It Runs In The Family
at Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts

Reviewed on April 5, 2014

Nathalie Huynh
Fountain Valley High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts thrills with "It Runs in the Family"

Huntington Beach's "It Runs in the Family" quite ruthlessly enthralls the funny bone and keeps the laughs coming all night long.

On one of the most important days of his life, Dr. David Mortimore learns that he fathered an illegitimate child during an affair with a young nurse eighteen years earlier. He proceeds to do everything in his power to keep his wife and colleagues from discovering the truth when the aforementioned son storms St. Andrew's Hospital demanding to meet his father. Set in London three days before Christmas, the play includes a grand assortment of hospital staff and several other frenzied individuals scrambling in and out of doors in order to keep up the ruse.

Alex Jean is sensational as Dr. Mortimore, displaying exceptional character development as he transitions from stern doctor to frenetic goon driven absolutely nuts to cross-dressing nurse, and finally, to a man willing to own up to his past.

Stephen Stanec as Dr. Hubert Bonney also contributes a lively energy and outstanding comedic relief to an already spirited cast. Stanec employs the entire stage as he improvises power ballads, hilarious dance numbers, and ridiculous kung-fu routines, immersing himself completely in the role of a rather zippy doctor more than willing to help his friend keep a secret.

Both the props and the set design aid in establishing a Christmas-y feeling, especially with a window backdrop that offers a view of London and a decorated Christmas tree complete with lanyards and hospital gloves. The bright lighting also helps the audience focus in on the play's action and the dominant characters on stage.

Although the English accents falter at times, making it difficult to understand what the actors are saying and causing several jokes to go unheeded, the brilliant sound stage technicians offer crispness and clarity to the action.

The high-energy cast of It Runs in the Family flawlessly navigates the quick and biting dialogue with impeccable timing and chemistry, retaining the audience's interest from beginning to end.

Nathalie Huynh
Fountain Valley High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts thrills with "It Runs in the Family"

Huntington Beach's "It Runs in the Family" quite ruthlessly enthralls the funny bone and keeps the laughs coming all night long.

On one of the most important days of his life, Dr. David Mortimore learns that he fathered an illegitimate child during an affair with a young nurse eighteen years earlier. He proceeds to do everything in his power to keep his wife and colleagues from discovering the truth when the aforementioned son storms St. Andrew's Hospital demanding to meet his father. Set in London three days before Christmas, the play includes a grand assortment of hospital staff and several other frenzied individuals scrambling in and out of doors in order to keep up the ruse.

Alex Jean is sensational as Dr. Mortimore, displaying exceptional character development as he transitions from stern doctor to frenetic goon driven absolutely nuts to cross-dressing nurse, and finally, to a man willing to own up to his past.

Stephen Stanec as Dr. Hubert Bonney also contributes a lively energy and outstanding comedic relief to an already spirited cast. Stanec employs the entire stage as he improvises power ballads, hilarious dance numbers, and ridiculous kung-fu routines, immersing himself completely in the role of a rather zippy doctor more than willing to help his friend keep a secret.

Both the props and the set design aid in establishing a Christmas-y feeling, especially with a window backdrop that offers a view of London and a decorated Christmas tree complete with lanyards and hospital gloves. The bright lighting also helps the audience focus in on the play's action and the dominant characters on stage.

Although the English accents falter at times, making it difficult to understand what the actors are saying and causing several jokes to go unheeded, the brilliant sound stage technicians offer crispness and clarity to the action.

The high-energy cast of It Runs in the Family flawlessly navigates the quick and biting dialogue with impeccable timing and chemistry, retaining the audience's interest from beginning to end.

Elizabeth Craig
Tri-School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts Runs a Great Play

"It Runs in the Family" tells the story of Dr. David Mortimore (Alex Jean), who works at St. Andrew's Hospital in London. While nervously preparing a medical speech for hundreds of doctors, Mortimore is visited by his old mistress Jane Tate (Kayla Foley), who worked as a nurse at the hospital some eighteen years before. She tells him that she left her job after finding herself pregnant with his child. Chaos engulfs the stage as Mortimore frantically tries to keep this revelation from his wife Rosemary (Kate Morton), the rest of the hospital staff, and even a Police Sergeant (Grant Rincon) .

Joseph Mello plays Leslie Tate, Dr. Mortimore's newly found son. Leslie comes to the hospital in search of his father, only knowing that he is one of the doctors there. Though initially very angry, Leslie becomes a lovable character as he turns more joyful. His boundless energy onstage is shown through various leaps and other gestures throughout the performance

Beloved by all is Dr. Hubert Bonney (Stephen Stanec), Dr. Mortimore's clueless coworker. His many songs and dances are all successes. Lighting designer Stephanie Laing helps add to the comedic affect by placing a spotlight on Stanec when he sings.

The entire show takes place in the doctor's common room at St. Andrews. Scenic designer Raven Chatt creates this look using different shades of brown. The Christmas tree and presents in the corner serve as reminders to the time of year it is. The many doors leading into the scene contributes to the general feeling of pandemonium. It is impossible to guess who will enter next, and from what side of the common room.

Hair and makeup designer Aaren Kisner uses distinct age makeup to distinguish the young, the middle aged, and the old. This helps the audience understand the position of each character in the play.

Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts brings to life this unique comedy, leaving the audience laughing nonstop.

Elizabeth Craig
Tri-School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts Runs a Great Play

"It Runs in the Family" tells the story of Dr. David Mortimore (Alex Jean), who works at St. Andrew's Hospital in London. While nervously preparing a medical speech for hundreds of doctors, Mortimore is visited by his old mistress Jane Tate (Kayla Foley), who worked as a nurse at the hospital some eighteen years before. She tells him that she left her job after finding herself pregnant with his child. Chaos engulfs the stage as Mortimore frantically tries to keep this revelation from his wife Rosemary (Kate Morton), the rest of the hospital staff, and even a Police Sergeant (Grant Rincon) .

Joseph Mello plays Leslie Tate, Dr. Mortimore's newly found son. Leslie comes to the hospital in search of his father, only knowing that he is one of the doctors there. Though initially very angry, Leslie becomes a lovable character as he turns more joyful. His boundless energy onstage is shown through various leaps and other gestures throughout the performance

Beloved by all is Dr. Hubert Bonney (Stephen Stanec), Dr. Mortimore's clueless coworker. His many songs and dances are all successes. Lighting designer Stephanie Laing helps add to the comedic affect by placing a spotlight on Stanec when he sings.

The entire show takes place in the doctor's common room at St. Andrews. Scenic designer Raven Chatt creates this look using different shades of brown. The Christmas tree and presents in the corner serve as reminders to the time of year it is. The many doors leading into the scene contributes to the general feeling of pandemonium. It is impossible to guess who will enter next, and from what side of the common room.

Hair and makeup designer Aaren Kisner uses distinct age makeup to distinguish the young, the middle aged, and the old. This helps the audience understand the position of each character in the play.

Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts brings to life this unique comedy, leaving the audience laughing nonstop.

Kobe Yank- Jacobs
Corona del Mar
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Go-Go to "It Runs in the Family" at APA

In 1980's England Dr. David Mortimer prepares for the most
consequential moment of his career— a speech in front of 200 esteemed peers. He would like to spend his time perfecting his address but is continually interrupted. One of those interruptions happens to be a nurse with whom he had an illegitimate child 18 years ago and the son who would now like to meet him. So begins the farcical tale of eccentric characters struggling to keep their story straight as they become entangled in lie after lie.

The cast plays off each other well and comedic timing is, for the most part, spot on— though the latter half of the second act gets a bit sloppy. Stephen Stanec is a stand out in his gut-busting portrayal of Dr.Bonnie. This multitalented performer dazzles the audience with his impeccable timing and even charms us with his powerful voice at one point. Above all his presence onstage is felt and his performance carries the show. The scene where he attempts to mask the ruckus on the balcony by making noises to divert the attention of those who are in the room is an unforgettable moment in the show. Stanec does an excellent job building the relationship with his character's colleague and friend, Dr.Mortimer (Alex Jean). Jean, who is tasked with being onstage for almost the entire show, does well displaying the attempted equanimity of his character. Often losing his cool, Jean's broad range of emotions is tested in his relationships to various characters he interacts with: his lovely wife who is unsuspecting of the situation, his nefarious boss, and his eccentric colleagues.

In a smaller role Mason Marie (Dr. Connolly) makes an impression with his natural stage presence. His high pitched laugh is contagious and he times his punchlines perfectly.

The band for the dance scene at the end invigorates the audience with their rendition of the hit, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go." The upbeat comedy and pace of the show make the show interesting from beginning to end with quite a few laughs along the way.

Kobe Yank- Jacobs
Corona del Mar
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Go-Go to "It Runs in the Family" at APA

In 1980's England Dr. David Mortimer prepares for the most
consequential moment of his career— a speech in front of 200 esteemed peers. He would like to spend his time perfecting his address but is continually interrupted. One of those interruptions happens to be a nurse with whom he had an illegitimate child 18 years ago and the son who would now like to meet him. So begins the farcical tale of eccentric characters struggling to keep their story straight as they become entangled in lie after lie.

The cast plays off each other well and comedic timing is, for the most part, spot on— though the latter half of the second act gets a bit sloppy. Stephen Stanec is a stand out in his gut-busting portrayal of Dr.Bonnie. This multitalented performer dazzles the audience with his impeccable timing and even charms us with his powerful voice at one point. Above all his presence onstage is felt and his performance carries the show. The scene where he attempts to mask the ruckus on the balcony by making noises to divert the attention of those who are in the room is an unforgettable moment in the show. Stanec does an excellent job building the relationship with his character's colleague and friend, Dr.Mortimer (Alex Jean). Jean, who is tasked with being onstage for almost the entire show, does well displaying the attempted equanimity of his character. Often losing his cool, Jean's broad range of emotions is tested in his relationships to various characters he interacts with: his lovely wife who is unsuspecting of the situation, his nefarious boss, and his eccentric colleagues.

In a smaller role Mason Marie (Dr. Connolly) makes an impression with his natural stage presence. His high pitched laugh is contagious and he times his punchlines perfectly.

The band for the dance scene at the end invigorates the audience with their rendition of the hit, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go." The upbeat comedy and pace of the show make the show interesting from beginning to end with quite a few laughs along the way.