The Servant of Two Masters
at Aliso Niguel High School

Reviewed on November 22, 2013

Shelby Grebbin
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Aliso Niguel's ‘Servant of One Two Many Masters'

What do you get when you travel back in time to the flourishing Italian Renaissance? A maiden disguised as a man, a twisted love triangle, a delectable dinner, and the saucy servant who attempts to juggle it all. Aliso Niguel High School brings originality to "The Servant of Two Masters", combining fresh modernization with the ancient theatrical style of Commedia dell Arte.

The story tells of the perpetually hungry servant Truffaldino, who, in the hope of double the meals, tackles the work of two masters. Little does he know his masters are estranged lovers, adding to the hilarity of his confusing situation as he tries to cover his tracks.

True to the style of Commedia, the play is peppered with lazzi, or improvised comic bits. Direct interaction with the audience showcases the cast's ability to improvise with ease, providing a unique experience for each show.

Truffaldino (Tristan Ross) anchors the show with his vivacious physicality and lovable goofiness. Unfazed by the absurdity of his character, he leaps comically into the air as he receives a spanking for his brazen consumption of a forbidden meal. Smeraldina (Emma Chassey) compliments Truffaldino nicely with her level-headed approach to his flirtatious advances. Star-crossed lover Beatrice (Kourtney Fisher) portrays her double role as a man and a woman with believability as she tries to reunite with the hilariously boastful Florindo (Tyler Hall).

Brighella (Keirsten Bjerke) uses her costume to her advantage, creating a comedic moment when her huge skirt hinders her from entering a doorway. Chris Dibley gives a memorable performance through his portrayal of the Second Waiter, evoking laughter as his feeble yet feisty character is forced to carry heavy objects. The colorful ensemble of overly-dramatic characters traipse through the theater during scene changes, adding a lively element to the show.

Costume design by Brittney Alicea brilliantly ties Truffaldino's attire into that of his love interest Smeraldina. Make-up by Melanie Miller embellishes the already flamboyant characters with well-fitted masks in bright hues. The essence of the show is captured in a professional way through the publicity video done by Isabelle Nepomuceno and Jasmine Landis.

Aliso Niguel's "The Servant of Two Masters" masterfully serves the dedication and talent of the cast and crew.

Shelby Grebbin
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Aliso Niguel's ‘Servant of One Two Many Masters'

What do you get when you travel back in time to the flourishing Italian Renaissance? A maiden disguised as a man, a twisted love triangle, a delectable dinner, and the saucy servant who attempts to juggle it all. Aliso Niguel High School brings originality to "The Servant of Two Masters", combining fresh modernization with the ancient theatrical style of Commedia dell Arte.

The story tells of the perpetually hungry servant Truffaldino, who, in the hope of double the meals, tackles the work of two masters. Little does he know his masters are estranged lovers, adding to the hilarity of his confusing situation as he tries to cover his tracks.

True to the style of Commedia, the play is peppered with lazzi, or improvised comic bits. Direct interaction with the audience showcases the cast's ability to improvise with ease, providing a unique experience for each show.

Truffaldino (Tristan Ross) anchors the show with his vivacious physicality and lovable goofiness. Unfazed by the absurdity of his character, he leaps comically into the air as he receives a spanking for his brazen consumption of a forbidden meal. Smeraldina (Emma Chassey) compliments Truffaldino nicely with her level-headed approach to his flirtatious advances. Star-crossed lover Beatrice (Kourtney Fisher) portrays her double role as a man and a woman with believability as she tries to reunite with the hilariously boastful Florindo (Tyler Hall).

Brighella (Keirsten Bjerke) uses her costume to her advantage, creating a comedic moment when her huge skirt hinders her from entering a doorway. Chris Dibley gives a memorable performance through his portrayal of the Second Waiter, evoking laughter as his feeble yet feisty character is forced to carry heavy objects. The colorful ensemble of overly-dramatic characters traipse through the theater during scene changes, adding a lively element to the show.

Costume design by Brittney Alicea brilliantly ties Truffaldino's attire into that of his love interest Smeraldina. Make-up by Melanie Miller embellishes the already flamboyant characters with well-fitted masks in bright hues. The essence of the show is captured in a professional way through the publicity video done by Isabelle Nepomuceno and Jasmine Landis.

Aliso Niguel's "The Servant of Two Masters" masterfully serves the dedication and talent of the cast and crew.

Preston Fox
Irvine High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Comedy is served at Aliso Niguel

Tempers flare, divas rage, and lovers embrace in the chaotic yet hilarious production of "The Servant of Two Masters" at Aliso Niguel High School. Centered around the lovable servant, Truffaldino, stories of deceit, misunderstanding, and affection are told and shared as Truffaldino hassles over the hilarious burden of trying to please two masters at once. By staying true to the theme of Commedia dell'Arte, all aspects of the show work together to bring this timeless comedy to life.

Truffaldino (Tristen Ross) truly shines onstage with his quick wit, excellent comedic timing, and confident and suave demeanor. His crisp articulation and calculated movements augment his riotous characterization, as he expertly plays off the energy of those around him. His humorous and charming romance with Smeraldina (Emma Chassey) works brilliantly with her witty cleverness and condescending tone.

Beatrice (Kourtney Fisher) portrays a broad range of ability and emotions as she attempts to pull off her masculine disguise, continually slipping in and out of it, and catching herself to the amusement of all. Her transition from man to woman and back again is truly astonishing as she alters her demeanor completely yet retains her reserved bearing. Fisher's full potential is realized when she finally drops the disguise and reveals herself to be a woman. Her comedic timing, over exaggeration, and hilarious facial expressions release her inner diva, just waiting to be let out.

Brighella (Kiersten Bjerke) brings the two worlds, audience and cast, together through her masterful grasp on her obnoxiously comedic character. When participating in the cast, Bjerke rips laughter from those around her with her large, flamboyant movements and strong Italian accent she sustains flawlessly throughout the show. When out of the show, Bjerke's character alters completely to a young actor with a love for food who is completely confused by the baffling and hectic plot. Her melodramatic reactions and comical interjections only add to her superb performance.

Costumes (Brittney Alicea) for each of the actors are beautifully made and add to the comedic effect of several characters. The mismatch of shapes and colors within the costumes even tie in with the set design (Kamryn Lamaestra, Vincent Zhang) to create a very uniform atmosphere.

The strong interactions between the cast combined with the superb technical aspects of the show truly make "The Servant of Two Masters" a performance to remember.

Preston Fox
Irvine High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Comedy is served at Aliso Niguel

Tempers flare, divas rage, and lovers embrace in the chaotic yet hilarious production of "The Servant of Two Masters" at Aliso Niguel High School. Centered around the lovable servant, Truffaldino, stories of deceit, misunderstanding, and affection are told and shared as Truffaldino hassles over the hilarious burden of trying to please two masters at once. By staying true to the theme of Commedia dell'Arte, all aspects of the show work together to bring this timeless comedy to life.

Truffaldino (Tristen Ross) truly shines onstage with his quick wit, excellent comedic timing, and confident and suave demeanor. His crisp articulation and calculated movements augment his riotous characterization, as he expertly plays off the energy of those around him. His humorous and charming romance with Smeraldina (Emma Chassey) works brilliantly with her witty cleverness and condescending tone.

Beatrice (Kourtney Fisher) portrays a broad range of ability and emotions as she attempts to pull off her masculine disguise, continually slipping in and out of it, and catching herself to the amusement of all. Her transition from man to woman and back again is truly astonishing as she alters her demeanor completely yet retains her reserved bearing. Fisher's full potential is realized when she finally drops the disguise and reveals herself to be a woman. Her comedic timing, over exaggeration, and hilarious facial expressions release her inner diva, just waiting to be let out.

Brighella (Kiersten Bjerke) brings the two worlds, audience and cast, together through her masterful grasp on her obnoxiously comedic character. When participating in the cast, Bjerke rips laughter from those around her with her large, flamboyant movements and strong Italian accent she sustains flawlessly throughout the show. When out of the show, Bjerke's character alters completely to a young actor with a love for food who is completely confused by the baffling and hectic plot. Her melodramatic reactions and comical interjections only add to her superb performance.

Costumes (Brittney Alicea) for each of the actors are beautifully made and add to the comedic effect of several characters. The mismatch of shapes and colors within the costumes even tie in with the set design (Kamryn Lamaestra, Vincent Zhang) to create a very uniform atmosphere.

The strong interactions between the cast combined with the superb technical aspects of the show truly make "The Servant of Two Masters" a performance to remember.

Liam McGregor (Asst. Lead Critic)
St. Margaret's Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Aliso Niguel's Captivating Comedy

Comedy has universal appeal, and being "in" on the joke can provide some memorable experiences. In a similar fashion, Aliso Niguel High School embraces the entire audience in their hilarious fall production of "The Servant of Two Masters".

Jeffrey Hatcher and Paolo Emelio Landi's adaptation of Carlo Goldoni's classic Italian farce, set in Venice, describes the story of a crafty, yet spontaneous and improvising servant. In his never-ending quest for fine food and higher wages, Truffaldino decides to take on two masters. His attempt at this overambitious feat requires him to design increasingly creative tales to conceal his masters from each other.

A number of remarkable elements bring this show to life, but most impressive is the performance of Truffaldino (Tristen Ross). As his creative tales carry him through progressively outrageous situations, Ross succeeds and then some. Using big gestures and exaggerated body movements, he expertly captures the physical comedy authentic to the play's Italian origins. With his consistent high energy and personable nature, he skillfully interacts with the audience — or playfully makes light of audience members when they won't participate.

Ross excels in even the most outrageous stunts, as he indulges in his masters' feasts under the guise of sampling, He brilliantly highlights the uproarious sexual innuendo scattered throughout his interactions with women.

As one of his masters, Florindo (Tyler Hall) also handles his caricature with ease. Taking out a mirror he carries in his pocket, he is always able to provide himself with compliments and advice in times of need. His lover Beatrice (Kourtney Fisher), disguised as a man, easily displays two sides of her character — the strong one, boldly disputing monetary compensation, and the eager one, as she begs to a friend on her knees not to give her up.

From a technical standpoint, the show was quite successful. Stylized masks, combined with unique costumes, allow the actors to emphasize their characters' vibrant personalities. A multitude of props, from musical instruments to the questionable polenta that Truffaldino devours, help to serve the storyline.

Performing in a black box rather than a proscenium theater, Aliso Niguel aptly applies the improvisational Italian style of Commedia Dell'Arte. The production draws the audience in and involves them in this humorous and exciting production of "The Servant of Two Masters".

Liam McGregor (Asst. Lead Critic)
St. Margaret's Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Aliso Niguel's Captivating Comedy

Comedy has universal appeal, and being "in" on the joke can provide some memorable experiences. In a similar fashion, Aliso Niguel High School embraces the entire audience in their hilarious fall production of "The Servant of Two Masters".

Jeffrey Hatcher and Paolo Emelio Landi's adaptation of Carlo Goldoni's classic Italian farce, set in Venice, describes the story of a crafty, yet spontaneous and improvising servant. In his never-ending quest for fine food and higher wages, Truffaldino decides to take on two masters. His attempt at this overambitious feat requires him to design increasingly creative tales to conceal his masters from each other.

A number of remarkable elements bring this show to life, but most impressive is the performance of Truffaldino (Tristen Ross). As his creative tales carry him through progressively outrageous situations, Ross succeeds and then some. Using big gestures and exaggerated body movements, he expertly captures the physical comedy authentic to the play's Italian origins. With his consistent high energy and personable nature, he skillfully interacts with the audience — or playfully makes light of audience members when they won't participate.

Ross excels in even the most outrageous stunts, as he indulges in his masters' feasts under the guise of sampling, He brilliantly highlights the uproarious sexual innuendo scattered throughout his interactions with women.

As one of his masters, Florindo (Tyler Hall) also handles his caricature with ease. Taking out a mirror he carries in his pocket, he is always able to provide himself with compliments and advice in times of need. His lover Beatrice (Kourtney Fisher), disguised as a man, easily displays two sides of her character — the strong one, boldly disputing monetary compensation, and the eager one, as she begs to a friend on her knees not to give her up.

From a technical standpoint, the show was quite successful. Stylized masks, combined with unique costumes, allow the actors to emphasize their characters' vibrant personalities. A multitude of props, from musical instruments to the questionable polenta that Truffaldino devours, help to serve the storyline.

Performing in a black box rather than a proscenium theater, Aliso Niguel aptly applies the improvisational Italian style of Commedia Dell'Arte. The production draws the audience in and involves them in this humorous and exciting production of "The Servant of Two Masters".