Animal Farm
at Los Alamitos

Reviewed on April 22, 2016

Amanda Rooker
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Los Alamitos delivers a powerful performance

Eager to live free from the tyranny of human masters, the barnyard animals of Manor Farm rise in rebellion. Their new independent society, however, quickly falls prey to the drudgery of political corruption, paralleling the development of Soviet Communism.

Surging with tension and tragedy, Los Alamitos High School's "Animal Farm" follows a group of animals held captive by abuse of power—satirizing the folly and brutality in human totalitarian governments, warning against absolute rule.

Milica Vrzic exudes strength as Napoleon, the pig who emerges as the leader of Animal Farm. She towers over the animals with a facial expression locked in a derisive scowl as she bellows terse dictations. With a commanding gait, Vrzic's stiff posture and sharp movements control with threatening ferocity. She manipulates the other animals into compliancy through propaganda spread by loyal pig Squealer, played by Melanie Tanaka.

Tanaka's intimidation manifests in her condescending high-pitched voice that spouts lies to the other animals, coercing them to believe that the pigs require superior treatment. Her commitment to her character is overt in her physicality as she scampers across the stage, fluctuating between a devious sneer and a menacing grimace. She explores the complexity of her character's manipulative actions, allowing glimpses of hesitance in her facial expressions such as when she is forced to carry out mass executions; however these uncertainties are ultimately quelled as her desire for Napoleon's approval reaffirms the purpose behind her callous actions.

Simon Martin also astounds in his portrayal of Boxer, a naïve horse whose character represents ignorance and gullibility. His southern dialect adds to his character's innocence and tragic trusting nature. He expertly overcomes the barrier of playing a nonhuman character rustling his mane and stomping his feet as hooves would. Kaitlin Buxton provides a tear-jerking moment as Boxer's friend Clover when she erupts into a desperate frenzy flailing and crying out for Boxer who has been sent to the horse slaughter.

Praise is due to lighting designer Miles Austin as rural red, yellows, and oranges add drama to scenes and double as Communist colors, subtly reminding the audience of the allegory to Soviet Russia.

The cast and crew of Los Alamitos High School's "Animal Farm" delivers a poignant performance that transports the audience to a time of true darkness and suffering as the cast cohesively embodies animals fallen into the trap of corruption and tyranny.

Amanda Rooker
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Los Alamitos delivers a powerful performance

Eager to live free from the tyranny of human masters, the barnyard animals of Manor Farm rise in rebellion. Their new independent society, however, quickly falls prey to the drudgery of political corruption, paralleling the development of Soviet Communism.

Surging with tension and tragedy, Los Alamitos High School's "Animal Farm" follows a group of animals held captive by abuse of power—satirizing the folly and brutality in human totalitarian governments, warning against absolute rule.

Milica Vrzic exudes strength as Napoleon, the pig who emerges as the leader of Animal Farm. She towers over the animals with a facial expression locked in a derisive scowl as she bellows terse dictations. With a commanding gait, Vrzic's stiff posture and sharp movements control with threatening ferocity. She manipulates the other animals into compliancy through propaganda spread by loyal pig Squealer, played by Melanie Tanaka.

Tanaka's intimidation manifests in her condescending high-pitched voice that spouts lies to the other animals, coercing them to believe that the pigs require superior treatment. Her commitment to her character is overt in her physicality as she scampers across the stage, fluctuating between a devious sneer and a menacing grimace. She explores the complexity of her character's manipulative actions, allowing glimpses of hesitance in her facial expressions such as when she is forced to carry out mass executions; however these uncertainties are ultimately quelled as her desire for Napoleon's approval reaffirms the purpose behind her callous actions.

Simon Martin also astounds in his portrayal of Boxer, a naïve horse whose character represents ignorance and gullibility. His southern dialect adds to his character's innocence and tragic trusting nature. He expertly overcomes the barrier of playing a nonhuman character rustling his mane and stomping his feet as hooves would. Kaitlin Buxton provides a tear-jerking moment as Boxer's friend Clover when she erupts into a desperate frenzy flailing and crying out for Boxer who has been sent to the horse slaughter.

Praise is due to lighting designer Miles Austin as rural red, yellows, and oranges add drama to scenes and double as Communist colors, subtly reminding the audience of the allegory to Soviet Russia.

The cast and crew of Los Alamitos High School's "Animal Farm" delivers a poignant performance that transports the audience to a time of true darkness and suffering as the cast cohesively embodies animals fallen into the trap of corruption and tyranny.

Jackson Maxwell
Mission Viejo High School
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Los Alamitos' ‘Animal Farm' is Revolutionary

Los Alamitos High School's production of "Animal Farm," a theatrical adaption of the allegorical novel, follows a group of farm animals as they attempt to form a perfect society in the wake of their cruel caretaker. Initially, they are hopeful and optimistic for the future ahead of them, only to realize all too soon that inequality pervades all economic systems.

The show begins with a pronouncedly prophetic entrance by Tara Virgil as Old Major, the sickly yet sagacious elder of the clan, who speaks of a "golden future time" when animals can rule themselves. These words inspire the farm animals to rise up in rebellion against their master, Mr. Jones (Louis Cogan), who is essentially replaced by the equally merciless Napoleon, played by Milica Vrzic. Combining a commanding stature with a deranged level of determination, Vrzic places herself as the clear leader in each scene, even when in the background. Napoleon's ideas are challenged by the bold Snowball (Evan Cusato), whose natural likability and open, welcoming gestures are juxtaposed with Vrzic's stern, uncompromising stiffness.

In order to protect Napoleon in the event of worker discontent, he employs Squealer (Melanie Tanaka) to rally the workers around a common cause. Utilizing a condescending, know-it-all tone, Tanaka emanates an air of superiority. This changes, however, when in the presence of Napoleon, during which Tanaka's posture becomes more subservient than commanding, punctuating the eager-to-please personality of her character. Furthermore, when Squealer is ordered to execute the "traitors" in Animal Farm's very own purge, Tanaka quakes and shivers, contrasting her usual forcefulness by closing in on herself in silence at the corner of the stage. By integrating this element of emotion into an otherwise flat character, Tanaka adds a laudable level of depth to Squealer.

The terrific theatrics of the performance, however, are complemented by first-rate student design. Eligia Gonzalez and Erin Henkhaus' costume design, for instance, use a militaristically minimalist style that seems typical of a communist society. Meanwhile, Kieralyn Logan's set design utilizes a flat, intentionally flimsy appearance for the barn, mirroring the false, grand façade that the Soviet Union presented to its enemies.

Los Alamitos High School's production is intriguing yet impressive, incorporating powerful performances and dazzling design to illuminate this communism-inspired tale in a revolutionary new light. Although all plays are equal, this one may perhaps be more equal than most.

Jackson Maxwell
Mission Viejo High School
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Los Alamitos' ‘Animal Farm' is Revolutionary

Los Alamitos High School's production of "Animal Farm," a theatrical adaption of the allegorical novel, follows a group of farm animals as they attempt to form a perfect society in the wake of their cruel caretaker. Initially, they are hopeful and optimistic for the future ahead of them, only to realize all too soon that inequality pervades all economic systems.

The show begins with a pronouncedly prophetic entrance by Tara Virgil as Old Major, the sickly yet sagacious elder of the clan, who speaks of a "golden future time" when animals can rule themselves. These words inspire the farm animals to rise up in rebellion against their master, Mr. Jones (Louis Cogan), who is essentially replaced by the equally merciless Napoleon, played by Milica Vrzic. Combining a commanding stature with a deranged level of determination, Vrzic places herself as the clear leader in each scene, even when in the background. Napoleon's ideas are challenged by the bold Snowball (Evan Cusato), whose natural likability and open, welcoming gestures are juxtaposed with Vrzic's stern, uncompromising stiffness.

In order to protect Napoleon in the event of worker discontent, he employs Squealer (Melanie Tanaka) to rally the workers around a common cause. Utilizing a condescending, know-it-all tone, Tanaka emanates an air of superiority. This changes, however, when in the presence of Napoleon, during which Tanaka's posture becomes more subservient than commanding, punctuating the eager-to-please personality of her character. Furthermore, when Squealer is ordered to execute the "traitors" in Animal Farm's very own purge, Tanaka quakes and shivers, contrasting her usual forcefulness by closing in on herself in silence at the corner of the stage. By integrating this element of emotion into an otherwise flat character, Tanaka adds a laudable level of depth to Squealer.

The terrific theatrics of the performance, however, are complemented by first-rate student design. Eligia Gonzalez and Erin Henkhaus' costume design, for instance, use a militaristically minimalist style that seems typical of a communist society. Meanwhile, Kieralyn Logan's set design utilizes a flat, intentionally flimsy appearance for the barn, mirroring the false, grand façade that the Soviet Union presented to its enemies.

Los Alamitos High School's production is intriguing yet impressive, incorporating powerful performances and dazzling design to illuminate this communism-inspired tale in a revolutionary new light. Although all plays are equal, this one may perhaps be more equal than most.

Claire Pritchard
Fountain Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Los Al captivates with ‘Animal Farm'

Communist revolutions are usually associated with Eastern Europe--and humans. But in Los Alamitos High School's production of "Animal Farm," pigs, horses, and sheep, among others, take it upon themselves to overthrow their owner, but soon return to oppression under the rule of the pigs.

The leader of the animals, Napoleon, played by Milica Vrzic, easily establishes herself as a militaristic ruler with upright posture and sharp, stiff movements, setting herself apart from the lower-class animals. One of these is Boxer, played by Simon Martin, whose wide eyes and soft voice make his naivete obvious and tragic when he, too, falls victim to his fearless leader's oppression.

Napoleon's fellow pigs, Snowball and Squealer, played by Evan Cusato and Melanie Tanaka, respectively, add tension as they battle for control. Tanaka is the perfect second-in-command, acting intimidating for the other animals, but being timid around Napoleon. Her high-pitched voice starts off sweet, but flips when she cracks and begins to screech at nay-sayers, shocking them into submission.

Kaitlin Buxton as Clover, another horse on the farm, trots around the stage, making her animality obvious, but not overdone. Her sweet southern accent adds to the kindness of her character, but her full range is shown when Boxer is taken away and she kicks and screams to help him. Benjamin, played by Nick Jurado, holds her writhing body back, making a moving and emotional picture.

Denise Chacanaca as Moses, the narrator and a farm bird, keeps the story moving while emphasizing important events with swinging arms and sermon-like speeches. Old Major, played by Tara Virgil, begins the play with a lecture for the animals, which she keeps interesting by varying her volume and pausing at important points. The two, in addition to the rest of the cast, manage to project each line effectively, without the use of microphones.

The ensemble makes the play believable, each resembling their respective animal thanks to their mannerisms and Sofia Galicia-Canto's costumes, but not making it over-the-top. Jessie Winslow's choreography and Miles Austin's lighting design make the fight scenes realistic and absorbing and exiles poignant and engrossing. The set, which features the front of a barn, both with sliding door and windows above, provides space to emphasize the drama of the play.

Los Alamitos manages to make a serious topic accessible and engaging, making their production of "Animal Farm" both gripping and moving.

Claire Pritchard
Fountain Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Los Al captivates with ‘Animal Farm'

Communist revolutions are usually associated with Eastern Europe--and humans. But in Los Alamitos High School's production of "Animal Farm," pigs, horses, and sheep, among others, take it upon themselves to overthrow their owner, but soon return to oppression under the rule of the pigs.

The leader of the animals, Napoleon, played by Milica Vrzic, easily establishes herself as a militaristic ruler with upright posture and sharp, stiff movements, setting herself apart from the lower-class animals. One of these is Boxer, played by Simon Martin, whose wide eyes and soft voice make his naivete obvious and tragic when he, too, falls victim to his fearless leader's oppression.

Napoleon's fellow pigs, Snowball and Squealer, played by Evan Cusato and Melanie Tanaka, respectively, add tension as they battle for control. Tanaka is the perfect second-in-command, acting intimidating for the other animals, but being timid around Napoleon. Her high-pitched voice starts off sweet, but flips when she cracks and begins to screech at nay-sayers, shocking them into submission.

Kaitlin Buxton as Clover, another horse on the farm, trots around the stage, making her animality obvious, but not overdone. Her sweet southern accent adds to the kindness of her character, but her full range is shown when Boxer is taken away and she kicks and screams to help him. Benjamin, played by Nick Jurado, holds her writhing body back, making a moving and emotional picture.

Denise Chacanaca as Moses, the narrator and a farm bird, keeps the story moving while emphasizing important events with swinging arms and sermon-like speeches. Old Major, played by Tara Virgil, begins the play with a lecture for the animals, which she keeps interesting by varying her volume and pausing at important points. The two, in addition to the rest of the cast, manage to project each line effectively, without the use of microphones.

The ensemble makes the play believable, each resembling their respective animal thanks to their mannerisms and Sofia Galicia-Canto's costumes, but not making it over-the-top. Jessie Winslow's choreography and Miles Austin's lighting design make the fight scenes realistic and absorbing and exiles poignant and engrossing. The set, which features the front of a barn, both with sliding door and windows above, provides space to emphasize the drama of the play.

Los Alamitos manages to make a serious topic accessible and engaging, making their production of "Animal Farm" both gripping and moving.