The Children's Hour
at Mission Viejo High School

Reviewed on December 4, 2015

Natalie Teuton
Laguna Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Mission Viejo takes control with The Children's Hour

Selfish desires can easily be the motivation for horrendous blackmail, violence, and lies; however, a simple lie can lead to disastrous consequences and ruined lives. Lillian Hellman's chilling play, "The Children's Hour," is brought to life by Mission Viejo High School's powerful drama department.

This 1930's play is the story of an all-girls boarding school that has a menacingly wicked child, Mary Tilford, who ruins the lives of the teachers and students with her selfish acts. In order to leave the school for good, she makes several bold claims to her grandmother, claims that include a dreadful lie about the school's two female headmistresses. The lie slowly tears down the school and each woman's life.

Virginia Rumbaugh portrays the arrogant Mary Tilford effortlessly with her sassy mannerisms and quick changes in emotion: she suddenly transforms from a bossy girl pulling another girl's hair into a sweet-talking lady with big eyes and hands innocently folded behind her back as soon as an adult enters the room. Mary Desmond as Martha Dobie and Hailey Buck as Karen Wright are the boarding school's headmistresses, who faultlessly contrast one another's character through Desmond's harshness and Buck's delicate and timid attitude. Desmond uses her loud, dominant voice and stomping to reveal her anger and intensifying emotions throughout the performance.

Jordanne Hamilton as Mrs. Lily Mortar, a teacher and actress, uses dramatic, humorous gestures to bring light-hearted relief to the show. While feeling emotional due to Martha's irritation towards her, Mortar theatrically whips out a tissue and hysterically sobs into it, causing an ample of laughs. Additionally, Mr. Joe Cardin (Trevor Casillas), Mrs. Amelia Tilford (Bianca Beach), and all of the schoolgirls display animated postures and facial expressions that deepen the disposition of their individual characters.

The technical aspects of Mission Viejo's performance are achieved faultlessly with smooth transitions and stunning appearances. The fresh makeup of each character, designed and executed by Katie Van Horn, reflects each character's distinct traits. For instance, several schoolgirls wore intense pink blush, reflecting their youth and liveliness. The prop design and stage management, implemented by Jared Pugh, are produced with creativity and dedication.

With actors that seem to radiate with intense emotion and technical design that smoothly drives the play, Mission Viejo High School's production of "The Children's Hour" will take one's breath away.

Gabby Romero
Santa Margarita Catholic
Submitted for publication to OC Register

History comes alive in Mission Viejo's "The Children's Hour"

Mission Viejo High School's production of "The Children's Hour" by Lillian Hellman explores how one's actions affect others. Set in the 1930's, the play follows the turbulent lives of two young headmistresses of a girl's boarding school who are severely affected by a rumor spread by a manipulative student. The production skillfully poses profound questions about the consequences of words and the power of perception.

Virginia Rumbaugh expertly balances childlike innocence and malicious arrogance as troubled student Mary Tilford. The contrast of her sweet, high-pitched voice when speaking to her grandmother and the knowing smirk she gives the audience truly highlights the multiple sides of her manipulative character.

Martha Dobie and Karen Wright, played by Mary Desmond and Hailey Buck respectively, complement each other through their dispositions as best friends and colleagues. Desmond's aggressive stomping and raised voice contrast with Buck's gentler voice and more collected temperament, creating a unique relationship between the two women.

Jordanne Hamilton's portrayal of Mrs. Lily Mortar provides a glimmer of humor in the otherwise serious tragedy. As she dramatically pulls out her handkerchief and strolls about the stage with outstretched arms as she recites Shakespeare, Mortar emphasizes her love for the theater in a grandiose and comical manner.

Jared Pugh's extensive technical work is impressive and commendable, particularly his work as the props designer. His thoughtful creation of the kitten statue thrown by Mary Tilford is designed to break apart without leaving ceramic shards on stage. Also, the use of rotary telephones and vintage edition books creates an atmosphere on stage that accurately represents the time period.

Katie Van Horn's hair and makeup design not only reflects the 1930's time period, but also provides a deeper understanding of the characters. Specifically, the use of red ribbon in Mary Tilford's hair suggests a more malicious side to the young student. Van Horn's hair styling also distinguishes the age of the characters through the tight curls worn by the students and the more sophisticated victory rolls on the women.

With the combination of heartfelt performances and skillful technical design, Mission Viejo's "The Children's Hour" explores the power of rumors and its effect on others.

Allison Cruz
Aliso Niguel
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Mission's 'Children's Hour' is a timeless tragedy

A single lie can spread into a wildfire of mistrust and gossip. In the case of headmistresses Karen and Martha in the play "The Children's Hour," one false accusation is the spark to burn their reputation - and the success of their boarding school - to the ground. Though set in the early 1930s, Mission Viejo's riveting rendition of "The Children's Hour" teaches a timeless lesson about the far-reaching consequences of outright intolerance.

Virginia Rumbaugh kicks, screams, and faints as the devious young Mary Tilford. Rumbaugh masterfully expresses her character's manipulation by switching back and forth between thundering commands and a sickeningly sweet tone of voice. Rumbaugh also utilizes a devilish smirk as she charges the headmistresses of fostering an "unnatural" relationship.

Karen Wright and Martha Dobie, played by Hailey Buck and Mary Desmond, falter under the weight of Mary's accusations. Buck transforms from poised and reserved to slumped and downtrodden after being outcasted. Desmond, likewise, progresses her character's internal conflict by stomping about the stage in frustration. However, in her final moments, Desmond's steps turn quiet and slow, underscoring Martha's suicidal state of mind.

Also entangled in Mary's lies is Rosalie, portrayed by Rachel Heurlin. Heurlin cowers in Mary's presence, demonstrating not only Rosalie's fear, but also the power of Mary's lies. When she falsely admits to being a witness to the headmistresses' alleged crime, Heurlin collapses onto the floor in utter defeat.

Trevor Casillas grounds the show as the calm and collected Joseph. He comforts Karen with warm embraces and words of encouragement. Yet, Casillas still suffers the emotional stress beneath this stalwart character.

Comic relief comes in the form of Lily and Agatha, played by Jordanne Hamilton and Corissa Sellers. Hamilton sobs hysterically one moment and laughs merrily the next, highlighting the histrionic nature of her character. Sellers, on the other hand, delivers snarky one-liners. In a brief appearance, Tyler Rosecrans as the Grocery Boy elicits laughter with a loud, endearing laugh of his own.

Jared Pugh as prop designer created the porcelain cat, which is carefully crafted to shatter and then be put back together for each performance. Katie Van Horn's hair and makeup design distinguished each character's persona from Martha's red lipstick to Mary's tight curls.

Mission Viejo, in this poignant yet elegant production, delivers an honest, cautionary tale about the dangers of slander and intolerance.