Shakespeare by the Harbor
at Newport Harbor High School

Reviewed on November 20, 2014

Elizabeth Neoman
Tri-School Theatre
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Newport Harbor High School makes a scene with 'Shakespeare by the Harbor'

Newport Harbor High School's "Shakespeare by the Harbor" ventures into the whimsical world of Shakespeare's plays. "Shakespeare by the Harbor" is both enchanting and entertaining.

"Shakespeare by the Harbor" centers on three Shakespearean plays--"A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Romeo and Juliet," and "As You Like It." The play highlights the important moments of these works and celebrates their memorable characters.

Kaylee Call as Rosalind from "As You Like It" brings a comedic element to the show as she smiles sarcastically at the other characters. Vita Muccia as Puck from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" shows a great understanding of the text by emphasizing certain words and pausing appropriately. During a conversation with Oberon, she conveys Puck's mischief and humor by slowly falling asleep and jolting up quickly when he turns to her. Cody Call and Claire McCarthy, who play Romeo and Juliet, have an impressive onstage relationship as they gaze lovingly at each other. Cody Call shows Romeo's passion as he widens his eyes, reaches out his hand, and never looks away from Juliet.

While some characters struggle with juggling multiple roles, Fiona Gray makes a clear distinction between the serious Lady Capulet and wild Helena. She shows Helena's obsession with Demetrius by thrusting herself on him, constantly tugging on his shirt, and gazing crazily at him. She transitions to the reserved Lady Capulet by sitting calmly with Juliet and comforting her. Chris Surridge as Bottom from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" conveys Bottom's comical personality by grabbing at Titania and prancing swiftly across the stage.

The storybook set incorporates three large books that each have the name of a different play. The lights shift to each title to direct which play will be showcased next. A beautiful touch is the transparent screen that fades from a vibrant, night sky lit with stars to a light blue during the daytime. The sets are distinct from each other but are still connected by common elements such as rocks and trees.

Newport Harbor High School artfully performs Shakespeare's famous works in "Shakespeare by the Harbor."

Danielle Grace
Laguna Hills High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Newport Harbor weaves a story from three timeless Shakespeare pieces

In their production, "Shakespeare by the Harbor", Newport High School tackles three classic Shakespeare plays: Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Nights Dream, and As You Like It.

As there are multiple storylines in this production, a few simple set pieces help communicate where each scene takes place. The polished balcony and bushes in "Romeo and Juliet" is effective in showing the separation between the two lovers. Another original idea is the three book spines that frame the stage. Each book has a name of one of the plays being performed, and prior to each scene, the book binding with the name of that particular scene on it is lit to remind the audience which story they are about to view.

In each scene, music can be heard that fits the mood of the dialogue. Sound designers Kevin Weed and McKennah Blue bring in just the right amount of music so that it adds to the scene without distracting from the action.

While some of the characters have trouble focusing on their actions and lines, two characters stand out. Austin Christensen commands the stage as Capulet. He captures the emotion and mannerisms of an overprotective parent throughout the scene. Vita Muccia, as Puck, exudes purpose in each line she delivers. She has clear annunciation and projects her voice, allowing her to dominate the scene and create a relationship with the audience.

Costume designer Natashia Nicoloff pairs each character with costuming to compliment the personality of their role. Juliet's simple but elegant white dress matches her innocent persona, while Capulet's bright tunic corresponds with his passionate behavior. Titania's fairy servants, though appear similar in style, each have a unique spin on their costumes to coincide with their fairy names.

All in all, Shakespeare by the Harbor creates a storybook of three classic Shakespearian productions. The entire cast works together to revive traditional pieces of theater.

Amanda Smith
Tesoro High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Love is in the Air with Newport Harbor's "Shakespeare by the Harbor"

Taking scenes from three classic Shakespeare plays, Newport Harbor High School's production of "Shakespeare by the Harbor" shows just how different love stories can be.

With stories of love at first sight but forbidden to pursue it in "Romeo and Juliet," magical dew causing one to fall in love with the first thing they see in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and a girl hopelessly in love with someone disguised as a man in "As You Like It," Newport Harbor combines these stories in a delightful night of Shakespeare.

Cody Call's performance as Romeo Montague is captivating and heartfelt. His love for Juliet is obvious from the moment he sees her out on her balcony: his eyes wide and bright, his voice light and excited. His passionate, but tender kisses and embraces express his desire for Juliet better than his words ever could.

The mischievous, but obedient Puck, played by Vita Muccia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," brings energy and sass when she walks on stage. Muccia brings comedy relief with her hilarious antics as she makes fun of her master Oberon, played by Austin Christensen, and falls asleep behind his back while he is talking, but conveniently wakes up when he turns around to face her.

Chris Surridge and Vita Muccia's duo as Silvius and Phebe also brings humor into the "As You Like It" scenes. Silvius's bounce in his step and wide smile when he is around Phebe express his love for her and is constantly doting on her, but Phebe does not return these feelings. She shakes, pushes, and pulls herself away from his grip. When Phebe describes her perfect man, Silvius quickly matches her descriptions and strikes a pose hoping to get her attention.

The set, designed by Sofia Alvarez and Sam Wertheimer, changes for the different plays and has specific pieces that fit perfectly in each show. From a tall, elegant balcony Romeo is able to clime up in "Romeo and Juliet," to vines, rocks, and stumps creating a detailed forrest setting in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the set distinguishes the differences in the three tales.

Newport Harbor High School enchants audiences of all ages with three very different love stories in "Shakespeare by the Harbor."