Hotel Paradiso
at JP Taravella HS

Reviewed on November 7, 2015

Erin Cary
NSU University School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

An unsuccessful affair, an abundance of mix-ups, and a shady, Parisian hotel! Hilarity is sure to be found onstage at JP Taravella in their stunning production of Hotel Paradiso.

Written in 1894 by Georges Feydeau and Maurice Desavallieres, Hotel Paradiso follows the story of a married Frenchman and his best friend's wife who rendezvous at a dodgy, but discreet Parisian hotel. Although their intentions are less than honorable, trouble ensues when the pair notices that the hotel's other occupants all have familiar faces. Their new goal becomes to escape unnoticed! The three act farce first premiered in December of 1894 at the Théâtre des Nouveautés in Paris. The version performed at JP Taravella was translated into English by Peter Glenville in the 1950's.

The leads of the production carried the show with impeccable charm. Dashawn Perry, as Monsieur Boniface, captured the audience from the very beginning. His constant enthusiasm, diverse intonation, and hilarious physicality ensured that the show was always far from boring. Alex Montesino, as Marcelle Cot, impressed onlookers with her strong diction and unyielding naturalism. Whether kissing her lover or just picking up a fallen candle, she never let her character falter. Perry and Montesino worked well jointly, creating an impressive and realistic dynamic. They easily fell together in little moments and in driving scenes, making their performances even funnier and more authentic.

The actors playing the two lovers' unappreciated spouses, Taylor Barth (Angelique Boniface) and Mohamad Attalah (Monsieur Cot), added another layer of comedy to the show. Barth's motions and demeanor accurately portrayed that of a frazzled wife. Attalah exhibited constant energy, commanding the audience's attention. Hagan Oliveras, as the young nephew Maxime, received bursts of laughs every time he walked on stage. Through his physicality and bold choices, he created a clear character arch while maintaining his charming naivety. Anthony Pompey, as Monsieur Martin, effectively exaggerated his weather-induced stutter, adding another element of farce to the performance.

Kevin Cruz-Capella (Anniello) and Daniel Agmon (Georges) both executed brilliant comedic reactions and consistently strong accents. With just one word, they had the audience rolling with laughter. Stephanie Aguirre, as the promiscuous maid Victoire, also helped to solidify the show's hilarity. The four daughters of Monsieur Martin created a beautiful dynamic on stage, with clear and lovable connections between all of them. Their engagement and vigor was eye-catching and appreciated. The strong chemistry between almost every member of the cast was unfaltering and compensated for any performer who may have displayed unimpressive diction.

The show's sound and lighting added an elegance to each scene, evenly flowing with no noticeable mishaps. The stage management and crew did a sufficient job, properly executing the few changes they had. Props and makeup appeared to be period-appropriate, and effectively contributed to the performance.

During the entire show, a beautiful energy flowed throughout the theater. The combination of enthusiasm, humor, strength, and talent made for a very pleasant stay at JP Taravella's Hotel Paradiso.

Mandy Figueroa
Somerset Academy Arts Conservatory
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

"What a night!" Is what everyone says when they check out of the Hotel Paradiso. The show takes place in 19th century Paris and revolves around two married people who wish to engage in an affair. Monsieur Boniface and Madame Cot check into the small, discreet Parisian hotel to commence their affair, but unbeknownst to them, several friends are also staying in the same hotel. This leads to a flurry of comedic situations and encounters conducted by a variety of vibrant characters.

JP Taravella High School's production of "Hotel Paradiso" was nothing short of perfect. The consistency of patterns and props throughout the stage made for a believable setting for the story. Throughout the acts, several lighting techniques were used in successfully in highlighting different rooms and scenes. Every door open was perfectly timed and in sync with one another; but the tech of this production was not alone in its glory.

The cast of "Hotel Paradiso" had the audience constantly cackling at their timing and slap-stick comedy. Dashawn Perry, who portrayed our protagonist, Monsieur Boniface, commanded the audience's attention every time he spoke. Despite having to deliver a number of lines, Perry never fumbled on his articulation or memorization, and the use of his face, body, and vocal volume resulted in a hilarious and authentic leading-man.

Perry was not the only skilled actor contributing to this show. Taylor Barth, who played Angelique, Boniface's wife, and Alex Montesino, who portrayed Marcelle, Boniface's lover, were able to command a comedic reaction from the audience collaboratively and separately. Hagan Oliveras, who portrayed Marcelle's anxious nephew, hilariously executed an awkward and tension-filled relationship with the house maid.

Once we get to the hotel, we encounter several other energetic characters who contribute to the humor of the show. Georges, played by Daniel Agmon, was the center of frantic energy as a young bellhop. The hotel manager Anniello, played by Kevin-Cruz Capella, mastered an Italian accent and displayed a pleasing performance and chemistry with Agmon.

The mastery of the fourth-wall break did not go unnoticed and added an emphasis to the hilarious text in the show. Although some accents in the show were unclear and inconsistent, the actors' articulation and portrayal of these characters masked any weakness. Overall, the collaborative work of these hilarious and talented actors, plus outstanding technical aspects, made for a night no-one will forget.

Maya Quinones
Deerfield Beach High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

Welcome to the Hotel Paradiso! Set down your luggage, take off your coat, and prepare to experience the night of your life. With cigar smoking ghosts, an Italian peeping tom, and a mass arrest, this hotel is no Embassy Suites. JP Taravella's hysterical production of Hotel Paradiso checks us into the frantic inn and won't let us leave until we've laughed our shoes off.

Written by George Feydeau and Maurice Desvallieres, Hotel Paradiso has not only stood the test of time, but has also broken the language barrier. Originally written in French as "L'Hôtel du libre échange," the farce premiered in 1894, making its Broadway debut in 1957. Set in 19th century France, Hotel Paradiso follows the secret affair of Monsieur Boniface and Madame Cot. When the two adulterous lovers check into the infamous Hotel Paradiso, they must escape the familiar faces who have also decided to spend the night.

Dashawn Perry plays the clever and cunning architect, Benedict Boniface, leading the show's antics with a mistaken identity here and a punch in the face there. Perry demonstrates exceptional comedic ability, never missing a beat throughout the play's rapidly paced three acts. With an occasional aside, Perry engages the audience and turns a truly despicable character into one to root for. Marcelle Cot, the object of Boniface's desires, is played by Alex Montesino. Montesino embodies the neglected wife with energy and clarity. The two have remarkable chemistry and successfully carried the performance with their impressive physicality and dedication to their lively characters.

Kevin Cruz-Capella and Daniel Agmon prove that a devious Italian and an anxious bellhop can make a perfect team. Both gentleman portray characters with foreign accents; the Italian Anniello (Capella) and British Georges (Agmon.) This challenge, however, did not at all hinder the actors. Their speech remained articulate and consistent throughout the performance.

Monsieur Martin, played by Anthony Pompey, has a particularly strange speech impediment, a stutter that only appears during inclement weather. Pompey successfully stuttered his way through the performance, hilariously bringing the mayhem to a satisfying conclusion. His four daughters played by Jennifer deFreitas, Ashleigh Henderson, Carmen Bulthuis, and Rachel Ihaz were also truly adorable.

A revolving set alternates from the Boniface home to the Hotel Paradiso, optimizing the stage space. The set successfully and seamlessly transformed without the hassle. The costumes were also appropriate for the time period and pleasing to the eye. Contributing to the success of the performance, was a perfect management of microphones and execution of sound cues and effects.

With mistaken identities, hilarious misunderstandings, and the occasional poltergeist, JP Taravella's Hotel Paradiso provides a theatrical experience that is not only side-splittingly funny, but also truly memorable. Once you check into the Hotel Paradiso, you won't want to check out any time soon.

Kayla Goldfarb
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

Only in Hotel Paradiso can one observe a scandalous rendezvous gone awry, a terrible case of mistaken identity, and even a haunted suite! With several other hilariously gone wrong situations, the students of JP Taravella High School brought to life this production with great panache.

Originally entitled L'Hôtel du Libre échange, Georges Feydeau and Maurice Desavallieres crafted this comedic masterpiece way back in 1894. The show follows two neighbors who wish to embark on an extramarital affair, however things are never that simple. Hilarity ensues when a series of complications arise, forcing them to check out before an actual affair could even occur!

In this ensemble based production, the entire cast deserves applause. Every actor, whether speaking or not, was truly living in the moment. Despite a few line stumbles, the actors upheld the fast paced tempo without fail.

At the center of the story was Boniface (Dashawn Perry) who was nothing less than spectacular. Perry had powerful presence and commanded the stage. Not only was his comedic timing impeccable, but his facial expressions and mannerisms also displayed overall control of his character. Alongside him was Alex Montesino (Marcelle) as the central female character. In a farce such as Hotel Paradiso, actors are expected to be able to handle the material, but Montesino's grasp on comedy made her a stand out. She deserves praise for her ability to switch from incredulous to embarrassed seamlessly as well as handle the over the top moments of Marcelle without making them appear overacted.

Despite not appearing for an entire act, Taylor Barth (Angelique) left an exceptional impression. Her humor extended past her line delivery to her body language as well. Hagan Oliveras (Maxime) depicted his odd character with great skill, making the awkward nature of the young nephew appear completely natural. Beside Oliveras was Stephanie Aguirre (Victoire) as the provocative maid. Their comfort with one another allowed their moments together to shine as they never seemed forced. Kevin Cruz-Capella (Anniello) is also worth mentioning for his consistency both with his character and Italian accent, which never once wavered.

Technically, the show was flawless. Elements such as props and lighting were highly specific to detail. In a period piece such as this, technical details can really make or break the show, so kudos to everyone backstage!

Consider the time spent at JP Taravella's Hotel Paradiso time well spent as we definitely enjoyed our stay. What a night!

Kalei Tischler
South Plantation High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

"What a night!" Love affairs, haunted bedrooms, crazy goose chases, and endless comedic moments can all be found in JP Taravella High School's enticing performance of "Hotel Paradiso"!

First produced in 1894, "Hotel Paradiso", written by Georges Feydeau and Maurice Desavallieres, takes place in 19th century Paris. The story begins in the Boniface residence, where Mr. Boniface claims that he wants to engage in an affair with Marcelle, his best friend Mr. Cot's wife. The two check into Hotel Paradiso, with intentions of staying the night, but come across several complications that prevent them from getting as far as even a kiss. They get into trouble and have to jump through hoops to keep their spouses from finding out about their secret affair.

The cast worked as a collective whole to create and sustain an energy that could not be destroyed. Roles that varied from leads to features were treated with equal commitment, each actor staying true to their character. The relationships between the leads were heartfelt and realistic. Their comedic timing was flawless and uproarious.

Dashawn Perry was very successful in capturing the essence of Boniface, a charming and witty architect. Alex Montesino also did a wonderful job of portraying Marcelle, Mr. Boniface's secret lover. Montesino's performance was entertaining and realistic. The two worked well together and they each were very quick to hit their punch lines.

The stage presence of both Angelique, played by Taylor Barth, and Maxime, played by Hagan Oliveras, was strong. Georges, the skittish and awkward bell hop, played by Daniel Agmon, was hilarious in each line that he delivered. All of the Porters did a phenomenal job in creating comedic moments solely through their physicality,

The technical aspects of "Hotel Paradiso" were outstanding. The lighting and sound was never an issue. The set was inviting and simplistic in Act One and Three, and entirely intriguing in Act Two.

JP Taravella High School's production was beyond captivating. Come stay a night with the cast, it will leave you feeling "splendid"!

Noelle Hoffman
West Boca High School
Submitted for publication to The Forum

Slamming doors, a plot to commit adultery, a stutter brought on by the weather, and a lot of mistaken identity is exactly what one finds in the hysterical play "Hotel Paradiso". The French farce, written by George Feydeau and Maurice Desvallieres, is known for its over-the-top characters, fast-pace, and endless surprises, and J.P. Taravella High School's production did not disappoint.

The plot of the play is driven by an argument between Monsieur and Madame Cot. Madame Cot is inspired to have an affair with her neighbor and best friend's husband, Monsieur Boniface.

Madame Cot, played by Alex Montesino, was energetic and hilarious; her almost-lover, Monsieur Boniface (Dashawn Perry) had very good comedic timing, and the two played well off each other, practically oozing chemistry. Monsieur Cot (Mohamad Attalah) provided a consistent and believable character throughout the show and helped balance the more outlandish characters' antics. Madame Boniface (Taylor Barth) played Monsieur Boniface's harping wife well and made the audience laugh every time she came on stage. The other couple in the play, Monsieur Cot's nephew, Maxime (Hagen Oliveras), and Madame Boniface's maid, Victoire (Stephanie Aguirre) were able to play up the game of cat-and-mouse that eventually leads to a happy ending in a way that came across as realistic rather than immature. Also, Monsieur Martin (Anthony Pompey) and his four daughters added to the farcical events unfolding on stage.

Technically, the "Hotel Paradiso" provided J.P. Taravella with some distinct and challenging tasks. The props for the show and the set, which was made of three reversible flats, were well done. For the most part, both aspects added to the overall value of the production. While sometimes it was difficult to understand the actors, the sound design for "Hotel Paradiso," was excellent.

J.P. Taravella's play was very well done and had the audience in stitches from beginning to end. The actors played off of one another and effortlessly kept up the show's pacing and energy and the technical aspects enhanced the audience's experience. With a show with so many flapping doors, poorly conceived revenge plots, dirty hotel managers, and quirky stutters, the cast and crew delivered a production that was cohesive, coherent, and fun to watch.