Alice in Wonderland
at Pacifica High School

Reviewed on December 12, 2014

Evan Cusato
Los Alamitos High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

"Alice in Wonderland" Awakens the Imagination at Pacifica

No matter how long ago some works are written, they continue to inspire, and amaze. Pacifica's "Alice in Wonderland" proves this theory with every scene.

This iconic show chronicles the wondrous adventure of Alice (Melody Espinoza), an incredibly curious thirteen-year-old girl. Alice's adventure begins when she follows the White Rabbit (Pierre Ekladios) down a rabbit hole into an impossible world where everything happens in reverse. While there, she runs into many strange and, more importantly, mad individuals, such as the Cheshire Cat (Joey Stoner) and the Caterpillar (Brian Soto). They all speak of an evil queen, the Queen of Hearts (Sabrina Thompson); Alice squares off with her in a game of croquet and in the end removes her from power, with the help of her new friends.

Ekladios delivers a standout performance from opening to curtain. His unique vocal choices create a truly rabbit-like persona. Moreover, their combination with his hyperactive, spastic, high-tempo movements round out his character and breathe great life into the production. His inherent command of the stage amplifies his acting choices. Despite difficulty hearing and therefore understanding actors, due to both microphone mishaps and somewhat overpowering music, Ekladios' specific and conscious physical actions and characteristics tell his piece of the story as much as his words.

The lead actors' costumes, created by Sabrina Thompson, reflect the personality of the character wearing them in an exemplary manner. The imaginative use of actual playing cards in the costume of the Queen of Hearts greatly adds to the visual depth of the character. The execution of rapid costume and makeup changes is also of note, as the production has a 16-person cast for a show with more than twice that number of characters.

Makeup designer Mariah Abato brilliantly works in conjunction with Thompson's costumes. Actors such as Joey Stoner, who's gaping mouth is painted directly onto his face provide another element of depth to the production. With this double-mouth effect, Stoner is able to focus on maintaining other aspects of his character and not exert as much energy on the Cheshire Cat's distinctive and exhaustive trademark.

Pacifica's take on a classic tale demonstrates ability in many aspects of theater, both on and offstage. The "blood, sweat, and tears" invested in the show are clearly evident.

Zoya Ansari
Irvine High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

A Trip Down The Rabbit Hole

Using a combination of strong vocals, entertaining character choices, and solid technical pieces, Pacifica High School's "Alice In Wonderland" is a show to remember.

Alice, wishing for a more interesting life, is thrust into a world down the rabbit hole unlike any other, filled with oddities. She then tries to find a way home, meeting a vast variety of characters that she finds to be absolutely mad.

Alice (Melody Espinoza), is very captivating with her clear and strong vocals as well as her bubbly interactions with the other characters. As she starts the show with her fellow lead, the White Rabbit (Pierre Ekladios), we learn of the duo's ability to command the stage using their charming interactions combined with their vocal ability. Although some singing was overpowered by the piano, the cast overcame this with steady projection.

The Cheshire Cat (Joey Stoner), created a very likeable character using superb singing as well as a most entrancing voice. With his fluid motion and gestures, he emphasizes the Cat's mysterious personality. His slight fluctuation in his voice, though subtle, gave a sense of wonder throughout the show. The Queen of Hearts (Sabrina Thompson) demanded attention with her powerful voice and stage presence. Together with her lowly king, the duo makes a comedic pair.

The make-up, done by Mariah Abato, is brilliant. Alice looks enhanced, yet still innocent. In contrast, the Queen of Hearts looks like royalty with perfect heart shaped lips and sharp color contrasting eye shadow. The make-up of the Cheshire Cat seemed especially outstanding. Although there was little time to apply the Cat's devious smile, Abato is still able to do it neatly and nearly perfectly. She excels in enhancing a character's traits using minimalistic makeup.

The ensemble works together to put a new light on a classical tale. The tale of "Alice In Wonderland", performed by Pacifica High School, is one to remember.

Marisol Chandler
Northwood High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Fall Through Reality with Pacifica's Alice in Wonderland

"Who are you?" This is the question for a journey down the rabbit hole. Talking flowers, frightened cards, and a backwards world with a dash of pompous royalty takes the stage at Pacifica High School's performance of the musical Alice and Wonderland adapted by Tim Nelson.

This classic twisted fairy tale follows a young girl's trip down a rabbit hole into a wonderland of complete nonsense. Making new friends to help her along the way, she must look into herself to find the path back home.

Alice (Melody Espinoza) is the voice of sanity throughout the tumultuous actions of the musical.
Her clear and articulated singing of "In My Mind" is a base to return to at the end as she is joined by the entire cast who all brought a heartfelt and fluid voice to the song.

The White Rabbit (Pierre Ekladios) contrasts Espinoza's connected movements with his own fidgety ones. Speaking like an old frumpy English grandfather, he jumps around stage commanding attention from everyone he speaks to. His physical character choices and rapid movements are truly a sight to see.

Similar to Ekladios's commanding presence, The Queen of Hearts (Sabrina Thompson) fills the room with her voice and narrowing stare. Her royal walk is one that would only fit the most magnificent of queens as well as her vocal ability - ranging from opera to a jazzy alto.

The Mad Hatter (Maia Carter) played with her quirky militant style and varying voice levels. She marched around the stage and sang the chaotic "Song of M" with gusto.

Costuming (Sabrina Thompson) for the Queen was particularly intricate and neat with a full deck of cards for the collar and on the train of her gown. Her makeup (Mariah Abato) complimented her costume elegantly with a red smokey eye and sharp heart shaped lipstick.

The simplicity of the set was easy to work with and could be transformed from scene to scene by simply turning the three triangular pillars to the side that was needed. One of the scenes that was most noteworthy was the Chamber of Doors where three performers stood behind cut out doors, sliding extra length of door up and down to signify Alice's growing and shrinking.

The entire cast and crew pulled together to recreate a simplistic version of a quirky classic.