The Would-Be Gentleman
at Tri-School

Reviewed on February 5, 2016

Carley Christerson
La Habra
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Tri-School makes Molière accessible again

Molière's well-loved play "The Would-Be Gentleman" is artfully re-adapted for the masses in Tri-School's interpretation of the 17th century classic French satire. Displaying the trappings of nobility as well as the repressive hierarchy of the classes through burlesque humor, energetic performances, and elaborate set design, Tri-School's wit-filled production flaunts creativity and an impressive cast.

The lively lead role of Monsieur Jourdain is expertly executed by Brandon Martinez, whose vigor and over-exuberance onstage quickly establish Jourdain's clownish reputation. Outlandish, wince-inducing vibrant garb, paired with comic hyena-like shrieks of delight or disgust, humorously emphasize the character's uninhibited nature. Martinez takes advantage of the stage in its entirety, strutting about with grandiose gesticulations and wild gazelle-leaps, thrusting his flamboyancy and energetic enthusiasm into the turned-up noses of his fellow aristocrats.

Sporadically casting woeful gazes into the void, Martinez drolly communicates Jourdain's grief at the ineptness of his lower-class counterparts and lends his "infinite wisdom" to the audience.

Caitlin Crawley shines as the somber and grounded Madame Jourdain, whose fluid gait and low, silky tones quickly establish her as the household's voice of reason. Crawley's sweeping movements and gentle, deliberate steps paint a sage portrait that somewhat mutes Monsieur Jourdain's reckless imprudence. Offering an incredulous air that serves as the antithesis of her husband's arrogance, her icy wit offsets Monsieur Jourdain's scorching stupidity.

As the lover of Monsieur Jourdain's daughter, Dane Madrigal masterfully conjures overdramatized passion and sarcastic sincerity as Cléonte. Waggishly weaving irony into his sugary lines, Madrigal pleads with Jourdain for his daughter's hand, who huffily rebuffs Cléonte's appeal because he is not an aristocrat.

Majestically assuming the role of a Turkish prince to win Jourdain's acceptance, Madrigal slips seamlessly from impassioned bourgeois lover to exotic, jewel-bedecked nobility. Cléonte's stiff posture and resonant baritone chords are smoothly replaced with liquid movements, lissome prances, and suave Turkish brogue that elicit images of Arabian Nights.

The impressive vibrancy of the set reflects the extravagance of both the period and of Monsieur Jourdain, sporting elaborate Versailles-esque architecture, hand-carved furniture upholstered with luxurious brocades, and grand windows framed in claret-colored satin.

This delightful reawakening of "The Would-Be Gentleman" amuses with its endless jest, fantasized character portrayals, and boundless energy, yet still manages to accurately display frivolity, overindulgence, and superficiality, all snares of aristocratic French society in the 1600's. Tri-School delivers a beloved classic in a fresh and entertaining way.

Carley Christerson
La Habra
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Tri-School makes Molière accessible again

Molière's well-loved play "The Would-Be Gentleman" is artfully re-adapted for the masses in Tri-School's interpretation of the 17th century classic French satire. Displaying the trappings of nobility as well as the repressive hierarchy of the classes through burlesque humor, energetic performances, and elaborate set design, Tri-School's wit-filled production flaunts creativity and an impressive cast.

The lively lead role of Monsieur Jourdain is expertly executed by Brandon Martinez, whose vigor and over-exuberance onstage quickly establish Jourdain's clownish reputation. Outlandish, wince-inducing vibrant garb, paired with comic hyena-like shrieks of delight or disgust, humorously emphasize the character's uninhibited nature. Martinez takes advantage of the stage in its entirety, strutting about with grandiose gesticulations and wild gazelle-leaps, thrusting his flamboyancy and energetic enthusiasm into the turned-up noses of his fellow aristocrats.

Sporadically casting woeful gazes into the void, Martinez drolly communicates Jourdain's grief at the ineptness of his lower-class counterparts and lends his "infinite wisdom" to the audience.

Caitlin Crawley shines as the somber and grounded Madame Jourdain, whose fluid gait and low, silky tones quickly establish her as the household's voice of reason. Crawley's sweeping movements and gentle, deliberate steps paint a sage portrait that somewhat mutes Monsieur Jourdain's reckless imprudence. Offering an incredulous air that serves as the antithesis of her husband's arrogance, her icy wit offsets Monsieur Jourdain's scorching stupidity.

As the lover of Monsieur Jourdain's daughter, Dane Madrigal masterfully conjures overdramatized passion and sarcastic sincerity as Cléonte. Waggishly weaving irony into his sugary lines, Madrigal pleads with Jourdain for his daughter's hand, who huffily rebuffs Cléonte's appeal because he is not an aristocrat.

Majestically assuming the role of a Turkish prince to win Jourdain's acceptance, Madrigal slips seamlessly from impassioned bourgeois lover to exotic, jewel-bedecked nobility. Cléonte's stiff posture and resonant baritone chords are smoothly replaced with liquid movements, lissome prances, and suave Turkish brogue that elicit images of Arabian Nights.

The impressive vibrancy of the set reflects the extravagance of both the period and of Monsieur Jourdain, sporting elaborate Versailles-esque architecture, hand-carved furniture upholstered with luxurious brocades, and grand windows framed in claret-colored satin.

This delightful reawakening of "The Would-Be Gentleman" amuses with its endless jest, fantasized character portrayals, and boundless energy, yet still manages to accurately display frivolity, overindulgence, and superficiality, all snares of aristocratic French society in the 1600's. Tri-School delivers a beloved classic in a fresh and entertaining way.

Erica Delamare
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Tri-School Theatre's ‘The Would-Be Gentleman' is extravagant

Monsieur Jourdain, an ardent bourgeois man from 17th century Paris, desperately dreams of becoming a rich aristocrat. Taking expensive lessons from philosophy to fencing, Monsieur Jourdain is determined to move up the social ladder, while his composed wife prefers to enjoy the small luxuries of the bourgeois lifestyle. Their differences are put to the test when their daughter, Lucille, dreams of marrying Cléonte, a modest, bourgeois man, whom her father disapproves of due to his social class.

Grandiose and ambitious, Brandon Martinez portrays an extravagant Monsieur Jourdain. His animated facial expressions and peppy charisma command the stage. His vast movements as he jumps and leaps around his fellow actors are amusing and engaging. Playing his counterpart, Caitlin Crawley is a strong, sophisticated actress. Her deep, powerful voice, shows her concerned, but calm character as she attempts to bring Monsieur Jourdain back to his bourgeois roots.

Dane Madrigal performs a lovestruck, attentive Cléonte. His long, flowing gestures as he disguises himself as a Turkish prince, successfully trick Monsieur Jourdain to let Cléonte marry his daughter. He perfects a foreign accent, leaving the audience in laughter. Playing his sidekick, Covielle, is the comedic Erik Mercado. Covielle, a supportive friend, but sly when decisive, brings out Monsieur Jourdain's foolishness as an easily deceived man. Mercado is a distinguished actor whose clear articulation and unequivocal mannerisms exhibit professionalism.

Playing the Jourdain's household maid, Nicole, is the commendable Haley Coad. Her consistent laugh is effortless when she sees Monsieur Jourdain in his new, gaudy, tailored suit. Her natural smile shows Nicole's caring sentiments for Madame Jourdain and Lucille.

The polished, eloquent set depicts a late 1600s Parisian drawing room with broad windows and tan, white walls. Designed by the Tri-School Tech II class, bookshelves are carved into unblemished walls, coupled with few furniture pieces that give off a French luxurious look.

Vitoria Villalobos designs for hair and makeup are beautiful. The exquisite braids are neat and incredibly intricate.The soft curls that frame the actress' faces are a mirroring reflection of the Classicism era of France. Villalobos' makeup design is simple, focusing on the naturality of the characters.

The talented cast and crew of Tri-School theatre fancifully perform, "The Would-Be Gentleman," adding a modernizing touch to the great work of Molière.

Erica Delamare
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Tri-School Theatre's ‘The Would-Be Gentleman' is extravagant

Monsieur Jourdain, an ardent bourgeois man from 17th century Paris, desperately dreams of becoming a rich aristocrat. Taking expensive lessons from philosophy to fencing, Monsieur Jourdain is determined to move up the social ladder, while his composed wife prefers to enjoy the small luxuries of the bourgeois lifestyle. Their differences are put to the test when their daughter, Lucille, dreams of marrying Cléonte, a modest, bourgeois man, whom her father disapproves of due to his social class.

Grandiose and ambitious, Brandon Martinez portrays an extravagant Monsieur Jourdain. His animated facial expressions and peppy charisma command the stage. His vast movements as he jumps and leaps around his fellow actors are amusing and engaging. Playing his counterpart, Caitlin Crawley is a strong, sophisticated actress. Her deep, powerful voice, shows her concerned, but calm character as she attempts to bring Monsieur Jourdain back to his bourgeois roots.

Dane Madrigal performs a lovestruck, attentive Cléonte. His long, flowing gestures as he disguises himself as a Turkish prince, successfully trick Monsieur Jourdain to let Cléonte marry his daughter. He perfects a foreign accent, leaving the audience in laughter. Playing his sidekick, Covielle, is the comedic Erik Mercado. Covielle, a supportive friend, but sly when decisive, brings out Monsieur Jourdain's foolishness as an easily deceived man. Mercado is a distinguished actor whose clear articulation and unequivocal mannerisms exhibit professionalism.

Playing the Jourdain's household maid, Nicole, is the commendable Haley Coad. Her consistent laugh is effortless when she sees Monsieur Jourdain in his new, gaudy, tailored suit. Her natural smile shows Nicole's caring sentiments for Madame Jourdain and Lucille.

The polished, eloquent set depicts a late 1600s Parisian drawing room with broad windows and tan, white walls. Designed by the Tri-School Tech II class, bookshelves are carved into unblemished walls, coupled with few furniture pieces that give off a French luxurious look.

Vitoria Villalobos designs for hair and makeup are beautiful. The exquisite braids are neat and incredibly intricate.The soft curls that frame the actress' faces are a mirroring reflection of the Classicism era of France. Villalobos' makeup design is simple, focusing on the naturality of the characters.

The talented cast and crew of Tri-School theatre fancifully perform, "The Would-Be Gentleman," adding a modernizing touch to the great work of Molière.

Candler Cusato
Los Alamitos
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Tri-School travels back in time with French farce

With 16th century familial farcity and amusing aristocratic antics, Tri-School theatre breathes new life into the time-honored production "The Would-Be Gentleman." As an aspiring gentleman, the flamboyant Monsieur Jourdain strives to marry his daughter into the lavish world of the elite, much to the disgruntlement of his wife, daughter, and her current suitor. Discontent with her father's rejection of his marriage proposal, lovestruck Cléonte launches an elaborate scheme, complete with Grand Turks, theater troupes, and an ornate coronation ceremony, in order to wed the girl of his dreams.

Starring as the illustrious Monsieur Jourdain, Brandon Martinez brings a whirlwind of energy and humor into every scene, transforming this would-be dull historical account into a humorous showcase of Tri-School's talent. While some members of the cast struggle with projecting their voices and articulating their grandiloquent lines, Martinez never ceases in adding vocal variety to his character, shifting from giddy to gentlemanly almost instantaneously, and speaking with animation and clarity. Caitlin Crawley, as the collected Madame Jourdain, roots the show amidst the dramatic happenings of her household, acting as the perfect antithesis of her on-stage beau. While pleading with her incorrigible husband to accept Cléonte's marriage proposal, Crowley's sincerity is palpable, a product of her slow, dramatic diction and watering eyes.

Amidst a cast of would-be aristocrats, Vitoria Villalobos shines as the ever-regal Marquis Dorimene. From her impeccable posture and subtle flaunting of her expensive accessories, she fully embodies the persona of a wealthy court member, providing necessary moments of refinement, which contrast Jourdain's insanity.

The dedication of Tri-School's Tech 2 Theater Class is clearly visible in their intricate set design, forming a remarkably accurate and intricate 16th century French estate. Built-in book shelves and exquisite paintings line the stage's walls, and a refined color palette of maroon and tan dominates the scene, showing the irrefutable class of the chateau's owner. Similarly, the hair and makeup team, led by Vitoria Villalobos, strives to maintain historical accuracy in actors' cosmetic choices. Elaborate and well-executed buns were prominent on wealthy women, while working class hairstyles were more subdued in accordance with their rank.

In Moliere's acclaimed "The Would-Be Gentleman," Tri-School demonstrates their theatrical prowess, both on and off stage, with their attention to minute details and engaging actors, culminating in a remarkably humorous presentation of the lavish lords and ladies of France.

Candler Cusato
Los Alamitos
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Tri-School travels back in time with French farce

With 16th century familial farcity and amusing aristocratic antics, Tri-School theatre breathes new life into the time-honored production "The Would-Be Gentleman." As an aspiring gentleman, the flamboyant Monsieur Jourdain strives to marry his daughter into the lavish world of the elite, much to the disgruntlement of his wife, daughter, and her current suitor. Discontent with her father's rejection of his marriage proposal, lovestruck Cléonte launches an elaborate scheme, complete with Grand Turks, theater troupes, and an ornate coronation ceremony, in order to wed the girl of his dreams.

Starring as the illustrious Monsieur Jourdain, Brandon Martinez brings a whirlwind of energy and humor into every scene, transforming this would-be dull historical account into a humorous showcase of Tri-School's talent. While some members of the cast struggle with projecting their voices and articulating their grandiloquent lines, Martinez never ceases in adding vocal variety to his character, shifting from giddy to gentlemanly almost instantaneously, and speaking with animation and clarity. Caitlin Crawley, as the collected Madame Jourdain, roots the show amidst the dramatic happenings of her household, acting as the perfect antithesis of her on-stage beau. While pleading with her incorrigible husband to accept Cléonte's marriage proposal, Crowley's sincerity is palpable, a product of her slow, dramatic diction and watering eyes.

Amidst a cast of would-be aristocrats, Vitoria Villalobos shines as the ever-regal Marquis Dorimene. From her impeccable posture and subtle flaunting of her expensive accessories, she fully embodies the persona of a wealthy court member, providing necessary moments of refinement, which contrast Jourdain's insanity.

The dedication of Tri-School's Tech 2 Theater Class is clearly visible in their intricate set design, forming a remarkably accurate and intricate 16th century French estate. Built-in book shelves and exquisite paintings line the stage's walls, and a refined color palette of maroon and tan dominates the scene, showing the irrefutable class of the chateau's owner. Similarly, the hair and makeup team, led by Vitoria Villalobos, strives to maintain historical accuracy in actors' cosmetic choices. Elaborate and well-executed buns were prominent on wealthy women, while working class hairstyles were more subdued in accordance with their rank.

In Moliere's acclaimed "The Would-Be Gentleman," Tri-School demonstrates their theatrical prowess, both on and off stage, with their attention to minute details and engaging actors, culminating in a remarkably humorous presentation of the lavish lords and ladies of France.