Once on This Island
at Tesoro High School

Reviewed on April 24, 2015

Dessi Gomez
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Tesoro High School rhythmically revives ‘Once on This Island'

Strobe lights flash and thunder rumbles in the stormy night that begins Tesoro High School's "Once on This Island". Energetic Storytellers plunge the stage into colorful chaos as they divert a frightened young girl's attention away from the storm and into a story. They tell the exciting tale of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who falls hopelessly in love with a Beauxhomme. Ti Moune triumphantly conquers the demons of death with the power of love in this tropical tale.

The Storytellers flexibly display any object, from constantly-twitching frogs to a stiff, statuesque gate. Each and every Storyteller dances with great gusto. Mama Euralie (Sara MacKenzie) comforts and cares for Ti Moune with gentle caresses and tight embraces. TonTon Julian (Joey Guerra) guides Ti Moune with resonant speech and song. Ti Moune (Justine Halas) glides across the stage with graceful charm. The four Gods command attention both as a quartet and as individuals. Papa Ge (Austin Swanson) provokes fear with hunched shoulders, sinister smirks, and a maniacal gleam in his eye. He conjures a sense of impending doom with crisp cackles. Agwe (Brandon Rashtian) seamlessly carries the opening energy with fluid footsteps around the set. Erzulie (Maddie Cass) creates calm moments amidst the chaos with serene vocals. Asaka (McKenzie Rice) foils Erzulie with charismatic gestures and vibrant vocals. She welcomes all with an authentic, jovial accent. The puffed-up posture of the airy-accented rich and the deeply-rooted, grounded stance of the rough-accented poor skillfully contrast social class.

The creatively-cut umbrella wheels and fluttering rain ribbons, props designed by Lauren Jacobsen and Katie Rasic, create powerful movement on stage. The streamers present throughout the sets, in the trees, rain, and Daniel's room, weave together the tasteful tapestry designed by Lexi Ginn, Lauren Jacobsen, Sierra Julander, and Natalie Turner. The Stage Managers, Sierra Julander and Lauren Jacobsen, synchronize smooth cues between dance, sound, and lighting. The rippling rope scrim, envisioned by Zac Olshan, enforces moods and energies of the various scenes. The speckled capes, designed by Kylie Quick and Abrianna Orbaker, further distinguish the Gods from the island inhabitants with royal flare. The glittering gold and shiny silver masks creatively contrast the rich from the poor.

While there are many reasons to tell the story, there are many reasons to love the story of Tesoro High School's "Once on This Island".

Dessi Gomez
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Tesoro High School rhythmically revives ‘Once on This Island'

Strobe lights flash and thunder rumbles in the stormy night that begins Tesoro High School's "Once on This Island". Energetic Storytellers plunge the stage into colorful chaos as they divert a frightened young girl's attention away from the storm and into a story. They tell the exciting tale of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who falls hopelessly in love with a Beauxhomme. Ti Moune triumphantly conquers the demons of death with the power of love in this tropical tale.

The Storytellers flexibly display any object, from constantly-twitching frogs to a stiff, statuesque gate. Each and every Storyteller dances with great gusto. Mama Euralie (Sara MacKenzie) comforts and cares for Ti Moune with gentle caresses and tight embraces. TonTon Julian (Joey Guerra) guides Ti Moune with resonant speech and song. Ti Moune (Justine Halas) glides across the stage with graceful charm. The four Gods command attention both as a quartet and as individuals. Papa Ge (Austin Swanson) provokes fear with hunched shoulders, sinister smirks, and a maniacal gleam in his eye. He conjures a sense of impending doom with crisp cackles. Agwe (Brandon Rashtian) seamlessly carries the opening energy with fluid footsteps around the set. Erzulie (Maddie Cass) creates calm moments amidst the chaos with serene vocals. Asaka (McKenzie Rice) foils Erzulie with charismatic gestures and vibrant vocals. She welcomes all with an authentic, jovial accent. The puffed-up posture of the airy-accented rich and the deeply-rooted, grounded stance of the rough-accented poor skillfully contrast social class.

The creatively-cut umbrella wheels and fluttering rain ribbons, props designed by Lauren Jacobsen and Katie Rasic, create powerful movement on stage. The streamers present throughout the sets, in the trees, rain, and Daniel's room, weave together the tasteful tapestry designed by Lexi Ginn, Lauren Jacobsen, Sierra Julander, and Natalie Turner. The Stage Managers, Sierra Julander and Lauren Jacobsen, synchronize smooth cues between dance, sound, and lighting. The rippling rope scrim, envisioned by Zac Olshan, enforces moods and energies of the various scenes. The speckled capes, designed by Kylie Quick and Abrianna Orbaker, further distinguish the Gods from the island inhabitants with royal flare. The glittering gold and shiny silver masks creatively contrast the rich from the poor.

While there are many reasons to tell the story, there are many reasons to love the story of Tesoro High School's "Once on This Island".

Rachel Umana
Mission Viejo High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Tesoro captures the human heart in "Once on This Island"

Once upon a time, on an island, a peasant girl named Ti Moune (Justine Halas) healed a wealthy boy named Daniel (Bryan Fraser), which brought her life into the hands of the gods of water, earth, love, and death.

A class struggle on the island develops between the wealthy and the poor, as Ti Moune sacrifices her life all in the name of love. The students at Tesoro High School tell an engaging story, channeling a rhythmic, tribal energy in the musical, "Once on This Island."

Justine Halas' performance as Ti Moune combines the complexity of forbidden love and fate. Her cries of desperation in wanting to be with Daniel yet appease the Gods stir a range of emotions, which Halas handles with poise. TiMoune is loved deeply by her parents, Mama Euralie (Sara MacKenzie) and TonTon Julian (Joey Guerra), both of whom are gifted vocalists in their own respect.

McKenzie Rice's portrayal of Asaka, Mother of the Earth, is one to remember. Her animalistic, gorilla-like physicality and thick, Haitian accent intensifies the power of the Gods and the essence of nature. Rice's singing voice is mighty, as is her indigenous character. Furthermore, The Demon of Death, Papa Ge (Austin Swanson) sinisterly creeps around the stage, with a wicked, wide-eyed expression, wielding the most final end to life. The grittiness in Swanson's vocals connects with texture of his villainous character.

Additionally, goddess of Love, Ezrulie (Maddie Cass) is a stand out vocalist in the tranquil number, "The Human Heart," which juxtaposes the high energy of the musical with a peaceful calm, as her voice embodies a beautiful serenity.

The Storyteller ensemble is the foundation of the show. With Haitian accents as well, they enter each group number with an incredible amount of enthusiasm and vigor that heighten the performance.

The unique lighting by Zach Olshan incorporates a rope cyclorama. The ropes are rigged to move, so during scenes that have a storm, they move frenziedly, creating an effective tempest. The stage management to complement Olshan's design, lead by stage managers Sierra Julander and Lauren Jacobsen, is heavily precise. The cues that reside on beats of the music are called with care, allowing for a seamless flow.

All encompassing, the students at Tesoro High School, yet again, put on an entertaining, rock-solid musical in their production of "Once on This Island."

Rachel Umana
Mission Viejo High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Tesoro captures the human heart in "Once on This Island"

Once upon a time, on an island, a peasant girl named Ti Moune (Justine Halas) healed a wealthy boy named Daniel (Bryan Fraser), which brought her life into the hands of the gods of water, earth, love, and death.

A class struggle on the island develops between the wealthy and the poor, as Ti Moune sacrifices her life all in the name of love. The students at Tesoro High School tell an engaging story, channeling a rhythmic, tribal energy in the musical, "Once on This Island."

Justine Halas' performance as Ti Moune combines the complexity of forbidden love and fate. Her cries of desperation in wanting to be with Daniel yet appease the Gods stir a range of emotions, which Halas handles with poise. TiMoune is loved deeply by her parents, Mama Euralie (Sara MacKenzie) and TonTon Julian (Joey Guerra), both of whom are gifted vocalists in their own respect.

McKenzie Rice's portrayal of Asaka, Mother of the Earth, is one to remember. Her animalistic, gorilla-like physicality and thick, Haitian accent intensifies the power of the Gods and the essence of nature. Rice's singing voice is mighty, as is her indigenous character. Furthermore, The Demon of Death, Papa Ge (Austin Swanson) sinisterly creeps around the stage, with a wicked, wide-eyed expression, wielding the most final end to life. The grittiness in Swanson's vocals connects with texture of his villainous character.

Additionally, goddess of Love, Ezrulie (Maddie Cass) is a stand out vocalist in the tranquil number, "The Human Heart," which juxtaposes the high energy of the musical with a peaceful calm, as her voice embodies a beautiful serenity.

The Storyteller ensemble is the foundation of the show. With Haitian accents as well, they enter each group number with an incredible amount of enthusiasm and vigor that heighten the performance.

The unique lighting by Zach Olshan incorporates a rope cyclorama. The ropes are rigged to move, so during scenes that have a storm, they move frenziedly, creating an effective tempest. The stage management to complement Olshan's design, lead by stage managers Sierra Julander and Lauren Jacobsen, is heavily precise. The cues that reside on beats of the music are called with care, allowing for a seamless flow.

All encompassing, the students at Tesoro High School, yet again, put on an entertaining, rock-solid musical in their production of "Once on This Island."

Yamini Nambimadom
University High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Tesoro's ‘Once on This Island' a splashing success

Color floods the stage. Birds chirp, frogs leap, wind blows. Girls and boys dance to drums and castanets. This is the French Antilles. And here lies the story of Ti Moune, as told through the talented cast and crew of Tesoro's "Once on This Island".

Justine Halas prances energetically onto the island as Ti Moune. Her curious eyes bearing naiveté and wonder, Halas employs both grace and playfulness. She tactfully shifts her vocalization and physicality when faced with the loss of dear Daniel (Bryan Fraser). Her speech grows fragmented and her embraces grow desperate and anxious.

Sara MacKenzie and Joey Guerra, as Mama Euralie and TonTon Julian, provide the perfect parental balance. MacKenzie's warm, welcoming gestures and Guerra's rich, soothing voice blend to create tenderness and affection. They too successfully transition from cheerful to heartbroken through longing and desperation in their voices.

The Gods excel, both independently and in partnership. Asaka (McKenzie Rice) warmly welcomes Ti Moune. Arms outspread and shoulders swaying, Rice's movements correspond with nature's in "Mama Will Provide". Papa Ge (Austin Swanson) cackles maniacally as he plots to take Ti Moune's life. His imposing voice and sharp gestures cement his wickedness. Erzulie (Maddie Cass) clasps her hands eagerly. Her clear, syrupy vocals comfort Ti Moune in "The Human Heart". Agwe (Brandon Rashtian) explodes with energy as he trapezes across the stage in "Rain". The four unite as a force to be reckoned with.

The cast is anchored by an exuberant ensemble of Storytellers. They dance sharply in unison, painting the stage with vibrancy. Serving as impressive human props, they transform into frogs, birds, breezes, and gates, leaping, chirping, blowing, and parting whenever necessary.

The production's technical elements are confronted creatively. Zach Olshan utilizes a cyclorama made of ropes to enhance his lighting design. During the storm, the cyc is rocked back and forth to create chaotic fervor. This is further heightened by a series of strobes and spotlights. Set design allows for easy interaction. The trees surrounding the stage are comprised of wooden ladders and streamers, which Storytellers are easily able to climb and attach to. The Gods are clearly regarded as superhuman, due to their detailed costuming. Each dons an intricate cloak, decked in distinguishable beads and adornments.

Tesoro's "Once on This Island" depicts both the beauty and tragedy of love, all while never missing a beat.

Yamini Nambimadom
University High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Tesoro's ‘Once on This Island' a splashing success

Color floods the stage. Birds chirp, frogs leap, wind blows. Girls and boys dance to drums and castanets. This is the French Antilles. And here lies the story of Ti Moune, as told through the talented cast and crew of Tesoro's "Once on This Island".

Justine Halas prances energetically onto the island as Ti Moune. Her curious eyes bearing naiveté and wonder, Halas employs both grace and playfulness. She tactfully shifts her vocalization and physicality when faced with the loss of dear Daniel (Bryan Fraser). Her speech grows fragmented and her embraces grow desperate and anxious.

Sara MacKenzie and Joey Guerra, as Mama Euralie and TonTon Julian, provide the perfect parental balance. MacKenzie's warm, welcoming gestures and Guerra's rich, soothing voice blend to create tenderness and affection. They too successfully transition from cheerful to heartbroken through longing and desperation in their voices.

The Gods excel, both independently and in partnership. Asaka (McKenzie Rice) warmly welcomes Ti Moune. Arms outspread and shoulders swaying, Rice's movements correspond with nature's in "Mama Will Provide". Papa Ge (Austin Swanson) cackles maniacally as he plots to take Ti Moune's life. His imposing voice and sharp gestures cement his wickedness. Erzulie (Maddie Cass) clasps her hands eagerly. Her clear, syrupy vocals comfort Ti Moune in "The Human Heart". Agwe (Brandon Rashtian) explodes with energy as he trapezes across the stage in "Rain". The four unite as a force to be reckoned with.

The cast is anchored by an exuberant ensemble of Storytellers. They dance sharply in unison, painting the stage with vibrancy. Serving as impressive human props, they transform into frogs, birds, breezes, and gates, leaping, chirping, blowing, and parting whenever necessary.

The production's technical elements are confronted creatively. Zach Olshan utilizes a cyclorama made of ropes to enhance his lighting design. During the storm, the cyc is rocked back and forth to create chaotic fervor. This is further heightened by a series of strobes and spotlights. Set design allows for easy interaction. The trees surrounding the stage are comprised of wooden ladders and streamers, which Storytellers are easily able to climb and attach to. The Gods are clearly regarded as superhuman, due to their detailed costuming. Each dons an intricate cloak, decked in distinguishable beads and adornments.

Tesoro's "Once on This Island" depicts both the beauty and tragedy of love, all while never missing a beat.