Much Ado About Nothing
at El Dorado
Reviewed on November 15, 2013
| Name | School | Publication/Broadcasts |
Taylor Plett | SOCSA Dana Hills | Orange County Register |
Taylor Plett | SOCSA Dana Hills | Orange County Register |
Spencer Martin | SOCSA Dana Hills | Orange County Register |
Spencer Martin | SOCSA Dana Hills | Orange County Register |
Katherine Jewell | Fullerton Union | OC Cappies Facebook |
Katherine Jewell | Fullerton Union | OC Cappies Facebook |
Taylor Plett
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register
Cappies review: "Much Ado About Nothing"
Love and Shakespeare in the air at El Dorado High School
By TAYLOR PLETT
For the Orange County Register
Taylor Plett is a Freshman at SOCSA Dana Hills in Dana Hills.
When stars cross, uncross, miraculously align, and just about run the gamut of ways to toy with love, it is unmistakably a plot composed by none other than Shakespeare.
El Dorado's production of "Much Ado About Nothing" refashions the Elizabethan comedy into a mid-1940s matchmaking mishap, embellished with a toe-tapping swing number, cleverly hilarious puns in Early Modern English, and a half-sonnet crooned in the ringing vibrato of smitten Benedick (Xander Pietenpol).
When an assemblage of WWII soldiers return to the Santa Barbara estate of Lady Leonata (Gloria Perez), havoc ensues as meddlesome relatives play Cupid, and true love is challenged when doe-eyed maiden Hero (Brooke Taylor) is falsely framed as disloyal to her betrothed.
Xander Pietenpol conquers monologue after monologue as the outlandish Benedick with acute diction and unbarred expression, demonstrating his understanding for each line and his ability to encompass the emotion behind Benedick's unconventional enterprises.
Pietenpol's comedic timing with Cierra Sweet as Beatrice is on par throughout every interaction, dazzling the audience as they volley shrewd comebacks in seamless cadence. Both actors shine in their parallel "eavesdropping" scenes, bringing about peals of laughter as they "hide" behind picayune props or crawl "inconspicuously" between fellow actors- all the while causing a very conspicuous ruckus.
Natalie Leonard stands out in her dancing and expressive abilities as Ursula, enriching the swing number with her swaying Coaster Step and agile footwork, while also portraying a mature nature in the wise delivery of her lines.
Leonard's sophisticated demeanor is countered by the asinine Dogberry (Jack Massura) and "The Watch," an endearingly feebleminded bunch that appends their mirthful balderdash to even the solemnest of scenes, servicing Lady Leonata as they arrest and question villains to the utmost degree of ridiculousness.
Praise is due to set designers Gayle Smith and Alena Wight for their simple yet impressively versatile set: benches assemble into a fountain, flowering arbors move gracefully across the stage, and a lattice archway provides the base for brick pillars. All set pieces are transported and arranged with silent expedition throughout scene changes thanks to the expertise of stage manager Anna Sherg and team.
El Dorado High School's twentieth century interpretation of "Much Ado About Nothing" delivers the classic comedy with inventive flair and a noteworthy cast, proving that - when it comes to Shakespeare - love is never a simple game.
Taylor Plett
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register
Cappies review: "Much Ado About Nothing"
Love and Shakespeare in the air at El Dorado High School
By TAYLOR PLETT
For the Orange County Register
Taylor Plett is a Freshman at SOCSA Dana Hills in Dana Hills.
When stars cross, uncross, miraculously align, and just about run the gamut of ways to toy with love, it is unmistakably a plot composed by none other than Shakespeare.
El Dorado's production of "Much Ado About Nothing" refashions the Elizabethan comedy into a mid-1940s matchmaking mishap, embellished with a toe-tapping swing number, cleverly hilarious puns in Early Modern English, and a half-sonnet crooned in the ringing vibrato of smitten Benedick (Xander Pietenpol).
When an assemblage of WWII soldiers return to the Santa Barbara estate of Lady Leonata (Gloria Perez), havoc ensues as meddlesome relatives play Cupid, and true love is challenged when doe-eyed maiden Hero (Brooke Taylor) is falsely framed as disloyal to her betrothed.
Xander Pietenpol conquers monologue after monologue as the outlandish Benedick with acute diction and unbarred expression, demonstrating his understanding for each line and his ability to encompass the emotion behind Benedick's unconventional enterprises.
Pietenpol's comedic timing with Cierra Sweet as Beatrice is on par throughout every interaction, dazzling the audience as they volley shrewd comebacks in seamless cadence. Both actors shine in their parallel "eavesdropping" scenes, bringing about peals of laughter as they "hide" behind picayune props or crawl "inconspicuously" between fellow actors- all the while causing a very conspicuous ruckus.
Natalie Leonard stands out in her dancing and expressive abilities as Ursula, enriching the swing number with her swaying Coaster Step and agile footwork, while also portraying a mature nature in the wise delivery of her lines.
Leonard's sophisticated demeanor is countered by the asinine Dogberry (Jack Massura) and "The Watch," an endearingly feebleminded bunch that appends their mirthful balderdash to even the solemnest of scenes, servicing Lady Leonata as they arrest and question villains to the utmost degree of ridiculousness.
Praise is due to set designers Gayle Smith and Alena Wight for their simple yet impressively versatile set: benches assemble into a fountain, flowering arbors move gracefully across the stage, and a lattice archway provides the base for brick pillars. All set pieces are transported and arranged with silent expedition throughout scene changes thanks to the expertise of stage manager Anna Sherg and team.
El Dorado High School's twentieth century interpretation of "Much Ado About Nothing" delivers the classic comedy with inventive flair and a noteworthy cast, proving that - when it comes to Shakespeare - love is never a simple game.
Spencer Martin
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register
Cappies review: "Much Ado About Nothing"
Much Ado at EDHS
By SPENCER MARTIN
For the Orange County Register
Spencer Martin is a Senior at SOCSA Dana Hills in Dana Hills.
Grab some sunscreen, a cooler and your favorite swimsuit as the students of El Dorado High School reimagine Shakespeare's classic comedy and take "Much Ado About Nothing" to the sunny shores of Santa Barbara.
This inventive retelling of "Much Ado" transports audiences to 1945 — after the conclusion of World War II, a band of soldiers returns to the coastal city of Santa Barbara. What follows their return is an entertaining assortment of a marriage delayed by a falsified death and a budding love-hate romance between two witty paramours.
Xander Pietenpol brilliantly steps into the role of Benedick, a clever soldier who is fooled by his friends into thinking he has fallen into a potential romance. Pietenpol demonstrates a complete understanding of his character, allowing audiences to fully understand the meaning of every line he speaks. With emotive facial expressions and unrivaled comedic timing, Pietenpol never fails to leave audiences laughing.
Cierra Sweet co-stars as Benedick's wonderfully snarky on-off love interest, Beatrice. With confidence and finesse, Sweet plays extraordinarily off of Pietenpol, managing to keep scenes lively and upbeat. As Beatrice slowly falls in love with Benedick, Sweet portrays a superb shift from a sardonic character to a wily and teasing one.
Brooke Taylor assumes the role of the soon to be married Hero, a well-mannered daughter of a noblewoman. In every scene she is featured, Taylor graces the stage with an air of understanding and delicacy. Natalie Leonard, playing Hero's close friend Ursula, constantly provides audiences with waves of energy and clear inflection.
Jack Massura invites echoes of laughter as Dogberry, a silly detective with a knack for a certain word. Alongside Massura shines "the watch" — an astute ensemble featuring Mattie Mackessy, Leah Milhander, Gayle Smith and Amy Leonard. The watch consistently delivers a well-rounded performance in each scene they appear.
The atmosphere of the 1940s resonates heartily in every scene, accented by up-tempo swing music and a well-choreographed dance break that welcomes a fun change of pace from other Shakespeare performances. The Santa Barbara ambiance is felt throughout the show, with credit to Gayle Smith and Alena Wight for the eye-catching and effective set design.
The swift stage crew, led by Stage Manager Anna Sherg, performs scene and set changes proficiently, allowing for the show to move fluidly without skipping a beat.
Spencer Martin
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register
Cappies review: "Much Ado About Nothing"
Much Ado at EDHS
By SPENCER MARTIN
For the Orange County Register
Spencer Martin is a Senior at SOCSA Dana Hills in Dana Hills.
Grab some sunscreen, a cooler and your favorite swimsuit as the students of El Dorado High School reimagine Shakespeare's classic comedy and take "Much Ado About Nothing" to the sunny shores of Santa Barbara.
This inventive retelling of "Much Ado" transports audiences to 1945 — after the conclusion of World War II, a band of soldiers returns to the coastal city of Santa Barbara. What follows their return is an entertaining assortment of a marriage delayed by a falsified death and a budding love-hate romance between two witty paramours.
Xander Pietenpol brilliantly steps into the role of Benedick, a clever soldier who is fooled by his friends into thinking he has fallen into a potential romance. Pietenpol demonstrates a complete understanding of his character, allowing audiences to fully understand the meaning of every line he speaks. With emotive facial expressions and unrivaled comedic timing, Pietenpol never fails to leave audiences laughing.
Cierra Sweet co-stars as Benedick's wonderfully snarky on-off love interest, Beatrice. With confidence and finesse, Sweet plays extraordinarily off of Pietenpol, managing to keep scenes lively and upbeat. As Beatrice slowly falls in love with Benedick, Sweet portrays a superb shift from a sardonic character to a wily and teasing one.
Brooke Taylor assumes the role of the soon to be married Hero, a well-mannered daughter of a noblewoman. In every scene she is featured, Taylor graces the stage with an air of understanding and delicacy. Natalie Leonard, playing Hero's close friend Ursula, constantly provides audiences with waves of energy and clear inflection.
Jack Massura invites echoes of laughter as Dogberry, a silly detective with a knack for a certain word. Alongside Massura shines "the watch" — an astute ensemble featuring Mattie Mackessy, Leah Milhander, Gayle Smith and Amy Leonard. The watch consistently delivers a well-rounded performance in each scene they appear.
The atmosphere of the 1940s resonates heartily in every scene, accented by up-tempo swing music and a well-choreographed dance break that welcomes a fun change of pace from other Shakespeare performances. The Santa Barbara ambiance is felt throughout the show, with credit to Gayle Smith and Alena Wight for the eye-catching and effective set design.
The swift stage crew, led by Stage Manager Anna Sherg, performs scene and set changes proficiently, allowing for the show to move fluidly without skipping a beat.
Katherine Jewell
Fullerton Union
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook
Cappies review: "Much Ado About Nothing"
A Energetic Spin on Much Ado at El Dorado
By KATHERINE JEWELL
For the CAPPIES
Katherine Jewell is a Senior at Fullerton Union High School in Fullerton.
Taking you back in time to a 1940s Santa Barbara estate, following two love stories full of truth, mischief, comedy, El Dorado takes their own version of "Much Ado About Nothing" and creates a wonderful play with compassion and energy. The cast and crew lead the audience to the quarreling tale of Benedict and Beatrice, as well as the courtship of Claudio and Hero, then connect to the theme of true love and loyalty.
The technical aspects highlight the details in the show, such as the set (Gayle Smith and Alena Wight) being very simple yet versatile in every scene, and it connects the whole show to one piece. The set links with the lighting (Leah Milhander), giving a natural appearance to the stage and including blue gels to create the feel of the era.
The cast is therefore supported by the crew and work with one another to create great energy and emotion. And to make it their own, the production has a female Leonata (Gloria Perez), mother of Hero, that makes the show even more unique. It seems natural for the cast to have her and establishes the story as more believable.
The rhythm of the Shakespearean text is apparent in the connection between Benedick (Xander Pietenpol) and Beatrice (Cierra Sweet), who stood out with great projection and articulation. And as Benedict sings his sonnet with great affection for Beatrice, Beatrice shows an independent and sassy attitude that crafts such wonderful detail in a scene and a story behind their love.
There is still the other love story between Claudio and Hero, where Claudio (Matthew Guttilla) demonstrates his great charm and affection for Hero, and Hero (Brooke Taylor) is seen as someone so sweet and cute with innocence in every action and reaction to a scene.
But the show had some amazing minor characters, like Colonel Peters (Colby Hamann), standing as a mediator, and bringing peace and ease with his stage presence, as well as his great respect for his friends. And Dogberry (Jack Massura) creates a character who has great comedic timing and always gives the audience a laugh and a smile.
The cast and crew of "Much Ado" have created a charming twist with great dedication that El Dorado should be proud of.
Katherine Jewell
Fullerton Union
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook
Cappies review: "Much Ado About Nothing"
A Energetic Spin on Much Ado at El Dorado
By KATHERINE JEWELL
For the CAPPIES
Katherine Jewell is a Senior at Fullerton Union High School in Fullerton.
Taking you back in time to a 1940s Santa Barbara estate, following two love stories full of truth, mischief, comedy, El Dorado takes their own version of "Much Ado About Nothing" and creates a wonderful play with compassion and energy. The cast and crew lead the audience to the quarreling tale of Benedict and Beatrice, as well as the courtship of Claudio and Hero, then connect to the theme of true love and loyalty.
The technical aspects highlight the details in the show, such as the set (Gayle Smith and Alena Wight) being very simple yet versatile in every scene, and it connects the whole show to one piece. The set links with the lighting (Leah Milhander), giving a natural appearance to the stage and including blue gels to create the feel of the era.
The cast is therefore supported by the crew and work with one another to create great energy and emotion. And to make it their own, the production has a female Leonata (Gloria Perez), mother of Hero, that makes the show even more unique. It seems natural for the cast to have her and establishes the story as more believable.
The rhythm of the Shakespearean text is apparent in the connection between Benedick (Xander Pietenpol) and Beatrice (Cierra Sweet), who stood out with great projection and articulation. And as Benedict sings his sonnet with great affection for Beatrice, Beatrice shows an independent and sassy attitude that crafts such wonderful detail in a scene and a story behind their love.
There is still the other love story between Claudio and Hero, where Claudio (Matthew Guttilla) demonstrates his great charm and affection for Hero, and Hero (Brooke Taylor) is seen as someone so sweet and cute with innocence in every action and reaction to a scene.
But the show had some amazing minor characters, like Colonel Peters (Colby Hamann), standing as a mediator, and bringing peace and ease with his stage presence, as well as his great respect for his friends. And Dogberry (Jack Massura) creates a character who has great comedic timing and always gives the audience a laugh and a smile.
The cast and crew of "Much Ado" have created a charming twist with great dedication that El Dorado should be proud of.