The Skin Of Our Teeth
at Fountain Valley High School

Reviewed on November 16, 2013

NameSchoolPublication/Broadcasts
Aliso Niguel High School
Orange County Register
Aliso Niguel High School
Orange County Register
Mission Viejo High School
Orange County Register
Mission Viejo High School
Orange County Register
Irvine High School
OC Cappies Facebook
Irvine High School
OC Cappies Facebook



Allison Cruz
Aliso Niguel High School

Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Cappie review Fountain Valley High School "The Skin of Our Teeth"

Sink Your Teeth into ‘The Skin of Our Teeth'
for the Orange County Register

by ALLISON CRUZ

Allison Cruz is a sophomore at Aliso Niguel High School in Aliso Veijo

The Antrobuses are just your typical all-American family–-that is, if regular families own a pet dinosaur and outlast the end of the world. Fountain Valley High School's quirky cast of characters brings the outrageous show "The Skin of Our Teeth" to life in a thought-provoking and entertaining fashion.

Set entirely in New Jersey, this play by Thornton Wilder satirizes the history of humanity through the Antrobuses, a representation of the Every Man. Despite facing overwhelming obstacles (including the Great Flood) over thousands of years, they are able to escape it all just barely within the skin of their teeth.

At the center of all this turmoil is the stronghold duo Mr. and Mrs. Antrobus, played by Michael Peters and Mia Connolly. Through their exasperated voice inflections, they prove that it is harder to survive living with each other than to overcome the unrelenting Ice Age outside their doorstep. Their performance was thoroughly impressive, especially in their ability to remain in character as they broke the fourth wall with the audience.

Highlighting the show's mockery is Nikki Tran, who portrays Sabina, the snarky housemaid. Her snide interjections guide the audience along the sometimes confusing plot, explaining the deeper meaning of the events in a comedic way. Tran's addresses to the audience demonstrate not only her commanding stage presence but also her understanding of the storyline.

From the black box theater to the outdoor amphitheater, the sets provide the perfect opportunity for this storytelling. While the black box creates an intimate house setting with its strategic lighting, the outside pier set transports the audience to the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The sound effect of rushing ocean waves, in addition to a spinning, carnival-style Ferris wheel, is an astonishing testament to the set crew's meticulous attention to detail.

Although more simplistic in nature, Alisha Stevens' make-up designs perfectly reflect every character's personality. The most distinguishable was the C-shaped scar on Henry Antrobus (Jake Wells), clearly identifying him as the murderous Cain. As the show progresses, so does the development of the characters' appearance. Not only is age apparent with the use of dirt and lines, but costumes are indicative of different time periods to help form the image of a timeless age.

Fountain Valley, in this superb production, delivers a universal hope that humanity will live on just as long as the Antrobuses themselves.


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Allison Cruz
Aliso Niguel High School

Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Cappie review Fountain Valley High School "The Skin of Our Teeth"

Sink Your Teeth into ‘The Skin of Our Teeth'
for the Orange County Register

by ALLISON CRUZ

Allison Cruz is a sophomore at Aliso Niguel High School in Aliso Veijo

The Antrobuses are just your typical all-American family–-that is, if regular families own a pet dinosaur and outlast the end of the world. Fountain Valley High School's quirky cast of characters brings the outrageous show "The Skin of Our Teeth" to life in a thought-provoking and entertaining fashion.

Set entirely in New Jersey, this play by Thornton Wilder satirizes the history of humanity through the Antrobuses, a representation of the Every Man. Despite facing overwhelming obstacles (including the Great Flood) over thousands of years, they are able to escape it all just barely within the skin of their teeth.

At the center of all this turmoil is the stronghold duo Mr. and Mrs. Antrobus, played by Michael Peters and Mia Connolly. Through their exasperated voice inflections, they prove that it is harder to survive living with each other than to overcome the unrelenting Ice Age outside their doorstep. Their performance was thoroughly impressive, especially in their ability to remain in character as they broke the fourth wall with the audience.

Highlighting the show's mockery is Nikki Tran, who portrays Sabina, the snarky housemaid. Her snide interjections guide the audience along the sometimes confusing plot, explaining the deeper meaning of the events in a comedic way. Tran's addresses to the audience demonstrate not only her commanding stage presence but also her understanding of the storyline.

From the black box theater to the outdoor amphitheater, the sets provide the perfect opportunity for this storytelling. While the black box creates an intimate house setting with its strategic lighting, the outside pier set transports the audience to the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The sound effect of rushing ocean waves, in addition to a spinning, carnival-style Ferris wheel, is an astonishing testament to the set crew's meticulous attention to detail.

Although more simplistic in nature, Alisha Stevens' make-up designs perfectly reflect every character's personality. The most distinguishable was the C-shaped scar on Henry Antrobus (Jake Wells), clearly identifying him as the murderous Cain. As the show progresses, so does the development of the characters' appearance. Not only is age apparent with the use of dirt and lines, but costumes are indicative of different time periods to help form the image of a timeless age.

Fountain Valley, in this superb production, delivers a universal hope that humanity will live on just as long as the Antrobuses themselves.


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Rachel Umana
Mission Viejo High School

Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Cappie review Fountain Valley High School "The Skin of Our Teeth"

Fountain Valley finds hope for humanity
for the Orange County Register
by RACHEL UMANA

Rachel Umana is a junior at Mission Viejo High School in Mission Viejo

It is the end of the world, and the Antrobus family has the unfortunate displeasure of experiencing it on three separate occasions. Set in the fictional town of Excelsior, New Jersey, where pet mammoths and dinosaurs roam, the world is ravaged by an ice age, an apocalyptic hurricane, and war, stomaching the most horrendous of natural and human disasters. The three act journey demonstrates that despite the calamitous doom, humanity always manages to survive by the slimmest of margins.

Confronting the concept of catastrophe, Fountain Valley High School represents the harsh degree of human flaw, coupled with the unrelenting persistence of civilization in their mindboggling production of Thornton Wilder's "The Skin of Our Teeth."

Michael Peters plays the man with the world on his shoulders, Mr. Antrobus. Peters shows the utmost sincerity, dedicating himself to a wide array of emotions. With his hands trembling and eyes clouded with rage, suddenly, in a single moment, he shifts back into a well-composed man. The level of devotion Peters yields to his character is praiseworthy, heightening the intensity of the performance.

Nikki Tran stars as Sabina Somerset, the melodramatic maid who proposes to quit her job regularly and proclaim ruin. As the play's storyteller, Tran breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience to accept the outlandish nature of the show, gliding around the stage with a spring in her step. Tran purely entertains with every mini meltdown, shrill cry, and harmless insult, setting the pace of the play.

Mia Connolly supports in her role as Mrs. Antrobus, a stern woman with a firm conviction. Connolly shows the transformation of a woman that was once so unforgiving and disgruntled, to one that is just happy to be alive. As the Fortune Teller, Julia Nguyen features an expressive figure who foresees the fate of civilization and connects the elements of the story together with her poignant monologue.

The second act moves to their outdoor theater, onto an Atlantic City boardwalk with a charming décor, fashioning a full body experience of the show. The hand painted backdrops and moveable Ferris wheel are visually delightful, shifting the mood of the show momentarily until a hurricane strikes, nearly ending humanity.

All inclusive, the students at Fountain Valley put on "The Skin of Our Teeth" with honest passion and authenticity, delivering powerful performances for an unforgettable story.


^ top



Rachel Umana
Mission Viejo High School

Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Cappie review Fountain Valley High School "The Skin of Our Teeth"

Fountain Valley finds hope for humanity
for the Orange County Register
by RACHEL UMANA

Rachel Umana is a junior at Mission Viejo High School in Mission Viejo

It is the end of the world, and the Antrobus family has the unfortunate displeasure of experiencing it on three separate occasions. Set in the fictional town of Excelsior, New Jersey, where pet mammoths and dinosaurs roam, the world is ravaged by an ice age, an apocalyptic hurricane, and war, stomaching the most horrendous of natural and human disasters. The three act journey demonstrates that despite the calamitous doom, humanity always manages to survive by the slimmest of margins.

Confronting the concept of catastrophe, Fountain Valley High School represents the harsh degree of human flaw, coupled with the unrelenting persistence of civilization in their mindboggling production of Thornton Wilder's "The Skin of Our Teeth."

Michael Peters plays the man with the world on his shoulders, Mr. Antrobus. Peters shows the utmost sincerity, dedicating himself to a wide array of emotions. With his hands trembling and eyes clouded with rage, suddenly, in a single moment, he shifts back into a well-composed man. The level of devotion Peters yields to his character is praiseworthy, heightening the intensity of the performance.

Nikki Tran stars as Sabina Somerset, the melodramatic maid who proposes to quit her job regularly and proclaim ruin. As the play's storyteller, Tran breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience to accept the outlandish nature of the show, gliding around the stage with a spring in her step. Tran purely entertains with every mini meltdown, shrill cry, and harmless insult, setting the pace of the play.

Mia Connolly supports in her role as Mrs. Antrobus, a stern woman with a firm conviction. Connolly shows the transformation of a woman that was once so unforgiving and disgruntled, to one that is just happy to be alive. As the Fortune Teller, Julia Nguyen features an expressive figure who foresees the fate of civilization and connects the elements of the story together with her poignant monologue.

The second act moves to their outdoor theater, onto an Atlantic City boardwalk with a charming décor, fashioning a full body experience of the show. The hand painted backdrops and moveable Ferris wheel are visually delightful, shifting the mood of the show momentarily until a hurricane strikes, nearly ending humanity.

All inclusive, the students at Fountain Valley put on "The Skin of Our Teeth" with honest passion and authenticity, delivering powerful performances for an unforgettable story.


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Amber Miller
Irvine High School

Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Cappie review Fountain Valley High School "The Skin of Our Teeth"

Close escapes are a success at Fountain Valley
for the Orange County Cappie Facebook
by AMBER MILLER

Amber Miller is a senior at Irvine High School in Irvine

It is human nature to endure life's challenges. Fountain Valley High School's production of The Skin of Our Teeth, written by Thornton Wilder, proves this truth as it follows the Antrobus family on their journey through end-of-the-world disasters. Each time, they are able to start again, ever diligent as they seek to improve and rebuild the human race.

Sabina (Nikki Tran) is the enchanting narrator for much of the play. As the family's melodramatic maid, Tran is the confident and sarcastic rock of the show, leading the audience through a sometimes confusing and chaotic plotline. She cautions the audience not to take the show too seriously, a valuable comment as some aspects of the show include prehistoric pets, no set time period, and gallons of biblical allusions.

The production's charismatic and flawed protagonist is Mr. George Antrobus (Michael Peters). An inventor and a struggling father, Peters portrays Mr. Antrobus with determination and consistent energy. His wife, Maggie Antrobus (Mia Connolly) shares her husband's great energy and shows a wonderful development through the course of the show. She begins Act 1 as a coarse woman, impatient and cold but begins to show her maternal side as the play progresses. By the end of Act 3, Mrs. Antrobus has become an entirely different woman--nurturing, warm, and ready for whatever will come next.

Henry Antrobus (Jake Wells) also shows a great character arc, transforming between acts from a reserved, ignored child into a man seeking revenge on his apathetic father. Wells and Peters have great chemistry, making their power struggle relatable and raw.

The tech aspect of the production is equally outstanding. The set, split between two locations, consists of the Antrobus's living room and the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the latter of which is held in an outdoor location. In addition, the costumes serve as a physical representation of the somewhat unknown time period, mixing colonial and early 1900's wear with Grecian togas and Biblical garb.

The Skin of Our Teeth is a production that teaches that no matter the challenge, there have been difficult times before and there are many more struggles that await us. But whether it be natural disasters, failing relationships, war, or even struggles between good and evil we will always overcome life's trials by the skin of our teeth.


^ top



Amber Miller
Irvine High School

Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Cappie review Fountain Valley High School "The Skin of Our Teeth"

Close escapes are a success at Fountain Valley
for the Orange County Cappie Facebook
by AMBER MILLER

Amber Miller is a senior at Irvine High School in Irvine

It is human nature to endure life's challenges. Fountain Valley High School's production of The Skin of Our Teeth, written by Thornton Wilder, proves this truth as it follows the Antrobus family on their journey through end-of-the-world disasters. Each time, they are able to start again, ever diligent as they seek to improve and rebuild the human race.

Sabina (Nikki Tran) is the enchanting narrator for much of the play. As the family's melodramatic maid, Tran is the confident and sarcastic rock of the show, leading the audience through a sometimes confusing and chaotic plotline. She cautions the audience not to take the show too seriously, a valuable comment as some aspects of the show include prehistoric pets, no set time period, and gallons of biblical allusions.

The production's charismatic and flawed protagonist is Mr. George Antrobus (Michael Peters). An inventor and a struggling father, Peters portrays Mr. Antrobus with determination and consistent energy. His wife, Maggie Antrobus (Mia Connolly) shares her husband's great energy and shows a wonderful development through the course of the show. She begins Act 1 as a coarse woman, impatient and cold but begins to show her maternal side as the play progresses. By the end of Act 3, Mrs. Antrobus has become an entirely different woman--nurturing, warm, and ready for whatever will come next.

Henry Antrobus (Jake Wells) also shows a great character arc, transforming between acts from a reserved, ignored child into a man seeking revenge on his apathetic father. Wells and Peters have great chemistry, making their power struggle relatable and raw.

The tech aspect of the production is equally outstanding. The set, split between two locations, consists of the Antrobus's living room and the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the latter of which is held in an outdoor location. In addition, the costumes serve as a physical representation of the somewhat unknown time period, mixing colonial and early 1900's wear with Grecian togas and Biblical garb.

The Skin of Our Teeth is a production that teaches that no matter the challenge, there have been difficult times before and there are many more struggles that await us. But whether it be natural disasters, failing relationships, war, or even struggles between good and evil we will always overcome life's trials by the skin of our teeth.


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