Nice Work If You Can Get It
at Laguna Hills High School

Reviewed on April 29, 2017

Candler Cusato
Los Alamitos High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Laguna Hills' 'Nice Work' is a Swinging Good Time
by Chandler Cusato, a junior,at Los Alamitos High School
for the OC Reigster

Suave playboy Jimmy Winter has had three wives before, and he shows no signs of remaining single for long, as he plans to marry his fourth when he leaves bachelor party and stumbles into the arms of Billie Bendix, a bootlegging Long Islander. However, his wedding festivities quickly become complicated when he falls for Billie, and she uses his beach house basement to store her secret stash of rum. With inspired technical direction and uproariously funny actors, Laguna Hills High School recaptures the glitz and glamour of the 1920s with hilarious twists in their production of "Nice Work If You Can Get It."

Starring as Jimmy Winter, Nikolai Taylor seamlessly combines his collected voice and smooth dance moves to perfectly personify a suave playboy, juxtaposing his costar, Linsey Schreck, who demonstrates her failure at flirting when she flails across the stage in an attempt to distract him with her womanly wiles. As Billie Bendix, Schreck clearly shows her character's growing fondness for the already-engaged Jimmy by fondly gazing into his eyes and tracking his movements, and he responds in kind, despite Winter's romantic unavailability.

Julie Reames, who plays Duchess Estonia Dulworth, hilariously transitions from refined to ridiculous with the help of spiked lemonade, abandoning her prominent pursed lip and scowl to swing from the ornate dining room chandelier. Reames and Eli Buckels, who plays bootlegger and butler, Cookie McGee, demonstrate their distinct differences through both their tastes in music and posture. Poised perfectly for a waltz, Reames juxtaposes Buckels' casual slouch, as he blows on an imaginary trumpet and dances circles around the strict duchess.

Lighting, designed by Lauren Cacace, Danielle Kelly, and Vee Woldridge, pays homage to the 1920s with ample use of spotlights to highlight actors' exaggerated facial expressions and theatrical solos, and they perfectly mirror the mood of musical numbers, as shown by their choice to flood the stage with pink during the sugary sweet song "Delishious." Similarly, the set design by Danielle Kelly incorporates traditional art deco styles, with a large fan as the permanent centerpiece of the stage while the rest of the set is frequently transformed into docks and speakeasies, by the quick work of the LHHS Stage Crew.

With lively musical numbers and intricate technical elements, Laguna Hills hilariously proves that love triumphs over all, even prohibition, police, and previous wives.

Candler Cusato
Los Alamitos High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Laguna Hills' 'Nice Work' is a Swinging Good Time
by Chandler Cusato, a junior,at Los Alamitos High School
for the OC Reigster

Suave playboy Jimmy Winter has had three wives before, and he shows no signs of remaining single for long, as he plans to marry his fourth when he leaves bachelor party and stumbles into the arms of Billie Bendix, a bootlegging Long Islander. However, his wedding festivities quickly become complicated when he falls for Billie, and she uses his beach house basement to store her secret stash of rum. With inspired technical direction and uproariously funny actors, Laguna Hills High School recaptures the glitz and glamour of the 1920s with hilarious twists in their production of "Nice Work If You Can Get It."

Starring as Jimmy Winter, Nikolai Taylor seamlessly combines his collected voice and smooth dance moves to perfectly personify a suave playboy, juxtaposing his costar, Linsey Schreck, who demonstrates her failure at flirting when she flails across the stage in an attempt to distract him with her womanly wiles. As Billie Bendix, Schreck clearly shows her character's growing fondness for the already-engaged Jimmy by fondly gazing into his eyes and tracking his movements, and he responds in kind, despite Winter's romantic unavailability.

Julie Reames, who plays Duchess Estonia Dulworth, hilariously transitions from refined to ridiculous with the help of spiked lemonade, abandoning her prominent pursed lip and scowl to swing from the ornate dining room chandelier. Reames and Eli Buckels, who plays bootlegger and butler, Cookie McGee, demonstrate their distinct differences through both their tastes in music and posture. Poised perfectly for a waltz, Reames juxtaposes Buckels' casual slouch, as he blows on an imaginary trumpet and dances circles around the strict duchess.

Lighting, designed by Lauren Cacace, Danielle Kelly, and Vee Woldridge, pays homage to the 1920s with ample use of spotlights to highlight actors' exaggerated facial expressions and theatrical solos, and they perfectly mirror the mood of musical numbers, as shown by their choice to flood the stage with pink during the sugary sweet song "Delishious." Similarly, the set design by Danielle Kelly incorporates traditional art deco styles, with a large fan as the permanent centerpiece of the stage while the rest of the set is frequently transformed into docks and speakeasies, by the quick work of the LHHS Stage Crew.

With lively musical numbers and intricate technical elements, Laguna Hills hilariously proves that love triumphs over all, even prohibition, police, and previous wives.

Alyssa Cook
Capistrano Valley High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Laguna's "Nice Work if You Can Get It" is Intoxicatingly S'Wonderful
by Alyssa Cook, a junior, at Capistrano Valley High School
for the OC Register

Modern farcical comedy combines with the passionate whimsy of the roaring ‘20s in Laguna Hills' "Nice Work if You Can Get It." Filled to the brim with love, mischief, wit, and Gershwin tunes, "Nice Work if You Can Get It" tells the story of bootleggers, bachelors, and showgirls in the age of prohibition.

Linsey Schreck shines as the clever, feisty bootlegger Billie Bendix. With expressive eyes, shy smiles, and a jazzy voice, Schreck reveals the vulnerability and femininity that Billie hides under her street-wise tomboy persona. In the midst of a desperate attempt to hide 400 cases of rum, Billie falls in love with the suave, charming, and wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter, played by Nikolai Taylor. Taylor's smooth voice, amusing facial expressions, and debonaire smile contribute to his bachelor character. Schreck and Taylor portray their stubborn characters' unexpected dynamic through touchy flirting, and quick, innocent glances in "S'Wonderful" and "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off."

Alongside Billie are fellow bootleggers Cookie McGee (Eli Buckels) and Duke Mahoney (Justin Lobaton). Buckels expertly utilizes exaggerated facial expressions, impeccable comedic timing, and vaudeville physical comedy, playing the wise-cracking Cookie with ease. Lobaton emanates an adorable nervous energy as Duke, a shy guy of few words.

Sophie Martin radiates as Eileen Evergreen, a prissy, vain, rich daddy's girl, the polar opposite of Billie. Eileen, an arrogant modern dancer, is supposed to become Jimmy's next wife. Martin's gorgeous soprano voice soars through the audience in the song "Delishious," and her flailing limbs and dainty hand gestures add to her character's naive femininity.

The crew work in this production is equally as impressive as the performance onstage. The lighting design by Lauren Cacace, Danielle Kelly, and Vee Woldridge exudes the mood and time of each scene. Dimmer blue and purple lights were used for the nighttime scenes, and pink lighting was often used in scenes between Jimmy and Billie, subtlety emitting a sense of romance. The use of the spotlight also added to the 1920s atmosphere of the show. Danielle Kelly and Kaylee Shobe designed the elaborate, ever-transforming set, which is reminiscent of the art-deco style of the ‘20s.

Frothy, glamorous, and packed with laughs, Laguna's "Nice Work if You Can Get It" dazzles like the frilly costume of a flapper girl, and the entire production, in terms of performance and crew work, is executed beautifully.

Alyssa Cook
Capistrano Valley High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Laguna's "Nice Work if You Can Get It" is Intoxicatingly S'Wonderful
by Alyssa Cook, a junior, at Capistrano Valley High School
for the OC Register

Modern farcical comedy combines with the passionate whimsy of the roaring ‘20s in Laguna Hills' "Nice Work if You Can Get It." Filled to the brim with love, mischief, wit, and Gershwin tunes, "Nice Work if You Can Get It" tells the story of bootleggers, bachelors, and showgirls in the age of prohibition.

Linsey Schreck shines as the clever, feisty bootlegger Billie Bendix. With expressive eyes, shy smiles, and a jazzy voice, Schreck reveals the vulnerability and femininity that Billie hides under her street-wise tomboy persona. In the midst of a desperate attempt to hide 400 cases of rum, Billie falls in love with the suave, charming, and wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter, played by Nikolai Taylor. Taylor's smooth voice, amusing facial expressions, and debonaire smile contribute to his bachelor character. Schreck and Taylor portray their stubborn characters' unexpected dynamic through touchy flirting, and quick, innocent glances in "S'Wonderful" and "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off."

Alongside Billie are fellow bootleggers Cookie McGee (Eli Buckels) and Duke Mahoney (Justin Lobaton). Buckels expertly utilizes exaggerated facial expressions, impeccable comedic timing, and vaudeville physical comedy, playing the wise-cracking Cookie with ease. Lobaton emanates an adorable nervous energy as Duke, a shy guy of few words.

Sophie Martin radiates as Eileen Evergreen, a prissy, vain, rich daddy's girl, the polar opposite of Billie. Eileen, an arrogant modern dancer, is supposed to become Jimmy's next wife. Martin's gorgeous soprano voice soars through the audience in the song "Delishious," and her flailing limbs and dainty hand gestures add to her character's naive femininity.

The crew work in this production is equally as impressive as the performance onstage. The lighting design by Lauren Cacace, Danielle Kelly, and Vee Woldridge exudes the mood and time of each scene. Dimmer blue and purple lights were used for the nighttime scenes, and pink lighting was often used in scenes between Jimmy and Billie, subtlety emitting a sense of romance. The use of the spotlight also added to the 1920s atmosphere of the show. Danielle Kelly and Kaylee Shobe designed the elaborate, ever-transforming set, which is reminiscent of the art-deco style of the ‘20s.

Frothy, glamorous, and packed with laughs, Laguna's "Nice Work if You Can Get It" dazzles like the frilly costume of a flapper girl, and the entire production, in terms of performance and crew work, is executed beautifully.

Grace Danon
Mater Dei High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Laguna Hills' "Nice Work" is "Delishious"
by Grace Danon, a junior, at Mater Dei High School
for the OC Cappies Facebook

Laguna Hills High School's swinging production of "Nice Work If You Can Get It" revives the Jazz Age with snappy ensemble numbers and a party-like atmosphere.

It's the 1920s—the era of the Charleston, good time girls, and Prohibition. Looking for a place to stash the latest gin shipment, tough female bootlegger Billie Bendix and her crew take over the vacant beach home of Jimmy Winter. When the wealthy playboy unexpectedly arrives with his fourth fiancé, the ensuing cover up is a hilarious mess of fake names, surprising romance, and wild dancing.

Nikolai Taylor charms as ladies' man, Jimmy Winter. With silky vocals, he slides across stage with effortless suave and clean dance moves. As tomboyish Billie, Linsey Schreck is the perfect mix of tough and tender. Her spastic dance moves during an attempt to seduce Jimmy are riotous, and her unfailing Brooklyn accent is even detectable in sweet serenades. With impeccable pitch and timing, Taylor and Schreck's duets captivate in "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "S'Wonderful."

Also sporting an impressive dialect, Eli Buckels is a laugh as Billie's fellow bootlegger, Cookie McGee. With an ornery hunch, Buckels' scratching and sneering exude gruffness. His wide eyes and expressive scowl amplify his humorous insolence. Stern Prohibitionist, Estonia Dulworth, (Julie Reames) nearly unearths the bootleggers' "Demon Rum." Initially employing firm hands and pursed lips, Reames distinctly shows a shift once Estonia gets a taste of the Devil Water. Crawling on the table and stumbling with heavy eyelids, she completely lets loose while maintaining an expansive vocal range.

The beaming and engaged ensemble dance and sing with boundless energy. The colorful Showgirls stay flirty and fun throughout, while the Bubble Girls' sweet smiles are appropriately bubbly.

Cayley "Tommy" Busenkell and Katie Romero's innovative props include neatly stamped rum crates and fluffy bathtub "foam" that appears to float and bubble. The set, designed by Danielle Kelly and Kaylee Shobe, is attractive and dynamic. Rolling pieces allow quick scene changes, like a moving bathtub that discreetly hides multiple dancers. Lauren Cacace, Danielle Kelly, and Vee Woldridge make great use of different hues for lighting. Fire is denoted by a gradual orange blaze, and the feminine "Delishious" number is washed in a pink glow.

LHHS's uproarious comedy and roof-raising spirit in "Nice Work" is a heartwarming testament to living the high life.

Grace Danon
Mater Dei High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Laguna Hills' "Nice Work" is "Delishious"
by Grace Danon, a junior, at Mater Dei High School
for the OC Cappies Facebook

Laguna Hills High School's swinging production of "Nice Work If You Can Get It" revives the Jazz Age with snappy ensemble numbers and a party-like atmosphere.

It's the 1920s—the era of the Charleston, good time girls, and Prohibition. Looking for a place to stash the latest gin shipment, tough female bootlegger Billie Bendix and her crew take over the vacant beach home of Jimmy Winter. When the wealthy playboy unexpectedly arrives with his fourth fiancé, the ensuing cover up is a hilarious mess of fake names, surprising romance, and wild dancing.

Nikolai Taylor charms as ladies' man, Jimmy Winter. With silky vocals, he slides across stage with effortless suave and clean dance moves. As tomboyish Billie, Linsey Schreck is the perfect mix of tough and tender. Her spastic dance moves during an attempt to seduce Jimmy are riotous, and her unfailing Brooklyn accent is even detectable in sweet serenades. With impeccable pitch and timing, Taylor and Schreck's duets captivate in "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "S'Wonderful."

Also sporting an impressive dialect, Eli Buckels is a laugh as Billie's fellow bootlegger, Cookie McGee. With an ornery hunch, Buckels' scratching and sneering exude gruffness. His wide eyes and expressive scowl amplify his humorous insolence. Stern Prohibitionist, Estonia Dulworth, (Julie Reames) nearly unearths the bootleggers' "Demon Rum." Initially employing firm hands and pursed lips, Reames distinctly shows a shift once Estonia gets a taste of the Devil Water. Crawling on the table and stumbling with heavy eyelids, she completely lets loose while maintaining an expansive vocal range.

The beaming and engaged ensemble dance and sing with boundless energy. The colorful Showgirls stay flirty and fun throughout, while the Bubble Girls' sweet smiles are appropriately bubbly.

Cayley "Tommy" Busenkell and Katie Romero's innovative props include neatly stamped rum crates and fluffy bathtub "foam" that appears to float and bubble. The set, designed by Danielle Kelly and Kaylee Shobe, is attractive and dynamic. Rolling pieces allow quick scene changes, like a moving bathtub that discreetly hides multiple dancers. Lauren Cacace, Danielle Kelly, and Vee Woldridge make great use of different hues for lighting. Fire is denoted by a gradual orange blaze, and the feminine "Delishious" number is washed in a pink glow.

LHHS's uproarious comedy and roof-raising spirit in "Nice Work" is a heartwarming testament to living the high life.