Guys and Dolls
at Los Alamitos High School

Reviewed on April 13, 2017

Anika Perera
Aliso Niguel High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Los Alamitos entertains with ‘Guys and Dolls'
written by Anika Perera, a sophomore at Aliso Niguel High School

When the toughest gambler around accepts a bet to take a conservative missionary to Havana, he has no idea he is about to fall in love and give up his life of gambling.

Los Alamitos High School's "Guys and Doll's" is humorous and charming. With wonderful tech elements, hilarious accents, and unconventional relationships this show is nothing short of extraordinary.

Louis Cogan is both sly and charming as he takes on the role of Sky Masterson. Cogan confidently glides across stage as he intends to take the traditional missionary Sarah Brown, portrayed by Micaela Erickson, on a date. With her head held high and a stiff posture Erickson is able to deflect Cogan's charming ways. When she finally gives in, the two fall in love. With stunning vocals Cogan and Erickson share a heartwarming moment during "I've Never Been In Love Before" in which they admit their love to one another.

With a nasally voice, Rylee Burchett portrays the bubbly Miss Adelaide. Burchett harnesses her inner diva as she belts out "Take Back Your Mink". Burchett also sings "Adelaide's Lament" in which she lets out the frustrations she has with her 14 year engagement to Nathan Detroit portrayed by Connor Franzen. Burchett and Franzen have great comedic timing as they bicker about how committed they are to one another. The otherwise smooth talking Franzen begins to stumble over words as he tries to assure Burchett that their love is real.

Franzen spent his time away from Adelaide with the crapshooters. This energetic bunch of boys show off their large character and sharp dance skills in "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat". Nicely-Nicely Johnson portrayed by Kayhan Bakian delivers a stellar solo in this show-stopping number.

Hair and Makeup designed by Micaela Erickson captures the personalities of each character. Sarah Brown is given minimal makeup and sleek hair reflecting her minimalistic outlook on life while Miss Adelaide has bright cheeks and lots of curls to match her perky personality.

Stage Manager Angelica Alvarez orchestrates quick and smooth set changes often accompanied by the stellar orchestra made up of Los Alamitos own orchestra.

With an energetic ensemble, talented leads, and skilled designers Los Alamitos's beautifully brings "Guys and Dolls" to life.

Anika Perera
Aliso Niguel High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Los Alamitos entertains with ‘Guys and Dolls'
written by Anika Perera, a sophomore at Aliso Niguel High School

When the toughest gambler around accepts a bet to take a conservative missionary to Havana, he has no idea he is about to fall in love and give up his life of gambling.

Los Alamitos High School's "Guys and Doll's" is humorous and charming. With wonderful tech elements, hilarious accents, and unconventional relationships this show is nothing short of extraordinary.

Louis Cogan is both sly and charming as he takes on the role of Sky Masterson. Cogan confidently glides across stage as he intends to take the traditional missionary Sarah Brown, portrayed by Micaela Erickson, on a date. With her head held high and a stiff posture Erickson is able to deflect Cogan's charming ways. When she finally gives in, the two fall in love. With stunning vocals Cogan and Erickson share a heartwarming moment during "I've Never Been In Love Before" in which they admit their love to one another.

With a nasally voice, Rylee Burchett portrays the bubbly Miss Adelaide. Burchett harnesses her inner diva as she belts out "Take Back Your Mink". Burchett also sings "Adelaide's Lament" in which she lets out the frustrations she has with her 14 year engagement to Nathan Detroit portrayed by Connor Franzen. Burchett and Franzen have great comedic timing as they bicker about how committed they are to one another. The otherwise smooth talking Franzen begins to stumble over words as he tries to assure Burchett that their love is real.

Franzen spent his time away from Adelaide with the crapshooters. This energetic bunch of boys show off their large character and sharp dance skills in "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat". Nicely-Nicely Johnson portrayed by Kayhan Bakian delivers a stellar solo in this show-stopping number.

Hair and Makeup designed by Micaela Erickson captures the personalities of each character. Sarah Brown is given minimal makeup and sleek hair reflecting her minimalistic outlook on life while Miss Adelaide has bright cheeks and lots of curls to match her perky personality.

Stage Manager Angelica Alvarez orchestrates quick and smooth set changes often accompanied by the stellar orchestra made up of Los Alamitos own orchestra.

With an energetic ensemble, talented leads, and skilled designers Los Alamitos's beautifully brings "Guys and Dolls" to life.

Anais Lino
Sunny Hills High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Place your bets at Los Alamitos "Guys and Dolls"

Los Alamitos thrills with "Guys and Dolls" the classic story of Nathan Detroit, who runs an illegal gambling game, bets with gambler, Sky Masterson, to take Sarah Brown, the conservative missionary, to Havana for a night, all while Nathan tries to keep the crap games a secret from his finance of 14 years Miss Adelaide, who desperately wants to marry Nathan.

Rylee Burchett, charms with her quirky character, Miss Adelaide, by keeping a consistent and impressive shrill New York accent. Burchett captivates while delivering her heartwarming, yet playful songs and adding deeper inflections providing the show with more funny moments.

Kayhan Bakian, as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, stands out by displaying his impressive vocals while singing in one of the plays iconic numbers and delivering his lines with ease adding comedy into scenes, while his scene partner Nathan Detroit (played by Connor Franzen) portrays his character as cautious and confident, creating a fun contrast.

Micaela Erickson as Sarah Brown, adds sophistication to her character, but displays her comic side when Sarah gets into an amusing predicament, by playing Sarah as less uptight and a bit clumsy. While Louis Cogan portrays Sky Masterson with suave, but showing Sky's softer side during more emotional songs by singing with a sense of sensitivity.

Joe Rios' colorful lighting gives the play spirit and light-heartedness, especially during upbeat numbers. Rios creatively adds haze and darker lighting during scenes in the nightclub, adding a mood reminiscent of the era. The spotlights used highlighted performers all while keeping other character in light.

Set Designer Shelby Marsh's cleverly constructed set with detailed hand painted landscapes, quickly shifts from busy New York City to exotic Havana, alternates quickly in between scenes.

Grace Coil and Alexis Turner also give the musical a 1950s feel with their vintage looking outfits, from the long plaid skirts to the gambler's authentic looking pinned-striped suits. Costumes also helped establish characters personalities as Miss Adelaide tones bright dressed while conservative Sarah wore her missionary uniform throughout the play.

Overall, Los Alamitos does justice to the Broadway classic 'Guys and Dolls'.

Anais Lino
Sunny Hills High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Place your bets at Los Alamitos "Guys and Dolls"

Los Alamitos thrills with "Guys and Dolls" the classic story of Nathan Detroit, who runs an illegal gambling game, bets with gambler, Sky Masterson, to take Sarah Brown, the conservative missionary, to Havana for a night, all while Nathan tries to keep the crap games a secret from his finance of 14 years Miss Adelaide, who desperately wants to marry Nathan.

Rylee Burchett, charms with her quirky character, Miss Adelaide, by keeping a consistent and impressive shrill New York accent. Burchett captivates while delivering her heartwarming, yet playful songs and adding deeper inflections providing the show with more funny moments.

Kayhan Bakian, as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, stands out by displaying his impressive vocals while singing in one of the plays iconic numbers and delivering his lines with ease adding comedy into scenes, while his scene partner Nathan Detroit (played by Connor Franzen) portrays his character as cautious and confident, creating a fun contrast.

Micaela Erickson as Sarah Brown, adds sophistication to her character, but displays her comic side when Sarah gets into an amusing predicament, by playing Sarah as less uptight and a bit clumsy. While Louis Cogan portrays Sky Masterson with suave, but showing Sky's softer side during more emotional songs by singing with a sense of sensitivity.

Joe Rios' colorful lighting gives the play spirit and light-heartedness, especially during upbeat numbers. Rios creatively adds haze and darker lighting during scenes in the nightclub, adding a mood reminiscent of the era. The spotlights used highlighted performers all while keeping other character in light.

Set Designer Shelby Marsh's cleverly constructed set with detailed hand painted landscapes, quickly shifts from busy New York City to exotic Havana, alternates quickly in between scenes.

Grace Coil and Alexis Turner also give the musical a 1950s feel with their vintage looking outfits, from the long plaid skirts to the gambler's authentic looking pinned-striped suits. Costumes also helped establish characters personalities as Miss Adelaide tones bright dressed while conservative Sarah wore her missionary uniform throughout the play.

Overall, Los Alamitos does justice to the Broadway classic 'Guys and Dolls'.

Martin Perez
Aliso Niguel High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Los Alamitos hits the jackpot with "Guys & Dolls"

Los Alamitos High School excites in their production of "Guys and Dolls", which focuses on two couples as they try to overcome their struggles together. When two gamblers make a bet to see if one of them can get any doll he wants, he never would have expected to find love with a missionary.

Sky Masterson (Louis Cogan) continuously persuades Sarah Brown (Micaela Erickson), leader of the Save-a-Soul Mission, to go out with him in hopes of winning a bet. Cogan struts across the stage, exuding confidence as he tries to flirt with Sarah, and gradually becomes more affectionate and desperate for love as he gets to know Sarah better and falls in love with her. Erickson moves stiffly and with a purpose and she adheres to her religious values, stubbornly ignoring Sky's attempts to flirt with her. However, as the story progresses, she reveals a more caring and loving side as she begins to fall in love with Sky in return.

Gambling crapshooter, Nathan Detroit (Connor Franzen) feels conflict between doing what he loves, playing craps and gambling, and being with his love, Miss Adelaide (Rylee Burchett), as she feels unloved and miserable. Franzen excellently portrays his different personalities, appearing more masculine and tough with his fellow crapshooters and being softer and more affectionate around his girlfriend. Burchett commands the stage, using large and extremely feminine motions to add to her diva personality. Burchett's comedic accent remains consistent throughout the whole show, and blends well with her excellent vocal skills, such as in "Adelaide's Lament".

Costume design by Grace Coil and Alexis Turner help add to the mid-1900s time period, using different styles of clothing to depict various characters. Bright, sparkly dresses for the Hot Box Girls vary greatly from the modest, red capes and gowns the missionaries wear.

The creativity of set design by Shelby Marsh allow for quick, smooth set changes. Use of periaktois, or three-sided set pieces, help to create various locations for the set from the missionary, Havana, Cuba, and a sewer where the crapshooters gamble. Attention to detail and depth in the set backgrounds make the set come to life and appear more realistic.

Los Alamitos High School's lively and energetic actors and creative and unique technical elements allow for their production of "Guys and Dolls" to truly shine.

Martin Perez
Aliso Niguel High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Los Alamitos hits the jackpot with "Guys & Dolls"

Los Alamitos High School excites in their production of "Guys and Dolls", which focuses on two couples as they try to overcome their struggles together. When two gamblers make a bet to see if one of them can get any doll he wants, he never would have expected to find love with a missionary.

Sky Masterson (Louis Cogan) continuously persuades Sarah Brown (Micaela Erickson), leader of the Save-a-Soul Mission, to go out with him in hopes of winning a bet. Cogan struts across the stage, exuding confidence as he tries to flirt with Sarah, and gradually becomes more affectionate and desperate for love as he gets to know Sarah better and falls in love with her. Erickson moves stiffly and with a purpose and she adheres to her religious values, stubbornly ignoring Sky's attempts to flirt with her. However, as the story progresses, she reveals a more caring and loving side as she begins to fall in love with Sky in return.

Gambling crapshooter, Nathan Detroit (Connor Franzen) feels conflict between doing what he loves, playing craps and gambling, and being with his love, Miss Adelaide (Rylee Burchett), as she feels unloved and miserable. Franzen excellently portrays his different personalities, appearing more masculine and tough with his fellow crapshooters and being softer and more affectionate around his girlfriend. Burchett commands the stage, using large and extremely feminine motions to add to her diva personality. Burchett's comedic accent remains consistent throughout the whole show, and blends well with her excellent vocal skills, such as in "Adelaide's Lament".

Costume design by Grace Coil and Alexis Turner help add to the mid-1900s time period, using different styles of clothing to depict various characters. Bright, sparkly dresses for the Hot Box Girls vary greatly from the modest, red capes and gowns the missionaries wear.

The creativity of set design by Shelby Marsh allow for quick, smooth set changes. Use of periaktois, or three-sided set pieces, help to create various locations for the set from the missionary, Havana, Cuba, and a sewer where the crapshooters gamble. Attention to detail and depth in the set backgrounds make the set come to life and appear more realistic.

Los Alamitos High School's lively and energetic actors and creative and unique technical elements allow for their production of "Guys and Dolls" to truly shine.