Curtains
at El Dorado
Reviewed on February 21, 2014
| Name | School | Publication/Broadcasts |
Tessa Kessen | La Habra High School | Orange County Register |
Tessa Kessen | La Habra High School | Orange County Register |
Taylor Plett | SOCSA Dana Hills | Orange County Register |
Taylor Plett | SOCSA Dana Hills | Orange County Register |
Nikki Tran | Fountain Valley High School | OC Cappies Facebook |
Nikki Tran | Fountain Valley High School | OC Cappies Facebook |
Tessa Kessen
La Habra High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register
El Dorado knocks them dead with 'Curtains'
What can a gang of ordinary show people do when their leading lady abruptly dies on opening night, and a vengeful murderer is on the loose? El Dorado lets audiences know on a hilarious whodunit adventure of death, dance numbers, and deceit.
In Rupert Holmes intricate comedy murder mystery set in 1959 Boston, a ripple of backstage confusing death plots occur ruining the grand debut of the original musical, "Robbin' Hood of the Old West". Enter Lt. Frank Cioffi, a police detective and undercover musical theater lover, whose job is to solve the case, protect those around him, and possibly find love along the way.
The vibrant cast bounds through the show with large amounts of energy and stunning character development, never missing a beat.
Witty, kind, and quick as Lt. Frank Cioffi, Colby Hamann saves the day with charisma, giving a truthful performance never stumbling over his challenging monologues, even while rushing about the stage with his infectious confidence and casual good natured demeanor.
In her role as Niki Harris, Cierra Sweet graces the stage with her youthful optimism successfully developing a tender, insightful, smart character.
Devyn Kontur plays Carmen Bernstein, the hard-bitten co-producer with confidence and ease, carrying her role with a sassy demeanor, a hand planted firmly on her hip, making it clear that she is always in command. Kontur shines in the number "Show People" her strong voice never faltering, and triggers laughs as she goes on about her idiot husband.
Zachary Vlastnik portrays the timid composer Aaron Fox, with superb characterization that denotes his presence even when he's not speaking. His charisma and romance with his bubbly and enthusiastic lyricist Georgia Hendricks, played by Natalie Leonard, was astounding as they sang the love ballad reprise of "I Miss The Music/Thinking of Him", perfectly on pitch.
At times, a lack of articulation combined with the volume of the music made the actors almost unintelligible, but the actors upbeat dance numbers such as the excellent "Thataway!" and the sweet "A Tough Act To Follow" overshadowed the difficulties.
The lighting, designed by Leah Milhander, complimented and highlighted the simple set, providing a perfect spotlight when needed, and pink, blue, and yellow hues throughout the show.
With talented lead performers, and sparkling comedic characters, the cast and crew at El Dorado pushed forward with dedication, captivating audiences until the final curtain.
Tessa Kessen
La Habra High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register
El Dorado knocks them dead with 'Curtains'
What can a gang of ordinary show people do when their leading lady abruptly dies on opening night, and a vengeful murderer is on the loose? El Dorado lets audiences know on a hilarious whodunit adventure of death, dance numbers, and deceit.
In Rupert Holmes intricate comedy murder mystery set in 1959 Boston, a ripple of backstage confusing death plots occur ruining the grand debut of the original musical, "Robbin' Hood of the Old West". Enter Lt. Frank Cioffi, a police detective and undercover musical theater lover, whose job is to solve the case, protect those around him, and possibly find love along the way.
The vibrant cast bounds through the show with large amounts of energy and stunning character development, never missing a beat.
Witty, kind, and quick as Lt. Frank Cioffi, Colby Hamann saves the day with charisma, giving a truthful performance never stumbling over his challenging monologues, even while rushing about the stage with his infectious confidence and casual good natured demeanor.
In her role as Niki Harris, Cierra Sweet graces the stage with her youthful optimism successfully developing a tender, insightful, smart character.
Devyn Kontur plays Carmen Bernstein, the hard-bitten co-producer with confidence and ease, carrying her role with a sassy demeanor, a hand planted firmly on her hip, making it clear that she is always in command. Kontur shines in the number "Show People" her strong voice never faltering, and triggers laughs as she goes on about her idiot husband.
Zachary Vlastnik portrays the timid composer Aaron Fox, with superb characterization that denotes his presence even when he's not speaking. His charisma and romance with his bubbly and enthusiastic lyricist Georgia Hendricks, played by Natalie Leonard, was astounding as they sang the love ballad reprise of "I Miss The Music/Thinking of Him", perfectly on pitch.
At times, a lack of articulation combined with the volume of the music made the actors almost unintelligible, but the actors upbeat dance numbers such as the excellent "Thataway!" and the sweet "A Tough Act To Follow" overshadowed the difficulties.
The lighting, designed by Leah Milhander, complimented and highlighted the simple set, providing a perfect spotlight when needed, and pink, blue, and yellow hues throughout the show.
With talented lead performers, and sparkling comedic characters, the cast and crew at El Dorado pushed forward with dedication, captivating audiences until the final curtain.
Taylor Plett
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register
El Dorado pulls back the curtain on Whodunit
The leading lady poisoned, producer hanged, and stage manager shot – still, the show must go on…
El Dorado's "Curtains" unfurls Kander and Ebb's murder mystery send-up as an edge-of-your-seat farce, embellished with dazzling ensemble numbers and lusty cast caricaturing erratic ‘show people'.
When the charlatanic star of "Robbin' Hood of the Old West" is murdered on opening night, Lt. Frank Cioffi is put to the test in an attempt to catch the culprit and actress Niki Harris' eye before it's curtains for the production... or for him.
Lt. Cioffi (Colby Hamann) tackles murder after murder in his pursual of the case's solution, all the while engaging the audience with unfailing zeal and expert comedic timing. Hamann duly flaunts agile footwork as he flits through a jaunty step sequence with Niki (Cierra Sweet) in "A Tough Act to Follow."
The pair's sweet innocence is countered by Georgia Hendricks (Natalie Leonard) and Aaron Fox (Zachary Vlastnik), a separated music and lyric team who ultimately rekindle their love during the tear-jerking duet, "Thinking of Him/I Miss the Music." The duo's mature vibratos ring in stunning harmony as they gaze into each other's eyes, emitting tangible pangs of longing.
Bambi (Alyssa Oertwig) bounces about the stage on tiptoe, pleading in whiny squeaks that she might be allowed a pas de deux by her mother/producer Carmen Bernstein (Devyn Kontur). Oertwig's youthful chirps are juxtaposed by Kontur's brassy attitude and demanding strut. The two elicit peals of laughter in "It's a Business," a musical clash between Shakespearian love quotes and financial drive which luminously showcases Kontur's buzzing belt.
But it's the stage manager, Jenny (Laura Neis), who steals the show as her seemingly mousy and buttoned character transforms into a slinky persona, brimming with the cast's scandal. Neis conducts a rapt audience as she leaks bits of rumor in a condescending cackle.
Praise is due to light designer Leah Milhander for her artistic synthesis of color and timing: soft pink and blue spotlights compliment twirling dancers, blood-red backdrops add shocking dramatics after each murder, and the dark stage is caught in a dancing web of flashlight beams during the eerie "He Did it."
El Dorado's masterful cast of "Curtains" delivers this criminal comedy with fervor and panache, authenticating the truth that even through mystery, mayhem and murder, thespians will stop at nothing to put on a show.
Taylor Plett
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register
El Dorado pulls back the curtain on Whodunit
The leading lady poisoned, producer hanged, and stage manager shot – still, the show must go on…
El Dorado's "Curtains" unfurls Kander and Ebb's murder mystery send-up as an edge-of-your-seat farce, embellished with dazzling ensemble numbers and lusty cast caricaturing erratic ‘show people'.
When the charlatanic star of "Robbin' Hood of the Old West" is murdered on opening night, Lt. Frank Cioffi is put to the test in an attempt to catch the culprit and actress Niki Harris' eye before it's curtains for the production... or for him.
Lt. Cioffi (Colby Hamann) tackles murder after murder in his pursual of the case's solution, all the while engaging the audience with unfailing zeal and expert comedic timing. Hamann duly flaunts agile footwork as he flits through a jaunty step sequence with Niki (Cierra Sweet) in "A Tough Act to Follow."
The pair's sweet innocence is countered by Georgia Hendricks (Natalie Leonard) and Aaron Fox (Zachary Vlastnik), a separated music and lyric team who ultimately rekindle their love during the tear-jerking duet, "Thinking of Him/I Miss the Music." The duo's mature vibratos ring in stunning harmony as they gaze into each other's eyes, emitting tangible pangs of longing.
Bambi (Alyssa Oertwig) bounces about the stage on tiptoe, pleading in whiny squeaks that she might be allowed a pas de deux by her mother/producer Carmen Bernstein (Devyn Kontur). Oertwig's youthful chirps are juxtaposed by Kontur's brassy attitude and demanding strut. The two elicit peals of laughter in "It's a Business," a musical clash between Shakespearian love quotes and financial drive which luminously showcases Kontur's buzzing belt.
But it's the stage manager, Jenny (Laura Neis), who steals the show as her seemingly mousy and buttoned character transforms into a slinky persona, brimming with the cast's scandal. Neis conducts a rapt audience as she leaks bits of rumor in a condescending cackle.
Praise is due to light designer Leah Milhander for her artistic synthesis of color and timing: soft pink and blue spotlights compliment twirling dancers, blood-red backdrops add shocking dramatics after each murder, and the dark stage is caught in a dancing web of flashlight beams during the eerie "He Did it."
El Dorado's masterful cast of "Curtains" delivers this criminal comedy with fervor and panache, authenticating the truth that even through mystery, mayhem and murder, thespians will stop at nothing to put on a show.
Nikki Tran
Fountain Valley High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook
Talent behind El Dorado's "Curtains"
In the world of theatre, the closing of a show is often accompanied by misty eyes and tears. Yet, at El Dorado's "Curtains" the cast and crew weep for joy over the imminent closure of their critically-panned show. Although sighs of relief echo from the underpaid, overworked company, it's not until murder runs loose in the footlights that they realize their folly and renew their love for drama.
A play-within-a-play, "Curtains" details the furor that arises after the murder of a talentless leading lady. When police arrive and quarantine the company to the theater, suspicion heightens, show business secrets unravel, and hilarity ensues in this murder mystery romp.
Colby Hamann leads the hunt for the killer with whimsical vigor as Lieutenant Frank Cioffi. Upon his arrival to the scene of the crime, he stands tall and thrusts his chest out, exuding authority. Yet, his law and order persona fades when he encounters the two newfound loves of his life: the stage and Niki Harris (Cierra Sweet). From performing tap routines to doting on Niki, he invigorates each with delight and shows his immense versatility.
With her delicate voice, Sweet brings a charming innocence to her role, particularly during the duet "A Tough Act to Follow." Staring into each other's eyes and waltzing in dreamy synchrony, Sweet and Hamann become lost in their own world as their vocals blend to create a harmonious melody.
Meanwhile, Natalie Leonard radiates as lyricist Georgia Hendricks. Squirming about, her apprehension over replacing the lead actress is clear when she stammers out "Thinking of Him." However, as the number progresses, her confidence builds, her voice becomes clear and rich, and she finishes with a beautiful, showstopping flourish. Leonard's vocal prowess is later matched by her dancing talent as she drives the company in "Thataway." Even with high kicks and lifts, she remains energized throughout.
Opposing Leonard is Zachary Vlastnik who mopes about as composer and Georgia's ex-husband Aaron Fox. He tugs at heartstrings with his rendition of "I Miss the Music" where he aches over his failed marriage. His melancholy is further deepened by Leah Milhander's lighting design. Dimming the lights and using blues and violets, Milhander skillfully captures the despondent mood.
Through these individual efforts and the talent of the ensemble, El Dorado delivers a comedic riot that dazzles, proving that show people truly are a special kind of people.
Nikki Tran
Fountain Valley High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook
Talent behind El Dorado's "Curtains"
In the world of theatre, the closing of a show is often accompanied by misty eyes and tears. Yet, at El Dorado's "Curtains" the cast and crew weep for joy over the imminent closure of their critically-panned show. Although sighs of relief echo from the underpaid, overworked company, it's not until murder runs loose in the footlights that they realize their folly and renew their love for drama.
A play-within-a-play, "Curtains" details the furor that arises after the murder of a talentless leading lady. When police arrive and quarantine the company to the theater, suspicion heightens, show business secrets unravel, and hilarity ensues in this murder mystery romp.
Colby Hamann leads the hunt for the killer with whimsical vigor as Lieutenant Frank Cioffi. Upon his arrival to the scene of the crime, he stands tall and thrusts his chest out, exuding authority. Yet, his law and order persona fades when he encounters the two newfound loves of his life: the stage and Niki Harris (Cierra Sweet). From performing tap routines to doting on Niki, he invigorates each with delight and shows his immense versatility.
With her delicate voice, Sweet brings a charming innocence to her role, particularly during the duet "A Tough Act to Follow." Staring into each other's eyes and waltzing in dreamy synchrony, Sweet and Hamann become lost in their own world as their vocals blend to create a harmonious melody.
Meanwhile, Natalie Leonard radiates as lyricist Georgia Hendricks. Squirming about, her apprehension over replacing the lead actress is clear when she stammers out "Thinking of Him." However, as the number progresses, her confidence builds, her voice becomes clear and rich, and she finishes with a beautiful, showstopping flourish. Leonard's vocal prowess is later matched by her dancing talent as she drives the company in "Thataway." Even with high kicks and lifts, she remains energized throughout.
Opposing Leonard is Zachary Vlastnik who mopes about as composer and Georgia's ex-husband Aaron Fox. He tugs at heartstrings with his rendition of "I Miss the Music" where he aches over his failed marriage. His melancholy is further deepened by Leah Milhander's lighting design. Dimming the lights and using blues and violets, Milhander skillfully captures the despondent mood.
Through these individual efforts and the talent of the ensemble, El Dorado delivers a comedic riot that dazzles, proving that show people truly are a special kind of people.