On the Razzle
at Huntington Beach-APA

Reviewed on April 16, 2016

Claire Pritchard
Fountain Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Huntington Beach dazzles in ‘On the Razzle'

An overprotective uncle, spunky grocery apprentice, and an inventive clerk make Huntington Beach High School's production of the farce "On the Razzle" absorbing and energy-filled throughout.

The fantastic comedy tells the tale of Herr Zangler, the owner of an upscale grocery store in early 1900s Austria. His chief clerk, Weinberl, and apprentice, Christopher, disappear to Vienna during Zangler's absence, and chaos ensues.

Jacob Menke as Weinberl provides immediate comedy, pacing across the stage, nervously jumping from thought to thought, and rambling on when he is uncomfortable. Kate Napoli as Frau Fischer, the woman he claims is his wife, transitions from guarded to open as the play progresses, adding believability to the outlandish story.

Zangler, played by Grant Rincon, commands the stage with booming voice and intimidating stature from the start. His authority is contrasted by Christopher, played by Andy Jacobson, who spends his time leaping about and impersonating character after character, showcasing his youth and energy.

Sam Johnson as Zangler's assistant Melchoir adds to the comedy with his dedication to the upper class, obeying Zangler's every command and carrying himself like a prince rather than a servant. Cassie Kirkconnell as Miss Blumenblatt, Zangler's sister-in-law, keeps the play grounded with her careful, deliberate actions, distinguishing her from the more ridiculous characters.

The production is made even more entertaining by Zangler and Miss Blumenblatt's servants, Gertrud and Lisette respectively. Emma Baltadano as Gertrud attempts to keep her sanity while dealing with Zangler's unpredictable antics and short temper. Rachel Fishbough as Lisette uses her French accent to give her character backstory and humor, while contrasting hilariously with her mistress.

The ensemble of the play displays their skill when the story moves to an Italian restaurant in Vienna. The main characters' shenanigans causes the waiters of the restaurant to be constantly startled, tossing their serving trays high into the air and catching them each time without error. The stage crew (Bradon O'Connell, Gavin Shobe, Connor Batte, Andro Vissani) also keeps the play flowing with polished scene changes and no mishaps.

The costumes, designed by Gianna Francisco and Reanne Wang clearly set the time period and setting, making the wild play easy to follow. The set, designed beautifully by Isabella DiLauro, makes the scenes cohesive and the scene changes quick. The actors' use of the large set pieces unites Huntington Beach's production into a single triumph.

Julia Gordon
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Huntington Beach APA delivers ‘Razzle' and dazzle

Business is bustling in Zangler's grocery store—as usual—but when Zangler leaves to meet his fiancée, his daughter runs off with her admirer, and the shopkeepers secretly take the day off, everything goes "On the Razzle" at Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts.

Portraying Zangler, Grant Rincon swaggers across stage, exuding command and masculinity with every decided movement. His voice booms and bellows with clear distinction, mirroring his sense of pride. But when describing his fiancée, Rincon's squirms with delight as his voice becomes husky, his wide eyes roll back with ecstasy, and his hands travel suggestively downwards—emphasizing the bawdy humor.

Gertrud (Emma Baltadano), however, is well-accustomed to Zangler's antics. Her Scottish accent, dead-pan responses, and comedic timing further add to the show's comedy.

As the Coachman, Jake Schroeder clearly communicates his immodest desires with outrageous hilarity. His intonation highlights innuendos and double entendres while his hips-first gait, thunderous volume, and sly smirk take his jokes over the top. Schroeder makes excellent use of his prop whip, designed by Coral Gangitano, cracking it at will and sending a startled ripple through the ensemble.

Rachel Fishbough, as French maid Lisette, ogles Schroeder and throws herself in his arms, proclaiming her lust with an exaggerated French accent. After being carried away, she reenters each time more disheveled than before, providing visual humor to the performance.

However, the most notable of this performance are Jacob Menke and Andy Jacobson as Weinberl and Christopher. The two complement each other, with Menke tenaciously manning the store till and Jacobson, eager to impress, excitedly leaping over boxes to attend customers. Often finding themselves in predicaments, Menke and Jacobson create clear contrast between their actual characters and their disguises; Menke's incoherent, grumbling imitation of Zangler, Jacobson's high-pitched, whiny impression of Marie, and the duo's ridiculous mannequin poses are all absurdly entertaining. The duo, while still maintaining their farcical aspects, is commendably believable and endearing.

The set, designed by Isabella DiLauro, represents the era with Zangler's aged wooden furnishing, and it allows for cast interaction—with Weinberl leaping out of windows and sliding down the store's ramp.

Gianna Francisco and Reanne Wang's costume design not only accurately evokes nineteenth century Austria, but it also demonstrates the variety and nuances of fashion at the time.

Farce, flair, and foolery combine in Huntington Beach APA's outstanding rendition of "On the Razzle."

Yamini Nambimadom
University
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

A Dazzling "On the Razzle" from Huntington Beach APA

There is reason to celebrate! Zangler has a new fiancé. Christopher and Weinberl have new jobs. Marie and Sonders have new love. But this cheer soon turns to chaos after a series of complications, mistaken identities, and overall shenanigans unravel. Huntington Beach APA's uproarious production of "On The Razzle" showcases several uniquely entertaining characters and documents their night on the town with enthusiasm and energy.

Weinberl (Jacob Menke) has just been promoted to co-owner of Zangler's shop. Celebration is in order, but Weinberl continues to find himself in one sticky situation after another. In these moments of panic, Menke's hasty pacing, hurried speech and flustered facial expressions craft a sense of humorous bewilderment.

As Weinberg's young, wide-eyed counterpart, Christopher, Andy Jacobson squeals, kicks, and jumps across the stage with energy and excitement. His bright, toothy grin reveals his excitement to be "on the razzle" for a night.

Zangler (Grant Rincon), strides on stage with fluctuating levels of self-confidence. When things go well for the shopkeeper, he keeps his hand on his hip, his eyebrows raised, and his head cocked with an air of conviction. But the moment doubt begins to set in, Rincon's façade deteriorates. His eyes begin to shift, his arms begin to shake, and he begins to twiddle his fingers.

Melchior (Sam Johnson), Zangler's new servant, tries eagerly to please his new boss. Johnson's square shoulders and stiff, upright posture reflect Melchior's desire to appear poised, but his nonchalant, rhythmic voice preserves his character's innate social inferiority.

Madame Knorr (Kate Napoli), owner of a high-end fashion shop, dons a ruffled satin ivory blouse and a blue plaid skirt, an outfit more fashion-forward than her counterparts. This costume complements and furthers Napoli's portrayal of the sophisticated woman.

The dark wooden hatch door leading to the shop from Zangler's basement not only expertly reflects the time period, but also provides for comedic entrances by Sonders and Marie. The props are designed with great attention to detail. Rows of wooden shelves on either side of Zangler's shop are lined with mason jars of various sizes, shapes and colors. Some are filled with pasta, some with pretzels, and some with spices. These jars, each with its own unique subtleties, complete the shop's atmosphere.

Woven delightfully into miscommunication and mayhem, Huntington Beach APA delivers a hilarious and heartwarming "On The Razzle".