A Christmas Carol
at Corona del Mar HS
Reviewed on December 2, 2016
| Name | School | Publication/Broadcasts |
Aaron Kim | Northwood High School | OC Varsity Arts |
Aaron Kim | Northwood High School | OC Varsity Arts |
Elena Plumb | St. Margaret’s Episcopal School | OC Varsity Arts |
Elena Plumb | St. Margaret’s Episcopal School | OC Varsity Arts |
Kendra Shreve | San Juan Hills High School | OC Cappies Facebook Page |
Kendra Shreve | San Juan Hills High School | OC Cappies Facebook Page |
Aaron Kim
Northwood High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts
Corona's "A Christmas Carol" is a festive delight
written by Aaron Kim, a junior at Northwood High School
Corona Del Mar High School's production of "A Christmas Carol" spiritedly spins the seminal story of the stingy Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by three spirits in his dreams in an attempt to change his miserly ways.
Blake Weise grumbles and humbugs his way across the stage as Scrooge, projecting a crotchety demeanor convincingly with hobbling movements and hunched posture. His gradual transformation from a tight-fisted grouch into a kind and caring old man is subtly shown through the progression of Weise's tone of voice from harsh to gentle.
Grace Shackelford as the Spirit of Christmas Past, captivates with an ethereal charm, the slightly drawl in the delivery of her lines adding to the dreamlike atmosphere of the production. Her white robes with softly blinking lights also contribute to the charm and mystique of the spirits.
The Spirit of Christmas Present portrayed by Phoebe Alva, brings an air of whimsy and energy to the stage, gesturing dramatically with wide sweeping motions that direct attention to the focuses of the scenes. Later on, her dramatic breakdown and transformation into a wailing, grey-haired shell of her former self adds gravity to her pleas to Scrooge to change his ways.
In the real world,Matthew Beyrooty as Bob Crachit, exudes intimacy and sympathy as the patriarch of the Crachit family. His dynamic interactions with Scrooge at first mirrors his urgent need for money to provide for his ailing family, with Beyrooty flinching away from Weise's shouts and aggressive movements.
The caroling ensemble, headed by Brittany Weinstock and featuring Andres Delgado, provides refreshing and virtuosic musical interludes in the form of traditional Christmas carols, such as "O Come Emmanuel" and "Silent Night", commanding attention and focus away from the smooth stage transitions, overseen by stage managers Alex Munro, Kaylee Aguilar, and Nick Geoghegan. At times the caroling is seamlessly integrated into the play itself, with the carolers moving onto the stage and becoming part of the narration.
Costumes by Sierra Stoliar,and makeup by Annika Quist, Brooklen Gelgand, and Jennifer Rosales, are fantastically designed and executed, with Scrooge's wrinkles and bald head looking convincing and authentic, the Spirit of Christmas Past's twinkling white robes and glitter sparkling in the light, and the Crachit family's modest, patchwork clothing reflecting their humble status.
"A Christmas Carol" definitely brings warmth and festivity to Sea King Theater. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Aaron Kim
Northwood High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts
Corona's "A Christmas Carol" is a festive delight
written by Aaron Kim, a junior at Northwood High School
Corona Del Mar High School's production of "A Christmas Carol" spiritedly spins the seminal story of the stingy Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by three spirits in his dreams in an attempt to change his miserly ways.
Blake Weise grumbles and humbugs his way across the stage as Scrooge, projecting a crotchety demeanor convincingly with hobbling movements and hunched posture. His gradual transformation from a tight-fisted grouch into a kind and caring old man is subtly shown through the progression of Weise's tone of voice from harsh to gentle.
Grace Shackelford as the Spirit of Christmas Past, captivates with an ethereal charm, the slightly drawl in the delivery of her lines adding to the dreamlike atmosphere of the production. Her white robes with softly blinking lights also contribute to the charm and mystique of the spirits.
The Spirit of Christmas Present portrayed by Phoebe Alva, brings an air of whimsy and energy to the stage, gesturing dramatically with wide sweeping motions that direct attention to the focuses of the scenes. Later on, her dramatic breakdown and transformation into a wailing, grey-haired shell of her former self adds gravity to her pleas to Scrooge to change his ways.
In the real world,Matthew Beyrooty as Bob Crachit, exudes intimacy and sympathy as the patriarch of the Crachit family. His dynamic interactions with Scrooge at first mirrors his urgent need for money to provide for his ailing family, with Beyrooty flinching away from Weise's shouts and aggressive movements.
The caroling ensemble, headed by Brittany Weinstock and featuring Andres Delgado, provides refreshing and virtuosic musical interludes in the form of traditional Christmas carols, such as "O Come Emmanuel" and "Silent Night", commanding attention and focus away from the smooth stage transitions, overseen by stage managers Alex Munro, Kaylee Aguilar, and Nick Geoghegan. At times the caroling is seamlessly integrated into the play itself, with the carolers moving onto the stage and becoming part of the narration.
Costumes by Sierra Stoliar,and makeup by Annika Quist, Brooklen Gelgand, and Jennifer Rosales, are fantastically designed and executed, with Scrooge's wrinkles and bald head looking convincing and authentic, the Spirit of Christmas Past's twinkling white robes and glitter sparkling in the light, and the Crachit family's modest, patchwork clothing reflecting their humble status.
"A Christmas Carol" definitely brings warmth and festivity to Sea King Theater. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Elena Plumb
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts
Corona Del Mar brings the holiday spirit to life with "A Christmas Carol"
written by Elena Plumb, a sophmore at St. Margaret's Episcopal School
Amidst the joyous holiday season in 19th century England, this traditional version of "A Christmas Carol" follows pessimistic Ebenezer Scrooge as three spirits who hope to show him the error of his ways visit him in his dreams. With plenty of heartfelt moments and lessons to be learned, Corona Del Mar High School brings the positivity, love, and cheer of holiday season to life with this classic tale.
Blake Weise (Ebenezer Scrooge) communicates his character's age and disinterest in the holidays with his consistent slouch and disgruntled tone as he hobbles across the stage and shouts the famous line, "Bah Humbug!" Weise demonstrates Scrooge's transformation into a cheerful man by grinning from ear to ear as he wishes his family, friends, and neighbors a Merry Christmas.
Matthew Beyrooty (Bob Cratchit) and Breanna Linden's (Mrs. Cratchit) genial personalities and warm, content manners contrast Weise's negative outlook.
Grace Shackelford (Spirit of Christmas Past) seems angelic with her graceful movements and elongated phrases. Phoebe Alva (Spirit of Christmas Present) lights up the stage with her larger than life personality. Alva impressively executes her character's rapid shift from a young, vivacious spirit to an aged, distressed woman, writhing in pain as she faces death.
A small choir directed by Brittany Weinstock sings yuletide carols beautifully during scene changes, adding to the performance's creativity and intrigue.
Costume Design by Sierra Stoliar contextualizes the 19th century time period with Victorian style clothing for the townspeople, while the spirits' elaborate costumes reflect their unique personas. Christmas Past wears a glowing white dress, representing her ethereality, Christmas Present wears an ornate red and green gown, emphasizing her holiday spirit, and Christmas Yet to Come wears a shredded black robe, matching his ominous aura.
Nathan Fallahi's creative sound effects aid the scene transitions with an impeccably timed swoosh indicating each passage of time.
Makeup by Annika Quist, Jade Van Waardenburg, and Jennifer Rosales involves realistic makeup for Scrooge, complete with a bald cap and contoured wrinkles, and more extravagant looks for the Spirits. Angelic Christmas Past flutters her white, glitter-dusted eyelashes, bubbly Christmas Present has rosy red cheeks, and sinister Christmas Yet to Come's face is covered in black paint.
The curtain closes with the townspeople together in the crowded streets, spreading laughter and Christmas cheer as snowflakes fall onto the stage and into the audience.
Elena Plumb
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts
Corona Del Mar brings the holiday spirit to life with "A Christmas Carol"
written by Elena Plumb, a sophmore at St. Margaret's Episcopal School
Amidst the joyous holiday season in 19th century England, this traditional version of "A Christmas Carol" follows pessimistic Ebenezer Scrooge as three spirits who hope to show him the error of his ways visit him in his dreams. With plenty of heartfelt moments and lessons to be learned, Corona Del Mar High School brings the positivity, love, and cheer of holiday season to life with this classic tale.
Blake Weise (Ebenezer Scrooge) communicates his character's age and disinterest in the holidays with his consistent slouch and disgruntled tone as he hobbles across the stage and shouts the famous line, "Bah Humbug!" Weise demonstrates Scrooge's transformation into a cheerful man by grinning from ear to ear as he wishes his family, friends, and neighbors a Merry Christmas.
Matthew Beyrooty (Bob Cratchit) and Breanna Linden's (Mrs. Cratchit) genial personalities and warm, content manners contrast Weise's negative outlook.
Grace Shackelford (Spirit of Christmas Past) seems angelic with her graceful movements and elongated phrases. Phoebe Alva (Spirit of Christmas Present) lights up the stage with her larger than life personality. Alva impressively executes her character's rapid shift from a young, vivacious spirit to an aged, distressed woman, writhing in pain as she faces death.
A small choir directed by Brittany Weinstock sings yuletide carols beautifully during scene changes, adding to the performance's creativity and intrigue.
Costume Design by Sierra Stoliar contextualizes the 19th century time period with Victorian style clothing for the townspeople, while the spirits' elaborate costumes reflect their unique personas. Christmas Past wears a glowing white dress, representing her ethereality, Christmas Present wears an ornate red and green gown, emphasizing her holiday spirit, and Christmas Yet to Come wears a shredded black robe, matching his ominous aura.
Nathan Fallahi's creative sound effects aid the scene transitions with an impeccably timed swoosh indicating each passage of time.
Makeup by Annika Quist, Jade Van Waardenburg, and Jennifer Rosales involves realistic makeup for Scrooge, complete with a bald cap and contoured wrinkles, and more extravagant looks for the Spirits. Angelic Christmas Past flutters her white, glitter-dusted eyelashes, bubbly Christmas Present has rosy red cheeks, and sinister Christmas Yet to Come's face is covered in black paint.
The curtain closes with the townspeople together in the crowded streets, spreading laughter and Christmas cheer as snowflakes fall onto the stage and into the audience.
Kendra Shreve
San Juan Hills High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page
CDM's "A Christmas Carol" is joyous with Christmas Spirit
written by Kendra Shreve, a senior at San Juan Hills High School
Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter,stingy old man, sees the ghost of his past business partner, Jacob Marley. Who sends him on a whirlwind of travels with the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Corona del Mar High's "A Christmas Carol" provides heartwarming moments and great adventure throughout the unique journey of the classic tale.
Blake Weise embodies Ebenezer Scrooge in every way; he is painfully hunched, speaking with a low, raspy voice and grumpy tone for his initial cynicism until his complete transformation to generosity and kindness, allowing his posture to rise, and his booming voice echoing with glee. When Jacob Marley's Ghost (Max Remington) visits him, Weise portrays Scrooge's utter fear with his hands frantically shaking and voice wavering in terror.
Spirit of Christmas Past (Grace Shackelford) emerges like an angel, glowing with the purity of Scrooge's innocent and charming past they look back upon. She drags out each word, like time travels slower for her, living in the mystery of the past with elegance and an old fashioned nature.
Phoebe Alva as Spirit of Christmas Present is brilliantly talented. She has an energetic and purely blissful aura, expressing her passion for the unadulterated love and compassion of Christmastime, to her wretched screeching, warning Scrooge to change his ungrateful ways.
Costume design, by Sierra Stoliar, is exceptional; costumes are vividly colorful and impeccably suited for the traditional Charles Dickens time period. The Spirit of Christmas Past radiates with twinkling lights in her long, poofy white dress, symbolizing the Spirit's light that Scrooge desperately desires to extinguish.
Brooklen Gelgand, Jennifer Rosales, and Annika Quist effectively execute gorgeous hair and makeup. The Spirit of Christmas Present wears a copper red wig braided to the side as she is joyful in her journey with Scrooge, but as she horrifyingly transitions, she tears the wig off, revealing her tangled gray hair and smeared makeup.
Sound (Nathan Fallahi) consists of perfect timing and realistic self-made noises like the utterly haunting dragging and clinking of Jacob Marley's chains. The whoosh sound to signify the "flying" moments with Scrooge and the Spirits, transitioning to the next vision, is simply genius.
The cast and crew of Corona del Mar High are spot-on in presenting the jubilant essence of Christmas spirit with busy transitions of talented carolers and violin players, complementing exquisite actors and the cheerful nature of "A Christmas Carol."
Kendra Shreve
San Juan Hills High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page
CDM's "A Christmas Carol" is joyous with Christmas Spirit
written by Kendra Shreve, a senior at San Juan Hills High School
Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter,stingy old man, sees the ghost of his past business partner, Jacob Marley. Who sends him on a whirlwind of travels with the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Corona del Mar High's "A Christmas Carol" provides heartwarming moments and great adventure throughout the unique journey of the classic tale.
Blake Weise embodies Ebenezer Scrooge in every way; he is painfully hunched, speaking with a low, raspy voice and grumpy tone for his initial cynicism until his complete transformation to generosity and kindness, allowing his posture to rise, and his booming voice echoing with glee. When Jacob Marley's Ghost (Max Remington) visits him, Weise portrays Scrooge's utter fear with his hands frantically shaking and voice wavering in terror.
Spirit of Christmas Past (Grace Shackelford) emerges like an angel, glowing with the purity of Scrooge's innocent and charming past they look back upon. She drags out each word, like time travels slower for her, living in the mystery of the past with elegance and an old fashioned nature.
Phoebe Alva as Spirit of Christmas Present is brilliantly talented. She has an energetic and purely blissful aura, expressing her passion for the unadulterated love and compassion of Christmastime, to her wretched screeching, warning Scrooge to change his ungrateful ways.
Costume design, by Sierra Stoliar, is exceptional; costumes are vividly colorful and impeccably suited for the traditional Charles Dickens time period. The Spirit of Christmas Past radiates with twinkling lights in her long, poofy white dress, symbolizing the Spirit's light that Scrooge desperately desires to extinguish.
Brooklen Gelgand, Jennifer Rosales, and Annika Quist effectively execute gorgeous hair and makeup. The Spirit of Christmas Present wears a copper red wig braided to the side as she is joyful in her journey with Scrooge, but as she horrifyingly transitions, she tears the wig off, revealing her tangled gray hair and smeared makeup.
Sound (Nathan Fallahi) consists of perfect timing and realistic self-made noises like the utterly haunting dragging and clinking of Jacob Marley's chains. The whoosh sound to signify the "flying" moments with Scrooge and the Spirits, transitioning to the next vision, is simply genius.
The cast and crew of Corona del Mar High are spot-on in presenting the jubilant essence of Christmas spirit with busy transitions of talented carolers and violin players, complementing exquisite actors and the cheerful nature of "A Christmas Carol."