The Passage
at El Dorado

Reviewed on November 4, 2017

Sophie Lindborg
Dana Hills (SOCSA)
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

El Dorado's "The Passage" is a whale of excitement
written by Sophie Lindborg, a senior at Dana Hills (SOCSA)

With solid narrative and intricately woven storytelling, El Dorado High School's "The Passage" illustrates the profound truths of human nature. Blinded by obsession and the power of thought, this gripping adaptation of Moby Dick, unfolds adventure within the philosophy of life. It all begins with the lost soul Ishmael, and how his consciousness ultimately leads him to discover his passage.

Sedona Gregg zealously embodies Ishmael, with captivating glances up to the heavens and a steady crave for expedition. Although branded an outcast, her unbroken sensibility and willingness to push on through valiant strides and pauses of reflection secures her as the last man standing. Contradicting Ishmael with strident growls and intimidation, Michael Nickel is powerful as Ahab. He is in aggressive command imprisoning the sailors with his white whale craze, while holding a bitter glare with clenched fists and a staggered limp.

Justin DeTevis admirably portrays Starbuck with tender spirit, and devastation draped across his face at the sight of his wife, Amanda forsaking him. His chemistry with Julia Chau (Amanda) is genuine, as they helplessly gaze into each other's eyes gliding across the stage in a waltz.

Garrett Larson excellently exhibits two distinct characters. He is bold and rambunctious as Crane, while clumsily tripping over his feet chanting "Drunken Sailor", then smoothly transitions to articulate and precise speech as the devoted Preacher. Talmage Harris is passionate as Elijah, with broad and burly physicality while blaring out "Bible?!" to anyone around him.

Stage Manager, Blake Berggren, and the rest of the team are remarkable calling the cues of lighting, set pieces, sound, mics, and projection. Their set transitions appear so fluid and effortless, as they newly unveil every scene in a matter of seconds.

Choreography by Sam Pietenpol captures an entrancing visual effect with a variety of styles and moods paralleled with the dialogue and action onstage. From an angelic feel of ballet technique with fan kicks, soaring arms, and arabesques, to an eerie and haunting vibe mimicking the stiffness of skeletons, the soul of each scene does not cease to be seized.

El Dorado High School's "The Passage" brings enlightenment to the human obsession that rather than chasing the whale, the answer is embedded within individual consciousness.

Grace Danon
Mater Dei
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

El Dorado's ‘The Passage' is an epic "tail"
written by Grace Danon, a senior at Mater Dei High School

The quaint island of Nantucket harbors a boatload of misery. As the capital of whaling in the 1800s, it is crowded with widows and orphans. Their husbands and fathers are the countless sailors who set off to reap the riches of the sea.

A loose and deeply poetic interpretation of Herman Melville's Moby Dick, "The Passage" details the narrative of Ishmael, the lone survivor of a doomed whale hunt. With creative additions and unifying technical motifs, El Dorado High School enhances the play's artistic elements, bringing the people of Nantucket and the infamous white whale to life.

The commander of the deadly quest, Captain Ahab, is portrayed by Michael Nickel. His grasping hands and unwavering glares into the distance convey a singular intensity. With subtle growls and a chilling maniacal laugh, he captures Ahab's obsessive thirst for vengeance.

Justin DeTevis gives first mate Starbuck an endearing earnestness. His unassuming posture and calm expressions create a realistic tenderness. Torn between saving the crew and remaining loyal to his captain, DeTevis' moments of hesitance strongly contrast Ahab's resolution.

The diverse ensemble execute complicated movement efficiently and stay focused throughout. Whether a sailor or a Nantucket mother, their pantomiming and individual reactions reveal unique characters; however, they remain engaged in their surroundings to solidify the sense of community on the island.

Sam Pietenpol's choreography beautifully complements the plot and elevates emotions. Representing souls of the island's departed, dancers' soft outstretched movements emphasize the bereavement. As the raging sea itself, their quick, sharp spins intensify the chaos of the fatal storm.

The sturdy, versatile set is the work of Cory Wright, Brittany Cotter, Jenna Young, and Kelli Nilsen. Two tall, immobile "docks" frame a slanted platform on wheels, which is rapidly spun to show the whale hunt's tumult. A compass motif is embedded throughout for unity, and nets and ropes create a nautical feel.

Nets are also incorporated as patches on costumes designed by Krista Eliot, Aimee Asch, and Emily Hunt. The consistent color scheme unites the ensemble and matches the ocean's blues and browns. Period appropriate details like belts and vests draw attention to key characters.

With clever designs and a devoted cast, El Dorado's "The Passage" exposes the rough waters of revenge and the sorrow of communal tragedy.

Allison Park
Fullerton Union
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

El Dorado's The Passage seizes hearts
written by Allison Park, a senior at Fullerton Union High School

When a group of whalers set off on a long expedition at sea, conflict and struggles arise out of the dark waters.

Breathtaking and powerful, El Dorado High School's rendition of "The Passage" creates a poetic fantasia phenomenon. This redeveloped production of the 1851 novel Moby Dick is a culmination of comedy, historical myths, biblical allusions and oddly fitting music, that all tie together to speak a deeper message about sacrifice, determination and love.

Sedona Gregg is convincing and extraordinary as Ishmael, beginning and ending the production with a narrative monologue, and ultimately telling this powerful story through not only her words, but hunched shoulders and a solemn persona.

Providing comic relief, Maria Neis and Kat McGuire as the skeletons blend into the background in their black clothing, serving as a voice to these undead figures. Contrasting the lifeless skeletons, Neis and McGuire convey humor with melodramatic voices, manipulating the skeletons' jaws and arms with inconspicuous hands.

Michael Nickel steals the stage as Ahab, the audacious captain who steers the whalers on a bumpy passage of blind terror and renewing truth. With a plank tied to his calf, Nickel limps with pained determination, his furrowed eyebrows and booming voice conveying an authoritative stance. He is the ultimate sacrifice and unforeseen hero to the whalers, the providential anchor in the lightning storms.

Dancers Bonnie QuaasBerryman, Jordyn Murphy, Jessica Tauriello and Andrea Huerta transform into the dark sea waters, creating dynamic movement through leaps, attitude turns, and elegantly extended arms. QuaasBerryman's fast-paced a la seconde turns mirror the storm, as she jumps out of them with rugged purpose amidst the chaotic movements of the whalers.

The female ensemble of whalers' wives are solemnly reserved, resembling this ancient time period's subordination of women as mere housewives mourning their husbands' long travels in sea. As they sit facing the audience, refusing to look behind at their husbands on the slanting boat, each voice blends into the mass of distraught faces, making it difficult to tell who is speaking, and ultimately emphasizing how the wives have no unique identity. They are brandished as sole sufferers on the other stake of the whaling madness.

El Dorado High School's "The Passage" presents a remarkably inspiring rendition of Moby Dick, revealing how true devotion seems to present itself in most fortuitous yet bloodily gruesome ways.