Thoroughly Modern Millie
at Mission Viejo High School

Reviewed on April 29, 2017

Faith Quigley
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Mission Viejo's Thoroughly Modern Millie Delights
written by Faith Quigley, a senior at Santa Margarita Catholic High School

According to Kansas-raised dreamer, Millie Dillmount, love has nothing to do with marriage; or so she thought. Taking to the hustle and bustle of New York City in the height of the 1920's, this country girl discovers the cost of living is high, and the hardships plenty. So intrigued by the 'modern woman' lifestyle, Millie hatches a plan to marry rich and live easy, but eventually realizes that true love will carry her farther.

Kayla Morgan steals the show as Millie, with consistent and believable character development and steady vocals. As she transitions from the determined gold-digging typist, laughably trying to woo her bachelor boss, Ryan Livesay as Trevor Graydon, to the love-struck dreamer, her inner conflict truly resonates. Through her frustrated clenched and shaking fists, Morgan embodies a woman set out to make her mark, and while this stubborn physicality melts into a more gentle and soft demeanor upon falling for Jimmy, Ben Sellers, the determined sparkle in her eyes remains curtain to curtain.

Counter to the headstrong Morgan, Ben Sellers shines as the man to change her perspective on love, Jimmy Smith. Initially the suave Long-Islander, Sellers' nonchalant physicality is noted in his relaxed posture, later manifesting into more tender gestures towards Morgan as he falls in love. Sellers' vocals however are perhaps even more noteworthy, as he exhibits steady tone and wide range in songs such as "What do I need with Love' and 'I Turned the Corner'.

Also exhibiting strong vocal ability is the dazzling Bree Ben-Joseph in the role of Muzzy Von Hosmere. With her strong and consistent voice, and larger than life stage presence, Ben-Joseph demands attention on the stage, and also warms hearts as she shares advice with Millie, tenderly pressing her hands to her heart in joy. Quite opposite, Hope Spires exudes deceit as the villainous Mrs. Meers, plotting schemes throughout her Hotel Priscilla, with her delicate and maniacal flicked wrists and quiet prance.

Bringing the show to life in harmonious spirit is the gifted Mission Viejo High School Orchestra, perfectly timed and in-synch, they never fail to miss a beat and undoubtedly complete the show with their stellar performance. Similarly the props designed by Abby Ross tie the show together, and are both creatively brilliant and effective.

High-energy, dance-packed, and full of laughter, MVHS's Thoroughly Modern Millie is absolutely enjoyable, and a definite must see.

Faith Quigley
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Mission Viejo's Thoroughly Modern Millie Delights
written by Faith Quigley, a senior at Santa Margarita Catholic High School

According to Kansas-raised dreamer, Millie Dillmount, love has nothing to do with marriage; or so she thought. Taking to the hustle and bustle of New York City in the height of the 1920's, this country girl discovers the cost of living is high, and the hardships plenty. So intrigued by the 'modern woman' lifestyle, Millie hatches a plan to marry rich and live easy, but eventually realizes that true love will carry her farther.

Kayla Morgan steals the show as Millie, with consistent and believable character development and steady vocals. As she transitions from the determined gold-digging typist, laughably trying to woo her bachelor boss, Ryan Livesay as Trevor Graydon, to the love-struck dreamer, her inner conflict truly resonates. Through her frustrated clenched and shaking fists, Morgan embodies a woman set out to make her mark, and while this stubborn physicality melts into a more gentle and soft demeanor upon falling for Jimmy, Ben Sellers, the determined sparkle in her eyes remains curtain to curtain.

Counter to the headstrong Morgan, Ben Sellers shines as the man to change her perspective on love, Jimmy Smith. Initially the suave Long-Islander, Sellers' nonchalant physicality is noted in his relaxed posture, later manifesting into more tender gestures towards Morgan as he falls in love. Sellers' vocals however are perhaps even more noteworthy, as he exhibits steady tone and wide range in songs such as "What do I need with Love' and 'I Turned the Corner'.

Also exhibiting strong vocal ability is the dazzling Bree Ben-Joseph in the role of Muzzy Von Hosmere. With her strong and consistent voice, and larger than life stage presence, Ben-Joseph demands attention on the stage, and also warms hearts as she shares advice with Millie, tenderly pressing her hands to her heart in joy. Quite opposite, Hope Spires exudes deceit as the villainous Mrs. Meers, plotting schemes throughout her Hotel Priscilla, with her delicate and maniacal flicked wrists and quiet prance.

Bringing the show to life in harmonious spirit is the gifted Mission Viejo High School Orchestra, perfectly timed and in-synch, they never fail to miss a beat and undoubtedly complete the show with their stellar performance. Similarly the props designed by Abby Ross tie the show together, and are both creatively brilliant and effective.

High-energy, dance-packed, and full of laughter, MVHS's Thoroughly Modern Millie is absolutely enjoyable, and a definite must see.

Sabrina Boyd
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Mission Viejo Thoroughly Impresses With "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
written by Sabrina Boyd, a senior at Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Mission Viejo High School enthralls with its entertaining production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie," the tale of a small-town girl attempting to strike it rich by marrying her wealthy boss in New York City.

With a bright smile and a can-do attitude, Kayla Morgan captivates audiences with her portrayal of Millie. Morgan bounds across the stage with electrifying energy, her beaming grin and proud stance instantly commanding attention as she first arrives in New York. Her booming belt adds a layer of confidence to her character, her optimism endearing as she proclaims her plan to marry her boss, Trevor Graydon (Ryan Livesay). Morgan's performance is multi-faceted; her shoulders sag with weariness and her voice is tinged with melancholy as the cutthroat nature of the city wears her down. She also displays her softer side as she begins to fall in love with Jimmy (Ben Sellers), her giddy demeanor and tender vocals in "I Turned the Corner" making her love for him believable.

Serving as Millie's love interest is the suave Jimmy, portrayed by Ben Sellers. Sellers struts across the stage with a charismatic swagger, his cocky street-wise demeanor grabbing the spotlight. His interactions with Millie (Morgan) provide many comedic moments, his cool and collected nature contrasting with her constant energy. However, as he sings "What Do I Need With Love," his gorgeous tenor voice is a combination of frantic and tender as he finally admits his love for Millie.

Adding a comedic element to the show is Millie's boss, Trevor Graydon III, portrayed by Ryan Livesay. With overdramatic gestures and a flamboyant smolder, Livesay provides humor in every scene he is in. His deep bass voice contributes to the hilarity, particularly as he loudly declares his love for Miss Dorothy (Mary Desmond) as he sings "Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life."

Supporting the colorful cast of characters are the fantastic technical elements of the show. The props, designed by Abby Ross, add a layer of authenticity to the show, accurately representing the 1920's time period. The innovative design truly helps to emphasize the overall stage picture, particularly seen through the typewriters and their movable carts used by the office girls at Millie's workplace. The Mission Viejo High School Orchestra was spectacular, complementing the actors onstage with their lively music.

Mission Viejo High School's "Thoroughly Modern Millie" truly provides an entertaining evening filled with love and laughter.

Sabrina Boyd
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Mission Viejo Thoroughly Impresses With "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
written by Sabrina Boyd, a senior at Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Mission Viejo High School enthralls with its entertaining production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie," the tale of a small-town girl attempting to strike it rich by marrying her wealthy boss in New York City.

With a bright smile and a can-do attitude, Kayla Morgan captivates audiences with her portrayal of Millie. Morgan bounds across the stage with electrifying energy, her beaming grin and proud stance instantly commanding attention as she first arrives in New York. Her booming belt adds a layer of confidence to her character, her optimism endearing as she proclaims her plan to marry her boss, Trevor Graydon (Ryan Livesay). Morgan's performance is multi-faceted; her shoulders sag with weariness and her voice is tinged with melancholy as the cutthroat nature of the city wears her down. She also displays her softer side as she begins to fall in love with Jimmy (Ben Sellers), her giddy demeanor and tender vocals in "I Turned the Corner" making her love for him believable.

Serving as Millie's love interest is the suave Jimmy, portrayed by Ben Sellers. Sellers struts across the stage with a charismatic swagger, his cocky street-wise demeanor grabbing the spotlight. His interactions with Millie (Morgan) provide many comedic moments, his cool and collected nature contrasting with her constant energy. However, as he sings "What Do I Need With Love," his gorgeous tenor voice is a combination of frantic and tender as he finally admits his love for Millie.

Adding a comedic element to the show is Millie's boss, Trevor Graydon III, portrayed by Ryan Livesay. With overdramatic gestures and a flamboyant smolder, Livesay provides humor in every scene he is in. His deep bass voice contributes to the hilarity, particularly as he loudly declares his love for Miss Dorothy (Mary Desmond) as he sings "Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life."

Supporting the colorful cast of characters are the fantastic technical elements of the show. The props, designed by Abby Ross, add a layer of authenticity to the show, accurately representing the 1920's time period. The innovative design truly helps to emphasize the overall stage picture, particularly seen through the typewriters and their movable carts used by the office girls at Millie's workplace. The Mission Viejo High School Orchestra was spectacular, complementing the actors onstage with their lively music.

Mission Viejo High School's "Thoroughly Modern Millie" truly provides an entertaining evening filled with love and laughter.

Tyler Ashman
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Mission Viejo's "Millie" is Thoroughly Entertaining
written by Tyler Ashman, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

What happens when you mix an aspiring ingénue, a crew of desperate actresses, an evil hotel manager, and two bumbling sidekicks and drop them in the middle of New York City? Naturally, you get wild love circles, several kidnappings, and—most importantly—a great deal of tap dancing. Thus comprises the bulk of Mission Viejo High School's "Thoroughly Modern Millie," the story of one flapper's journey into maturity and independence. As Millie struggles to keep up with changing times, she finds love in the midst of laughs and heartaches.

Leading the cast is Kayla Morgan as the incorrigible Millie. Morgan opens the show, shoulders squared and a confident grin on her face. However, her strength begins to deteriorate into sadness as she is rebuffed by her boss, and she slumps to highlight this effective change.

As a complement to Morgan's strong presence, Ben Sellers engages as her lover, Jimmy. Sellers jumps to attention near Morgan, and he stares at her with wide eyes and a boyish smile. However, he shows off his strong, clear voice in songs like "What Do I Need with Love."

Ryan Livesay further entertains as Trevor Graydon, the excitable boss. His rich, deep voice and clear diction endow his presence with energy only matched by Mary Desmond as Miss Dorothy. Desmond uses a shrill speaking voice and a flirty demeanor to encapsulate her girlish character.

Though all provide effective performances, Parker Christian and Jeff Baker as Ching Ho and Bun Foo, respectively, steal the show. Though the two speak virtually no English, they scream, sing, punch, and pantomime their way through the story, as they foil the plans of evil Mrs. Meers (Hope Spires) to great comedic effect.

With roaring brass, driving rhythm, and spot-on timing, the Mission Viejo High School Orchestra expertly captures the spirit of the time period and heightens the fun of the production.

Equally as impressive as the acting are the student designed technical elements. The props, designed by Abby Ross, complement the time period with 1920's-style telephones and typewriters. Furthermore, the set, designed by Devoree Shields, uses a complex, hand-painted New York skyline coupled with simple silver frames to provide a sleek aesthetic that aids the storytelling.

With superb storytelling, hilarious performances, and effective tech, Mission Viejo's "Thoroughly Modern Millie" doesn't fail to entertain from start to finish.

Tyler Ashman
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Mission Viejo's "Millie" is Thoroughly Entertaining
written by Tyler Ashman, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

What happens when you mix an aspiring ingénue, a crew of desperate actresses, an evil hotel manager, and two bumbling sidekicks and drop them in the middle of New York City? Naturally, you get wild love circles, several kidnappings, and—most importantly—a great deal of tap dancing. Thus comprises the bulk of Mission Viejo High School's "Thoroughly Modern Millie," the story of one flapper's journey into maturity and independence. As Millie struggles to keep up with changing times, she finds love in the midst of laughs and heartaches.

Leading the cast is Kayla Morgan as the incorrigible Millie. Morgan opens the show, shoulders squared and a confident grin on her face. However, her strength begins to deteriorate into sadness as she is rebuffed by her boss, and she slumps to highlight this effective change.

As a complement to Morgan's strong presence, Ben Sellers engages as her lover, Jimmy. Sellers jumps to attention near Morgan, and he stares at her with wide eyes and a boyish smile. However, he shows off his strong, clear voice in songs like "What Do I Need with Love."

Ryan Livesay further entertains as Trevor Graydon, the excitable boss. His rich, deep voice and clear diction endow his presence with energy only matched by Mary Desmond as Miss Dorothy. Desmond uses a shrill speaking voice and a flirty demeanor to encapsulate her girlish character.

Though all provide effective performances, Parker Christian and Jeff Baker as Ching Ho and Bun Foo, respectively, steal the show. Though the two speak virtually no English, they scream, sing, punch, and pantomime their way through the story, as they foil the plans of evil Mrs. Meers (Hope Spires) to great comedic effect.

With roaring brass, driving rhythm, and spot-on timing, the Mission Viejo High School Orchestra expertly captures the spirit of the time period and heightens the fun of the production.

Equally as impressive as the acting are the student designed technical elements. The props, designed by Abby Ross, complement the time period with 1920's-style telephones and typewriters. Furthermore, the set, designed by Devoree Shields, uses a complex, hand-painted New York skyline coupled with simple silver frames to provide a sleek aesthetic that aids the storytelling.

With superb storytelling, hilarious performances, and effective tech, Mission Viejo's "Thoroughly Modern Millie" doesn't fail to entertain from start to finish.