Stardust
at University High School

Reviewed on November 21, 2014

Allison Cruz
Aliso Niguel High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

University presents 'Star'-Studded Show

The show must go on — even with the histrionic antics of an eccentric director and his melodramatic acting students. When famed actress Prudence Mason walks onto the scene of this misguided theater company, she has to confront the good and the bad behind her profession, and make the ultimate choice between art and love. With a delightful combination of satirical wit and slapstick comedy, University High School's zany cast of characters steals the spotlight in their production of "Stardust."

Megan McCarthy leads the show as Prudence Mason, carrying herself with the poised confidence indicative of a well-seasoned actress. The stark contrast between her calm demeanor and the spastic movements of the unconventional director, Mr. Bach (Ryan Nicholson), adds humor while establishing her as the voice of reason — a voice that often goes unheard amidst all the chaos. McCarthy ably portrays her character's slow descent from wide-eyed optimism to pleading desperation as she chooses between success in Hollywood or normalcy at home.

Highlighting the absurdity of the Stanislavski Method, Nicholson exaggerates every line of instruction, going back and forth from high to low pitches. His peculiarity is heightened by the stroking of his well-groomed goatee, designed by Niusha Maleki and Mia McCarey, as well as his constant invasion of the other characters' personal spaces. Nicholson's infectious enthusiasm is captivating, and his character proves that there really is a method to any madness.

However, it is the ensemble of students that truly brings this show to life. In particular, Yamini Nambimadom as Stella Brahms epitomizes the suffering actress with her despairing tone of voice, while Jordan Bodie as Raimund Brown surprises with his sudden declaration of love for the sophisticated Claire Carter (Catalina Fernandez).

Fernandez proves quick-witted, delivering memorable, sarcastic one-liners and subtle eye rolls. Nataneal Cho, who portrays Jerry Flanagan, the slick Hollywood agent, also demonstrates a clever sense of humor. His facetious remarks to the hopeful Janet Ross (Christa Pehrson) show strength and maturity, giving his character power over the multitude of aspiring actors.

Consisting of a breakaway chair and pointed spear, Joseph Malcor's props accentuate the extremely nonsensical atmosphere. Likewise, the togas, created by Maribel Cervantes, emphasize each character's quirky personality, yet tie the whole ensemble together cohesively.

In University's dazzling production, a powerful message of love and hope shines through, reminding that all dreams were made with a little bit of "Stardust."

Allison Cruz
Aliso Niguel High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

University presents 'Star'-Studded Show

The show must go on — even with the histrionic antics of an eccentric director and his melodramatic acting students. When famed actress Prudence Mason walks onto the scene of this misguided theater company, she has to confront the good and the bad behind her profession, and make the ultimate choice between art and love. With a delightful combination of satirical wit and slapstick comedy, University High School's zany cast of characters steals the spotlight in their production of "Stardust."

Megan McCarthy leads the show as Prudence Mason, carrying herself with the poised confidence indicative of a well-seasoned actress. The stark contrast between her calm demeanor and the spastic movements of the unconventional director, Mr. Bach (Ryan Nicholson), adds humor while establishing her as the voice of reason — a voice that often goes unheard amidst all the chaos. McCarthy ably portrays her character's slow descent from wide-eyed optimism to pleading desperation as she chooses between success in Hollywood or normalcy at home.

Highlighting the absurdity of the Stanislavski Method, Nicholson exaggerates every line of instruction, going back and forth from high to low pitches. His peculiarity is heightened by the stroking of his well-groomed goatee, designed by Niusha Maleki and Mia McCarey, as well as his constant invasion of the other characters' personal spaces. Nicholson's infectious enthusiasm is captivating, and his character proves that there really is a method to any madness.

However, it is the ensemble of students that truly brings this show to life. In particular, Yamini Nambimadom as Stella Brahms epitomizes the suffering actress with her despairing tone of voice, while Jordan Bodie as Raimund Brown surprises with his sudden declaration of love for the sophisticated Claire Carter (Catalina Fernandez).

Fernandez proves quick-witted, delivering memorable, sarcastic one-liners and subtle eye rolls. Nataneal Cho, who portrays Jerry Flanagan, the slick Hollywood agent, also demonstrates a clever sense of humor. His facetious remarks to the hopeful Janet Ross (Christa Pehrson) show strength and maturity, giving his character power over the multitude of aspiring actors.

Consisting of a breakaway chair and pointed spear, Joseph Malcor's props accentuate the extremely nonsensical atmosphere. Likewise, the togas, created by Maribel Cervantes, emphasize each character's quirky personality, yet tie the whole ensemble together cohesively.

In University's dazzling production, a powerful message of love and hope shines through, reminding that all dreams were made with a little bit of "Stardust."

Gabby Romero
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

University High School Dazzles With "Stardust"
A parody of the Russian theater practitioner Constantin Stanislavsky's acting method, University High School's passionate performance of "Stardust" hilariously depicts the conflict between following your dreams and leading a normal life.

"Stardust" tells the fantastic tale of a young Broadway actress starring in an absurd acting school's production of a Shakespearean play. With a potential acting contract in Hollywood and a boyfriend who wants to marry her, Prudence must make the decision to follow society's cultural dictates or to take her own path.

Megan McCarthy as Prudence Mason vivaciously portrays her character's transition from a wide-eyed honest young actress to a conflicted woman forced to choose between acting and everyday life. The charismatic and collected Jerry Flanagan, played by Nataneal Cho, impressively brings his character to life through his confident sauntering across the stage and his authentic 1940's accent, his determined acting clearly defines his main objective: to scout a new film actress.

Ryan Nicholson's portrayal of hilariously absurd Mr. Bach lights up the stage with his lively voice and his exaggerated body movements. His emotions are evident even before he speaks, as he curls up to express disappointment and violently shakes when fearful. His comical vibrancy is supplemented by the energetic playwright Tad Voorhis, played by Eleanor Goulden. Whether she lunges across the stage like an insect or passionately shakes her tambourine during rehearsals, she highlights the show's dynamic comedy.

The performers shine with the help of the technical elements of the show. The grand and detailed two-story set, designed by Kiley Hutchinson, allows the actors to assert their presence from multiple levels on the stage. Quanah Lawrence's lighting design seamlessly shifts to different parts of the stage to distinctly identify the focal point of the scene among the ensemble's intense movement. Lawrence's use of warm-toned light on the stage provides a vintage mood to the production, sending us back in time to the 1940's. The intricate and elegant publicity, designed by Eleanor Goulden, shines with an aesthetic comparable to a professional Broadway poster and truly represents the vibrant and entertaining show.

Filled with entertaining humor and unmistakable energy, University High School's "Stardust" is a captivating show that provides a hilarious commentary on Method acting and authentically represents the time period.

Gabby Romero
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

University High School Dazzles With "Stardust"
A parody of the Russian theater practitioner Constantin Stanislavsky's acting method, University High School's passionate performance of "Stardust" hilariously depicts the conflict between following your dreams and leading a normal life.

"Stardust" tells the fantastic tale of a young Broadway actress starring in an absurd acting school's production of a Shakespearean play. With a potential acting contract in Hollywood and a boyfriend who wants to marry her, Prudence must make the decision to follow society's cultural dictates or to take her own path.

Megan McCarthy as Prudence Mason vivaciously portrays her character's transition from a wide-eyed honest young actress to a conflicted woman forced to choose between acting and everyday life. The charismatic and collected Jerry Flanagan, played by Nataneal Cho, impressively brings his character to life through his confident sauntering across the stage and his authentic 1940's accent, his determined acting clearly defines his main objective: to scout a new film actress.

Ryan Nicholson's portrayal of hilariously absurd Mr. Bach lights up the stage with his lively voice and his exaggerated body movements. His emotions are evident even before he speaks, as he curls up to express disappointment and violently shakes when fearful. His comical vibrancy is supplemented by the energetic playwright Tad Voorhis, played by Eleanor Goulden. Whether she lunges across the stage like an insect or passionately shakes her tambourine during rehearsals, she highlights the show's dynamic comedy.

The performers shine with the help of the technical elements of the show. The grand and detailed two-story set, designed by Kiley Hutchinson, allows the actors to assert their presence from multiple levels on the stage. Quanah Lawrence's lighting design seamlessly shifts to different parts of the stage to distinctly identify the focal point of the scene among the ensemble's intense movement. Lawrence's use of warm-toned light on the stage provides a vintage mood to the production, sending us back in time to the 1940's. The intricate and elegant publicity, designed by Eleanor Goulden, shines with an aesthetic comparable to a professional Broadway poster and truly represents the vibrant and entertaining show.

Filled with entertaining humor and unmistakable energy, University High School's "Stardust" is a captivating show that provides a hilarious commentary on Method acting and authentically represents the time period.

Dessi Gomez
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

University High School's "Stardust" Shines

University High School's performance of Walter Kerr's "Stardust" dazzles all with its energy. This comedy takes place in a prestigious drama academy, its students eagerly anticipating the arrival of a famous actress who will work alongside them on stage in an upcoming show. Contrary to assumption, the Broadway star argues against the firm belief of the pupils and director in Stanislavsky's concept of "living one's art", and chaotic change ensues.

Megan McCarthy as Prudence Mason skillfully performs the transition from wide-eyed and eager to frazzled by inner conflict. Natanael Cho struts across the stage as Jerry Flanagan, emitting the cool confidence and determination of a sophisticated businessman. Catalina Fernandez as Claire Carter provides a strong contrast to Prudence's aloof and dreamy visions with her grounded and down-to-earth mindset and tone of voice. Ryan Nicholson elicits laughter with his portrayal of Mr. Bach as he captures the poise and graceful movements of a confident artist. His changes in tone of voice and facial expressions add dimension to Bach's character, allowing the audience to glimpse his inner emotions. Eleanor Goulden displays the quirky passion of Tad Voorhis with spontaneous, jerky movements and graceful flourishes of her arms and hands. Yamini Nambimadom highlights Stella Brahms' "suffering", anger, and moodiness as she stomps around the set wearing a brooding scowl. Isabella Salahemoor deftly displays the cranky Dean of Women through her irritated, sour facial expressions and thin yet piercing voice.

The clever set design contains two side double doorways as well as the two entrances to a hallway in the back. The upstairs corridor and balcony top it off, and together, these levels add volume to the set. The furniture and decorations provide a comfortable, old-fashioned feel. The costumes, designed by Maribel Cervantes, also portray this with their simple designs and fabrics. The similarly structured and colored costumes of Bach and Voorhis strengthen the connection between their dramatic and artistic personalities. The fake prop chair plays a significant role in contributing to the play's humor. Flanagan's cigar successfully attracts attention with its periodic puffs of smoke. The Lighting, designed by Quanah Lawrence and operated by Adam Tafoya effectively guides the attention to the focal points of the scenes.

Humor permeates University High School's peppy rendition of "Stardust", yet the play successfully stresses the gravity of decision-making and that the "cosmos is within us".

Dessi Gomez
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

University High School's "Stardust" Shines

University High School's performance of Walter Kerr's "Stardust" dazzles all with its energy. This comedy takes place in a prestigious drama academy, its students eagerly anticipating the arrival of a famous actress who will work alongside them on stage in an upcoming show. Contrary to assumption, the Broadway star argues against the firm belief of the pupils and director in Stanislavsky's concept of "living one's art", and chaotic change ensues.

Megan McCarthy as Prudence Mason skillfully performs the transition from wide-eyed and eager to frazzled by inner conflict. Natanael Cho struts across the stage as Jerry Flanagan, emitting the cool confidence and determination of a sophisticated businessman. Catalina Fernandez as Claire Carter provides a strong contrast to Prudence's aloof and dreamy visions with her grounded and down-to-earth mindset and tone of voice. Ryan Nicholson elicits laughter with his portrayal of Mr. Bach as he captures the poise and graceful movements of a confident artist. His changes in tone of voice and facial expressions add dimension to Bach's character, allowing the audience to glimpse his inner emotions. Eleanor Goulden displays the quirky passion of Tad Voorhis with spontaneous, jerky movements and graceful flourishes of her arms and hands. Yamini Nambimadom highlights Stella Brahms' "suffering", anger, and moodiness as she stomps around the set wearing a brooding scowl. Isabella Salahemoor deftly displays the cranky Dean of Women through her irritated, sour facial expressions and thin yet piercing voice.

The clever set design contains two side double doorways as well as the two entrances to a hallway in the back. The upstairs corridor and balcony top it off, and together, these levels add volume to the set. The furniture and decorations provide a comfortable, old-fashioned feel. The costumes, designed by Maribel Cervantes, also portray this with their simple designs and fabrics. The similarly structured and colored costumes of Bach and Voorhis strengthen the connection between their dramatic and artistic personalities. The fake prop chair plays a significant role in contributing to the play's humor. Flanagan's cigar successfully attracts attention with its periodic puffs of smoke. The Lighting, designed by Quanah Lawrence and operated by Adam Tafoya effectively guides the attention to the focal points of the scenes.

Humor permeates University High School's peppy rendition of "Stardust", yet the play successfully stresses the gravity of decision-making and that the "cosmos is within us".