Cinderella
at Irvine High School

Reviewed on March 3, 2017

Katie Alexander
Tesoro High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Irvine High School's ‘Cinderella' turns heads
written by Katie Alexander, a junior at Tesoro High School

With a dazzling set, distinct characters, and angelic singing, Irvine High School takes on the classic that is "Cinderella", the story of the servant girl whose dreams come true as she finds her way to the Prince's ball and falls in love.

Grace Simmons conquers the formidable role of Ella with grace and finesse. She saunters around the stage, a distant gaze set in her eyes, clutching a pumpkin as she sings the final notes to "In My Own Little Corner" and longingly collapses into the side of her cottage doorway. Simmons' elegance complements the charm Ryan Lee brings to Topher, and together they make a lovable pair. Lee's use of comedic timing makes Topher endearing, while his stern commands to Sebastian (Colin Rinard) show a principled, upstanding side, iconic in a prince.

Cinderella's distinguishable stepmother, Madame (Sarah Heil), dominates the stage with strong physicality, a devious cackle, and consistent facial expressions. When surprised, Heil's raised chin, slightly concaved shoulders, and dramatic squawking speech steal the show.

Constantly beside Madame's antics are Cinderella's stepsisters, Gabrielle (Megan Brown) and Charlotte (Kayleigh Sherman). Brown and Sherman create significant contrast between the two with vastly different character voices. While Brown's speech gentle and timid, Sherman's is blaring and nasally, adding plenty more comedic moments. In "Stepsister's Lament", Sherman intensifies her pouty facial expressions and hits every choreographed move with ease and attitude.

While the acting in the show shines, the technical elements bring it to another level of excellence. Jordan Fox, the set designer, uses pieces such as a house inspired by a real German cottage, and a crew-powered carriage adorned with twinkle lights. The pieces add to the magical, fairytale feel of the musical while staying practical and versatile for the show.

The makeup, designed by Milena Espesor, also shines as it enhances characters such as Charlotte who wears garish lashes and a bold lipstick, while Gabrielle's face is kept simple and natural-looking. Madame's makeup is also on the more dramatic side with high eyeshadow that glistens when she dramatically raises her eyebrows in surprise.

All in all, Irvine's integration of top notch acting and technical elements in their "Cinderella" produces an exceptional show that reminds one of the idea that dreams really can come true.

Katherine Schloss
La Habra
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Irvine's "Cinderella" is a majestic masterpiece
written by Katherine Schloss, a senior at La Habra High School

Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" brings to life the classic fairy tale in which a young, impoverished maiden wins the heart of the prince by way of her charm and dazzling kindness. Irvine High School gives this story a home on their stage, with a whole lot of glamour and heart.

The ensemble is cohesive in all things, whether it's waltzing in synch or chanting with revolutionaries. They put forth an infectious energy and are engaged throughout the show, keeping the well-known story fresh and new.

Grace Simmons is fairy-like as Ella, graceful in her own right and yet bringing a growing strength to her character as she realizes that she can bring about change. Her open posture makes all of her dancing look effortless and regal, and in the song "In My Own Little Corner" she allows her imagination to run wild, creating nuanced characters and showcasing her versatility.

Her counterpart, Prince Topher, is played by the quirkily charming Ryan Lee. Lee's confidence shines through in his open, expressive face and steady voice, solidifying his role as royalty. While he is often seen fawning over Cinderella, there is a passionate and defiant turning point where he yells at his adviser (Colin Rinard) and stands his ground.

Evelyn Pham as Marie-- the fairy godmother in hiding-- and Sarah Heil as Madame-- the evil stepmother-- are extreme opposites. Pham starts out witchy and crazy, skipping around in a hunched position and babbling nonsense. Her transformation highlights her poise and beautiful, effervescent singing voice. Heil, on the other hand, uses her lanky body to her advantage, cackling and creating a domineering presence through expressive movements. Her devious expression and rapier wit make her a likeable villain.

The musical is transported to a whole other level by the exemplary work of the costume and set teams. The costumes are flattering and clever, as many transformation changes occur in mere seconds under fog. The set pieces are enchanting and functional, often doubling for multiple locations with a mere turn. Especially significant is the carriage that was built using garden tubing and which is run manually by the actors. This, along with a German-inspired cottage and a proscenium complete with a clock and lovely gilded vines, transports the actors into another world.

"Cinderella" is gripping and glorious, reminding us that anything is possible when magic can be found within.

Sharon Chen
Fountain Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Endearing, inspiring, Irvine High's "Cinderella" is a dream
written by Sharon Chen, a junior at Fountain Valley High School

As people dwell on the uncertainties of their doubts and remain entrapped within that all-imposing idea of fate, only the dreamers can develop an unwavering courage to risk all for an opportunity to defy those perceived impossibilities. With a plethora of songs, both heart-wrenching and dazzling, as well as fantastically entertaining dance sequences, the cast and crew of Irvine High School produce such a vision in their musical rendition of the acclaimed fairy-tale "Cinderella," the story of a young girl whose mundane and tortuous life significantly transforms after an unlikely meeting with royalty at a ball.

At the center of it all is the wonderfully talented Grace Simmons in the role of Ella, an orphaned maiden subjected to a life of subservience in the hands of a ruthlessly wicked stepmother. A vision to behold, Grace Simmons as Ella dances with undeniable finesse, twirling with her head bent in melancholy as she obediently responds to her stepmother's demeaning demands.

With her flourishing gestures and screeching cackle, Sarah Heil shines in her role as Madame, prancing about the stage with her head held high, an impeccable embodiment of the arrogance all too familiar of Ella's wicked stepmother.

As a further rift in the teetering relationship between Madame and Ella, Ryan Lee plays Prince Topher, the famed icon of all maidens' desires—brave, heroic, and royal. With masterful versatility, Lee offers an insight into Prince Topher's struggle in coming to terms with his true identity, both as a young man and future king. In his incredible solo of the song "Me, Who am I?," Lee sneaks in a few quirky smiles to portray the youth and vitality of Prince Topher, while maintaining a straight and regal posture to retain the look of royalty.

With the contrast of Cinderella's light, powdery blue dress to that of Madame's vibrantly bold red, the costume designs (Colin Rinard, Julia Brophy, and Rylee Terry) provide an especially tangible representation of each characters' distinctive personas, from Madame's flamboyantly domineering personality to Ella's meekness and timidity.

A performance so rich in awe and splendor, Irvine High School's rendition of "Cinderella" delivers an empowering story of an individual's ability to dream without limits. Wondrous and enchanting, the cast and crew of Irvine High School's unique display of a timeless classic present a magically enthralling night that is sure to last.