The Wizard of Oz
at Fountain Valley

Reviewed on April 28, 2016

Kaylee Hepburn
Aliso Niguel
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Fountain Valley's Wizard of Oz

Actors, singers, and dancers- oh my! The cast and crew of Fountain Valley High School bring the beloved tale of Dorothy and her friends to life in "The Wizard of Oz".

This classic show begins as Dorothy Gale played by Alyssa Kammerer longs to go "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Kammerer's wide-eyed gaze and melodic voice portray Dorothy's innocence and youthful hope. Once she lands in Oz, Dorothy stumbles upon Glinda the Good (Ariana Isbell). Isbell graces the stage with her immense poise, floating across the stage as if she really were traveling by bubble. Her sweet soprano voice soars through the air as she sends Dorothy on her way down the yellow brick road.

Along her journey, Dorothy befriends the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion. David Miller as the Scarecrow brings a palpable energy and joy to the stage, tirelessly jumping and stumbling to and fro as if he really were made of straw. His movements and vocals carry energy while singing a solo, providing comedic relief, or dancing in hopes of receiving a brain.

Jason Aponte acts and sings with charisma and charm bringing heart to the character of the Tinman. Aponte's stiff posture and arms create the illusion that he truly is made of tin. Nearing the end of the road, the trio meet the Lion (Zoe Rios). Rios' bashful movements and booming voice wonderfully personify the cowardly king of the forest.

Attempting to hinder Dorothy's journey is the Wicked Witch (Adouria MacGlashan). MacGlashan's voice inflections and devious cackle bring the iconic green villain to life. With a prosthetic pointy nose and chin designed by Ashley Leal, the witch seems to step out of a storybook.

The show's ten dance numbers choreographed by Madeline Schultz combine a variety of styles ranging from 1920s swing to jazz and ballet. The costume design by Thalia Feliciano creates each iconic character through a simple, traditional design and organized execution. The scenic design by Danthi Tran creates the land of Oz. The attention and detail paid to the yellow brick road forms the realistic, rugged path that extends out into the audience.

Through the combined efforts, the cast and crew teach that "there is no place like home" and that there is no show like Fountain Valley's "Wizard of Oz".

Kaylee Hepburn
Aliso Niguel
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Fountain Valley's Wizard of Oz

Actors, singers, and dancers- oh my! The cast and crew of Fountain Valley High School bring the beloved tale of Dorothy and her friends to life in "The Wizard of Oz".

This classic show begins as Dorothy Gale played by Alyssa Kammerer longs to go "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Kammerer's wide-eyed gaze and melodic voice portray Dorothy's innocence and youthful hope. Once she lands in Oz, Dorothy stumbles upon Glinda the Good (Ariana Isbell). Isbell graces the stage with her immense poise, floating across the stage as if she really were traveling by bubble. Her sweet soprano voice soars through the air as she sends Dorothy on her way down the yellow brick road.

Along her journey, Dorothy befriends the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion. David Miller as the Scarecrow brings a palpable energy and joy to the stage, tirelessly jumping and stumbling to and fro as if he really were made of straw. His movements and vocals carry energy while singing a solo, providing comedic relief, or dancing in hopes of receiving a brain.

Jason Aponte acts and sings with charisma and charm bringing heart to the character of the Tinman. Aponte's stiff posture and arms create the illusion that he truly is made of tin. Nearing the end of the road, the trio meet the Lion (Zoe Rios). Rios' bashful movements and booming voice wonderfully personify the cowardly king of the forest.

Attempting to hinder Dorothy's journey is the Wicked Witch (Adouria MacGlashan). MacGlashan's voice inflections and devious cackle bring the iconic green villain to life. With a prosthetic pointy nose and chin designed by Ashley Leal, the witch seems to step out of a storybook.

The show's ten dance numbers choreographed by Madeline Schultz combine a variety of styles ranging from 1920s swing to jazz and ballet. The costume design by Thalia Feliciano creates each iconic character through a simple, traditional design and organized execution. The scenic design by Danthi Tran creates the land of Oz. The attention and detail paid to the yellow brick road forms the realistic, rugged path that extends out into the audience.

Through the combined efforts, the cast and crew teach that "there is no place like home" and that there is no show like Fountain Valley's "Wizard of Oz".

Audrey Mitchell
University
Submitted for publication to OC Register

There's nothing like Fountain Valley's "Wizard of Oz"

A young girl rests her elbows on a picket fence, dreaming of a far-away place. Thus begins the story of Dorothy Gale, who is transported unexpectedly from her ho-hum hometown in Kansas to another world. Dorothy makes friends and enemies as she fights a witch and journeys through the lands before returning home.

Fountain Valley High School's production of "The Wizard of Oz" is heart-warming and entertaining. Student-designed choreography and technical elements skillfully frame the sweet story of friendship and family.

Alyssa Kammerer stands alone onstage, heart on her sleeve, as Dorothy Gale. Kammerer creates a childish persona, whether her voice is trembling with emotion or she is reprimanding her neighbor for being cruel.

Zoe Rios is hilarious as the Cowardly Lion, quickly switching from a fearsome persona to a crybaby after Dorothy hits her on the nose. Rios spares no dramatic flourishes in "King of the Forest," fantasizing about what life would be like if she was courageous.

The Tin Man (Jason Aponte), Toto (Stephen Casillas) and the Scarecrow (David Miller) work to create the ensemble of Dorothy's friends. Aponte's stiff and rigid physicalities contrast with Miller's loose and spineless motions. Meanwhile Casillas is filled with a puppylike energy as he runs playfully across the stage.

Ariana Isbell is filled with a light and bubbly energy as Glinda, the good witch. Everything about Isbell is bright and happy, from her constant smile to her dulcet soprano singing.

The set of the outdoor production, designed by Danthi Tran, utilizes a false proscenium to show off many different locations around Oz, from the witch's castle to the Emerald City. An intricately carved yellow brick road leads from the stage into the audience, creating a truly immersive experience.

The show was choreographed by one of the students, Madeline Schultz. Shultz's movement adds energy to the show, from the "Munchkinland Music Sequence," when the Munchkins welcome Dorothy, to "Jitterbug," when jitterbugs dance with Dorothy until she collapses from exhaustion.

Makeup, designed by Ashley Leal, adds to the distinct personas of each character. Glinda is bedazzled with sparkles on the side of her face, the Scarecrow's face looks somehow flatter, and the Wicked Witch of the West is entirely green.

Fountain Valley's "The Wizard of Oz" is bright and cheerful, showing that, after all the adventures are over, there is truly no place like home.

Audrey Mitchell
University
Submitted for publication to OC Register

There's nothing like Fountain Valley's "Wizard of Oz"

A young girl rests her elbows on a picket fence, dreaming of a far-away place. Thus begins the story of Dorothy Gale, who is transported unexpectedly from her ho-hum hometown in Kansas to another world. Dorothy makes friends and enemies as she fights a witch and journeys through the lands before returning home.

Fountain Valley High School's production of "The Wizard of Oz" is heart-warming and entertaining. Student-designed choreography and technical elements skillfully frame the sweet story of friendship and family.

Alyssa Kammerer stands alone onstage, heart on her sleeve, as Dorothy Gale. Kammerer creates a childish persona, whether her voice is trembling with emotion or she is reprimanding her neighbor for being cruel.

Zoe Rios is hilarious as the Cowardly Lion, quickly switching from a fearsome persona to a crybaby after Dorothy hits her on the nose. Rios spares no dramatic flourishes in "King of the Forest," fantasizing about what life would be like if she was courageous.

The Tin Man (Jason Aponte), Toto (Stephen Casillas) and the Scarecrow (David Miller) work to create the ensemble of Dorothy's friends. Aponte's stiff and rigid physicalities contrast with Miller's loose and spineless motions. Meanwhile Casillas is filled with a puppylike energy as he runs playfully across the stage.

Ariana Isbell is filled with a light and bubbly energy as Glinda, the good witch. Everything about Isbell is bright and happy, from her constant smile to her dulcet soprano singing.

The set of the outdoor production, designed by Danthi Tran, utilizes a false proscenium to show off many different locations around Oz, from the witch's castle to the Emerald City. An intricately carved yellow brick road leads from the stage into the audience, creating a truly immersive experience.

The show was choreographed by one of the students, Madeline Schultz. Shultz's movement adds energy to the show, from the "Munchkinland Music Sequence," when the Munchkins welcome Dorothy, to "Jitterbug," when jitterbugs dance with Dorothy until she collapses from exhaustion.

Makeup, designed by Ashley Leal, adds to the distinct personas of each character. Glinda is bedazzled with sparkles on the side of her face, the Scarecrow's face looks somehow flatter, and the Wicked Witch of the West is entirely green.

Fountain Valley's "The Wizard of Oz" is bright and cheerful, showing that, after all the adventures are over, there is truly no place like home.

Grace Danon
Mater Dei
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

FVHS's "The Wizard of Oz" is full of ruby slippered cheer

Fountain Valley High School takes a trip down the yellow brick road with a classic production of "The Wizard of Oz." Enthusiastic cast members and thorough crew give the merry musical brain, heart, and nerve.

This timeless tale begins in Kansas where a wistful Dorothy Gale wishes to find her place in the world and to save her dog, Toto, from malicious neighbor, Miss Gulch. In the midst of her attempt to run away, a twister hits Kansas and sweeps Dorothy and Toto to the magical land of Oz. With the help of some new friends, Dorothy attempts to escape the Wicked Witch and find the Wizard of Oz who has the power to bring her home.

Alyssa Kammerer takes on the role of Dorothy Gale, and consistently conveys youth and innocence in her voice. Dorothy's first companion, Scarecrow, is played by David Miller, who delivers lines with ironic wit and adopts loose limbs to seem truly straw-stuffed. Jason Aponte portrays the soft-hearted Tinman, and maintains a convincing mechanical walk and delivers "If I Only Had a Heart" with tenderness. Zoe Rios' interpretation of Lion was endearingly bashful and pointedly erect during moments of true courage.

Ariana Isbell's graceful arm gestures and sweet, airy voice perfectly personify Glinda's majesty. This contrasts well with Adouria MacGlashan's menacing hand movements, frightening cackles and evil sneers as the Wicked Witch. The ensemble's genuine smiles and high energy made dance numbers exciting, particularly the Munchkin ensemble.

Make-up by Ashley Leal and Jace Sweetman creatively brings out each character's personality and main features, with magical jewels on Glinda, snout-like facial prosthetics for the lion and a distinctive nose on the wicked witch. Costumes are designed by Corey Robinson and Thalia Feliciano. The designs preserve the main characters' iconic looks and give the ensemble eye-catching accents, like sparkly capes on the Jitterbug dancers. For a modern twist, a pair of sparkly red sneakers served as the famous ruby slippers. Cameron Hodges' scenic design consisted of a notably large and detailed yellow brick road, which spanned up and around the orchestra pit and down a long aisle.

Fountain Valley High School's "The Wizard of Oz" expresses how no matter where one goes, there really is no place like home.

Grace Danon
Mater Dei
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

FVHS's "The Wizard of Oz" is full of ruby slippered cheer

Fountain Valley High School takes a trip down the yellow brick road with a classic production of "The Wizard of Oz." Enthusiastic cast members and thorough crew give the merry musical brain, heart, and nerve.

This timeless tale begins in Kansas where a wistful Dorothy Gale wishes to find her place in the world and to save her dog, Toto, from malicious neighbor, Miss Gulch. In the midst of her attempt to run away, a twister hits Kansas and sweeps Dorothy and Toto to the magical land of Oz. With the help of some new friends, Dorothy attempts to escape the Wicked Witch and find the Wizard of Oz who has the power to bring her home.

Alyssa Kammerer takes on the role of Dorothy Gale, and consistently conveys youth and innocence in her voice. Dorothy's first companion, Scarecrow, is played by David Miller, who delivers lines with ironic wit and adopts loose limbs to seem truly straw-stuffed. Jason Aponte portrays the soft-hearted Tinman, and maintains a convincing mechanical walk and delivers "If I Only Had a Heart" with tenderness. Zoe Rios' interpretation of Lion was endearingly bashful and pointedly erect during moments of true courage.

Ariana Isbell's graceful arm gestures and sweet, airy voice perfectly personify Glinda's majesty. This contrasts well with Adouria MacGlashan's menacing hand movements, frightening cackles and evil sneers as the Wicked Witch. The ensemble's genuine smiles and high energy made dance numbers exciting, particularly the Munchkin ensemble.

Make-up by Ashley Leal and Jace Sweetman creatively brings out each character's personality and main features, with magical jewels on Glinda, snout-like facial prosthetics for the lion and a distinctive nose on the wicked witch. Costumes are designed by Corey Robinson and Thalia Feliciano. The designs preserve the main characters' iconic looks and give the ensemble eye-catching accents, like sparkly capes on the Jitterbug dancers. For a modern twist, a pair of sparkly red sneakers served as the famous ruby slippers. Cameron Hodges' scenic design consisted of a notably large and detailed yellow brick road, which spanned up and around the orchestra pit and down a long aisle.

Fountain Valley High School's "The Wizard of Oz" expresses how no matter where one goes, there really is no place like home.