tori Rapp’s commitment to both comedic and dramatic sequences added a further dimension to the performance as well.
Garret Jablonski and Tori Rapp’s introductory “ankle scene” was a very entertaining and well-choreographed sequence. However, the most memorable moment of the night can be summed up into Zachary Hassan’s three-word phrase, “Oh that Ichy!” Overall, the entire cast’s fearlessness and enthusiasm served as possibly their greatest benefactors. The confidence and enthusiasm levels of the crew were impressively high for opening night.
The lighting and sound complemented the production well, accentuating the “Graveyard” scene by feeding upon the excitement from the prior instances. The malignant laughing also deepened the suspenseful inseams of the play, and served as a welcome addition.
Despite the pressures of opening night, East Ridge High School’s production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was a definitive success!
Orignally published in The Backstage Noise, Fall, 2006
A man engulfed by the threat of an eerie presence, a quivering, young schoolmaster of an unknown past, and a symbol of progress, Ichabod Crane merely stepped into a precarious situation at one of the worst possible times in East Ridge High School’s production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Ichabod Crane, the new schoolmaster, arrived in Sleepy Hollow in a rather unorthodox fashion, bringing with him some odd traditions that aroused the interests of the townspeople. Soon enough, his cordial nature impressed the ladies, including Katrina Van Tassel, the town’s most sought after female. The men of Sleepy Hollow were much less enthralled, in particular, Katrina’s admirer, Brom Bones, who immediately began plotting Ichabod’s defeat only moments after his arrival. Issues surged to a climax during the Van Tassel’s Halloween party, after which Ichabod is meets a terrifying apparition, the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. The next morning Ichabod vanished. His hat was the only evidence of his existence.
Although somewhat limited by shaky transitional phases, the quality of the production was quite admirable. The set and costumes were both indicative of the eighteenth century, and the thematic music aided the production’s suspenseful nature. The introduction by Narrator Zachary Hassan also served as a dramatic and somewhat humorous component of the production, setting the stage for future events.
Michael Crowley (Ichabod Crane), Garrett Jablonski (Brom Bones) and Tori Rapp (Katrina Van Tassel) each demonstrated consistency and professionalism in their roles, supplementing the storyline with versatile and dynamic lead characters. Michael Crowley’s emphasis on Ichabod’s tentative and naturally quiet nature greatly contributed to the suspense of many of scenes of the play. Garret Jablonski and Tori Rapp’s commitment to both comedic and dramatic sequences added a further dimension to the performance as well.
Garret Jablonski and Tori Rapp’s introductory “ankle scene” was a very entertaining and well-choreographed sequence. However, the most memorable moment of the night can be summed up into Zachary Hassan’s three-word phrase, “Oh that Ichy!” Overall, the entire cast’s fearlessness and enthusiasm served as possibly their greatest benefactors. The confidence and enthusiasm levels of the crew were impressively high for opening night.
The lighting and sound complemented the production well, accentuating the “Graveyard” scene by feeding upon the excitement from the prior instances. The malignant laughing also deepened the suspenseful inseams of the play, and served as a welcome addition.
Despite the pressures of opening night, East Ridge High School’s production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was a definitive success!
Orignally published in The Backstage Noise, Fall, 2006
Cypress Creek Ushers in the Holiday Season With A Classic
by Rebecca Curran, Hagerty High School
It’s A Wonderful Life, the show based on the story of Phillip Van Doren Stern and adapted to the stage by James W. Rodgers, has long stood as a Christmas classic and was brought to life on the stage of Cypress Creek High School.
The well-known story, made into a Frank Capra film in 1946 starring James Stewart, begins at a climax—it is Christmas Eve, and George Bailey stands on the edge of a bridge ready to jump. His bumbling guardian angel, Clarence, appears and shows George what the world would be like if he had never been born. To George’s own surprise, he realizes how much good he has contributed to people, and returns home to his worried family.
The overall design of this production was impressive. Each scene created a very aesthetically pleasing stage picture, and the sentimental themes of the show were well communicated by the cast.
Starring Diego Rodriguez as George Bailey whose portrayal showed a definite understanding of the character’s nuances and changes as George looked back on his life. The chemistry between Rodriguez and Gabriela Camargo, who played his wife Mary, made a perfect transition from cute and awkward in their first date to strong and solid in their marriage.
Melissa Nunez as Violet Peterson and Greg Cobb as Bert stood out as actors who had a deeper grasp of their characters and made their time onstage very enjoyable for the audience. The entire Bailey family’s chemistry, especially the relationship between George and ZuZu Bailey (Christina Seijo), performed like a true family.
Energy lacked in some of the supporting cast and ensemble in the first act, but the second act showed a definite pick-up. This show’s technical crew had a difficult task, but all was accomplished. The many different scenes required many sets, which appeared to move seamlessly across and above the stage. Particularly notable was the opening bridge, designed by Edwin Cabrera, swirling in snow. While there were several problems with props during the show, particularly a door that wouldn't stay shut, all fitted very nicely with the set and costumes. The costumes, done by Franchesca Alicea, demand attention since very few main characters wore the same thing the entire time—appropriate changes were made to the different situations and time periods.
Cypress Creek ushered in the holiday season with this production of It’s A Wonderful Life! Classics are apt to pre-judgments and comparisons, both of which show silenced with stunning stage pictures and a touching final scene.
Originally published by The Backstage Noise, Winter Edition, 2007
It’s A Wonderful Life, the show based on the story of Phillip Van Doren Stern and adapted to the stage by James W. Rodgers, has long stood as a Christmas classic and was brought to life on the stage of Cypress Creek High School.
The well-known story, made into a Frank Capra film in 1946 starring James Stewart, begins at a climax—it is Christmas Eve, and George Bailey stands on the edge of a bridge ready to jump. His bumbling guardian angel, Clarence, appears and shows George what the world would be like if he had never been born. To George’s own surprise, he realizes how much good he has contributed to people, and returns home to his worried family.
The overall design of this production was impressive. Each scene created a very aesthetically pleasing stage picture, and the sentimental themes of the show were well communicated by the cast.
Starring Diego Rodriguez as George Bailey whose portrayal showed a definite understanding of the character’s nuances and changes as George looked back on his life. The chemistry between Rodriguez and Gabriela Camargo, who played his wife Mary, made a perfect transition from cute and awkward in their first date to strong and solid in their marriage.
Melissa Nunez as Violet Peterson and Greg Cobb as Bert stood out as actors who had a deeper grasp of their characters and made their time onstage very enjoyable for the audience. The entire Bailey family’s chemistry, especially the relationship between George and ZuZu Bailey (Christina Seijo), performed like a true family.
Energy lacked in some of the supporting cast and ensemble in the first act, but the second act showed a definite pick-up. This show’s technical crew had a difficult task, but all was accomplished. The many different scenes required many sets, which appeared to move seamlessly across and above the stage. Particularly notable was the opening bridge, designed by Edwin Cabrera, swirling in snow. While there were several problems with props during the show, particularly a door that wouldn't stay shut, all fitted very nicely with the set and costumes. The costumes, done by Franchesca Alicea, demand attention since very few main characters wore the same thing the entire time—appropriate changes were made to the different situations and time periods.
Cypress Creek ushered in the holiday season with this production of It’s A Wonderful Life! Classics are apt to pre-judgments and comparisons, both of which show silenced with stunning stage pictures and a touching final scene.
Originally published by The Backstage Noise, Winter Edition, 2007
Apopka's Frankenstein A Powerful Story
by Ana Bechel, Timber Creek High School
One of the most captivating pieces of American literature is hands down, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. This terrifying tale is about one man’s goal, or rather his obsession, to successfully and essentially play God and bring a man back to life. This powerful story was acted and performed last weekend by Apopka High School.
In the beginning, Victor Frankenstein did not realize how a plethora of experimentation and a few bolts of lightening could lead to the creation of his monster that ultimately ruined his life. Victor did not realize that as the monster grew more and more intelligent the more violent he became.
The monster, wandering in a world scorned and confused, did not realize he was brought back from the dead. Shunned by all for his repulsiveness, except for the kindness of a blind man, the creature came to realizations about his Creation and believed Frankenstein was his God. He eventually forced Victor to try and create a friend for him. Frankenstein could not and did not. The monster’s strength grows out of hand, accidentally, at first, but eventually sets out purposely to murder Frankenstein’s friends and family, leading to a tragic ending of heartache.
Overall, Apopka’s performance proved to be a thrilling and overcast one at that. With a combination of an astounding, professionally functional set and a cast full of energy and poise, Frankenstein was a must see.
Kyle Mulcahy provided an accurate portrayal as the fanatical, passionate Victor Frankenstein. Along side Frankenstein was his bride to be Elizabeth, played by Faith O’Hare, who conveyed charm and innocence beside Frankenstein. The Monster, portrayed by Michael Sapp, had intense depth and meaning to his remarkable believability and appropriate character development.
In a supporting role, Henry Clerval portrayed Victor Frankenstein’s friend and fellow lab partner with intense emotion and left the audience in sadness with his untimely death. Nataly Giraldo, who played Justine Moritz, William's nanny, portrayed the character with love for the child and passion while pleading for her innocence.
Professional set design, lights, sound, and costumes worked brilliantly together. Desipte a few bumps, the production saw very easy scene changes. The revolving flats revealed many twists and turns that provided countless different settings that assisted in the portrayal of the story even more.
All in all Apopka’s rendition of Frankenstein kept the audience on the edge of their seats and in thoughtful wonderment: Could you really successfully play God without repercussions?
Originally published in The Backstage Noise, Fall, 2006
One of the most captivating pieces of American literature is hands down, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. This terrifying tale is about one man’s goal, or rather his obsession, to successfully and essentially play God and bring a man back to life. This powerful story was acted and performed last weekend by Apopka High School.
In the beginning, Victor Frankenstein did not realize how a plethora of experimentation and a few bolts of lightening could lead to the creation of his monster that ultimately ruined his life. Victor did not realize that as the monster grew more and more intelligent the more violent he became.
The monster, wandering in a world scorned and confused, did not realize he was brought back from the dead. Shunned by all for his repulsiveness, except for the kindness of a blind man, the creature came to realizations about his Creation and believed Frankenstein was his God. He eventually forced Victor to try and create a friend for him. Frankenstein could not and did not. The monster’s strength grows out of hand, accidentally, at first, but eventually sets out purposely to murder Frankenstein’s friends and family, leading to a tragic ending of heartache.
Overall, Apopka’s performance proved to be a thrilling and overcast one at that. With a combination of an astounding, professionally functional set and a cast full of energy and poise, Frankenstein was a must see.
Kyle Mulcahy provided an accurate portrayal as the fanatical, passionate Victor Frankenstein. Along side Frankenstein was his bride to be Elizabeth, played by Faith O’Hare, who conveyed charm and innocence beside Frankenstein. The Monster, portrayed by Michael Sapp, had intense depth and meaning to his remarkable believability and appropriate character development.
In a supporting role, Henry Clerval portrayed Victor Frankenstein’s friend and fellow lab partner with intense emotion and left the audience in sadness with his untimely death. Nataly Giraldo, who played Justine Moritz, William's nanny, portrayed the character with love for the child and passion while pleading for her innocence.
Professional set design, lights, sound, and costumes worked brilliantly together. Desipte a few bumps, the production saw very easy scene changes. The revolving flats revealed many twists and turns that provided countless different settings that assisted in the portrayal of the story even more.
All in all Apopka’s rendition of Frankenstein kept the audience on the edge of their seats and in thoughtful wonderment: Could you really successfully play God without repercussions?
Originally published in The Backstage Noise, Fall, 2006
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Kicklines and Sequins Highlight Crazy For You at Timber Creek
by Valerie Marks, Cypress Creek High School
All Singing! All Dancing! All Gershwin! The glitz and splendor of the all-American musical of the 1930s came alive in Timber Creek High School’s Crazy for You, resurrecting the era of kicklines and sequins.
Following the story of distraught Bobby Child who has a passion for theatre but a job at the bank, the musical opens with his mother and fiancée forcing him to give up his dreams in New York. His dire situation reverses, however, when he is sent to the sleepy town of Deadrock, Nevada to foreclose on an old theatre. Instead, he begins to stage a production of his own and in doing so, falls in love with the owner of the theatre.
The delightfully awkward Bobby Child (Aaron Godwin) nimbly dances his way through nearly every song in the musical, including “Slap That Bass”, an ode to the jazz of the time. The duo of Bobby and Polly Baker (Jeannie Tirado), his at-times-unwilling love, was adorably naïve and Tirado’s voice was melodious.
Dancing circles around the cast (literally) were the Follies Girls, with their high kicking and tap dancing. With Tess (Kristen Holder) shining out in front, the Follies Girls were an energetic and entertaining ensemble. Bela Zangler (Josh McDonald), a famous Broadway friend of Bobby’s, was comically adept as the bumbling womanizer. Bobby disguised as Zangler is almost better than Bobby himself and Godwin and McDonald’s duet “What Causes This?” had the audience laughing almost continuously.
The versatile set pieces (Aaron Godwin and Kendra McNatt) were highly functional, converting from the outside to the inside of Deadrock, Arizona. The costume changes were executed well and the numerous costumes (Ashley Kitzman and Elyannie Bonano) were well-tailored and chronologically appropriate with everything from “Zangler’s” crazy plaid suit to 12 each of the Follies Girls’ different sets of costumes. Despite a lack of energy and commitment by some of the cast as well as some sound issues, the entire cast worked extremely well together. They made their way through the energetic choreography (Kristen Holder) well, seeming to really enjoy themselves with the moves at times reminiscent of Busby Berkeley.
This 1990s adaptation of the 1930s Girl Crazy was a trip back in time to the era of bobbed hair and jazz. Timber Creek’s large cast showed the audience they got rhythm with this musical from George and Ira Gershwin. It’s nice work….if you can get it.
Originally published in The Backstage Noise, Summer, 2006
All Singing! All Dancing! All Gershwin! The glitz and splendor of the all-American musical of the 1930s came alive in Timber Creek High School’s Crazy for You, resurrecting the era of kicklines and sequins.
Following the story of distraught Bobby Child who has a passion for theatre but a job at the bank, the musical opens with his mother and fiancée forcing him to give up his dreams in New York. His dire situation reverses, however, when he is sent to the sleepy town of Deadrock, Nevada to foreclose on an old theatre. Instead, he begins to stage a production of his own and in doing so, falls in love with the owner of the theatre.
The delightfully awkward Bobby Child (Aaron Godwin) nimbly dances his way through nearly every song in the musical, including “Slap That Bass”, an ode to the jazz of the time. The duo of Bobby and Polly Baker (Jeannie Tirado), his at-times-unwilling love, was adorably naïve and Tirado’s voice was melodious.
Dancing circles around the cast (literally) were the Follies Girls, with their high kicking and tap dancing. With Tess (Kristen Holder) shining out in front, the Follies Girls were an energetic and entertaining ensemble. Bela Zangler (Josh McDonald), a famous Broadway friend of Bobby’s, was comically adept as the bumbling womanizer. Bobby disguised as Zangler is almost better than Bobby himself and Godwin and McDonald’s duet “What Causes This?” had the audience laughing almost continuously.
The versatile set pieces (Aaron Godwin and Kendra McNatt) were highly functional, converting from the outside to the inside of Deadrock, Arizona. The costume changes were executed well and the numerous costumes (Ashley Kitzman and Elyannie Bonano) were well-tailored and chronologically appropriate with everything from “Zangler’s” crazy plaid suit to 12 each of the Follies Girls’ different sets of costumes. Despite a lack of energy and commitment by some of the cast as well as some sound issues, the entire cast worked extremely well together. They made their way through the energetic choreography (Kristen Holder) well, seeming to really enjoy themselves with the moves at times reminiscent of Busby Berkeley.
This 1990s adaptation of the 1930s Girl Crazy was a trip back in time to the era of bobbed hair and jazz. Timber Creek’s large cast showed the audience they got rhythm with this musical from George and Ira Gershwin. It’s nice work….if you can get it.
Originally published in The Backstage Noise, Summer, 2006
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