R&H's Cinderella
at Fullerton Union

Reviewed on March 23, 2018

Rachel Golkin
Mission Viejo
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Transformations take place at Fullerton's 'Cinderella'
written by Rachel Golkin, a junior at Mission Viejo High School

Taking their audience through the pages of a whimsical storybook, Fullerton Union High School's magical production of the timeless tale "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" explores the limitless ability of kindness to inspire transformations in a person, inside and out.

Following the story of the kind-hearted "rags-to-riches" princess Cinderella, the show adds a bit to the classic plot: revolutionaries, an impoverished lower class, and corruption within the royal palace, creating a need for kindness to prevail.

Abigail Lange encapsulates Cinderella's kind-hearted nature with her graceful physicality, dreamlike voice, and the radiant optimism in her eyes as she sings "It's Possible" with hopeful giddiness. Yale Yang is a charming Prince Topher; beaming, he sets the stage aglow as the action happens all around him in "A Prince Is Giving A Ball".

Devin Ricklef subtly weaves reality into fantasy as the revolutionary Jean-Michel. He looks remarkably natural as he paces around, the forcefulness and occasional tremor in his voice revealing his passion as he convinces the townspeople to revolt. Ricklef only lets his guard down around the dynamic step-sister Gabrielle (Ruby Hernandez). As a duo, they abandon their outwardly frostiness for a giddy warmth reserved only for each other.

Sydney Castiglione portrays the less-favored step-sister Charlotte with outrageous abrasiveness, plopping down on the floor in utter exasperation with an aggravated pout after she has been abandoned at the ball by her mother, sister, and the Prince. She sings "Stepsister's Lament" with fortitude, inviting the rest of the female ensemble to support her in her complaints of Topher's lack of interest toward her.

Mikayla Haugen portrays the fairy godmother Marie with dainty gestures and perfectly poised posture. Her rich voice floats in the air in "There's Music In You", her tone conveying a sweet, motherly love for Cinderella.

Capturing all the beloved fairytale whimsy of the show, Calvin Tate's lighting design transports the audience into a fantasy world. Each time Marie glides onto the stage, shimmering white stars appear against the back curtain while vibrant splashes of blue, pink, and purple light up the stage.

Fullerton Union High School's enchanting production of "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" overwhelms the audience with a magical sense of otherworldliness, where a little belief in the impossible can transform rags to ballgowns, pumpkins to carriages, and peasants into royalty, if they have the kindness and courage in their heart to make a difference.

Rachel Golkin
Mission Viejo
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Transformations take place at Fullerton's 'Cinderella'
written by Rachel Golkin, a junior at Mission Viejo High School

Taking their audience through the pages of a whimsical storybook, Fullerton Union High School's magical production of the timeless tale "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" explores the limitless ability of kindness to inspire transformations in a person, inside and out.

Following the story of the kind-hearted "rags-to-riches" princess Cinderella, the show adds a bit to the classic plot: revolutionaries, an impoverished lower class, and corruption within the royal palace, creating a need for kindness to prevail.

Abigail Lange encapsulates Cinderella's kind-hearted nature with her graceful physicality, dreamlike voice, and the radiant optimism in her eyes as she sings "It's Possible" with hopeful giddiness. Yale Yang is a charming Prince Topher; beaming, he sets the stage aglow as the action happens all around him in "A Prince Is Giving A Ball".

Devin Ricklef subtly weaves reality into fantasy as the revolutionary Jean-Michel. He looks remarkably natural as he paces around, the forcefulness and occasional tremor in his voice revealing his passion as he convinces the townspeople to revolt. Ricklef only lets his guard down around the dynamic step-sister Gabrielle (Ruby Hernandez). As a duo, they abandon their outwardly frostiness for a giddy warmth reserved only for each other.

Sydney Castiglione portrays the less-favored step-sister Charlotte with outrageous abrasiveness, plopping down on the floor in utter exasperation with an aggravated pout after she has been abandoned at the ball by her mother, sister, and the Prince. She sings "Stepsister's Lament" with fortitude, inviting the rest of the female ensemble to support her in her complaints of Topher's lack of interest toward her.

Mikayla Haugen portrays the fairy godmother Marie with dainty gestures and perfectly poised posture. Her rich voice floats in the air in "There's Music In You", her tone conveying a sweet, motherly love for Cinderella.

Capturing all the beloved fairytale whimsy of the show, Calvin Tate's lighting design transports the audience into a fantasy world. Each time Marie glides onto the stage, shimmering white stars appear against the back curtain while vibrant splashes of blue, pink, and purple light up the stage.

Fullerton Union High School's enchanting production of "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" overwhelms the audience with a magical sense of otherworldliness, where a little belief in the impossible can transform rags to ballgowns, pumpkins to carriages, and peasants into royalty, if they have the kindness and courage in their heart to make a difference.

Sophie Lindborg
Dana Hills (SOCSA)
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Fullerton's "R&H's Cinderella" breaks the glass ceiling with glass slippers
written by Sophie Lindbord, a senior at Dana Hills (SOCSA) High School

From glittering glass slippers, to dancing animals, and swirling ball gowns at midnight, the story of a classic fairytale may come to mind, yet it is Fullerton Union High School's "R&H's Cinderella" that breathes new life through the empowerment of its heroine, Ella. Through grace and kindness, Ella shines a light on the darkness of her oppressed village, while transforming Prince Topher into the compassionate leader who ultimately brings justice and democracy to all.

Gleaming bravery and beauty, Abigail Lange is breathtaking as the gracious dreamer, Ella. She illuminates the ball gliding effortlessly in a sparkling white gown, while her angelic vocals and charismatic glow capture the eyes of Prince Topher (Yale Yang). With dashing stature and a rich, alluring voice, Yang majestically embodies Prince Topher charming Ella to a romantic waltz, while letting the rest of the kingdom fade into the shadows of a ticking clock.

As a gritty revolutionary striving for change, Devin Ricklef exhibits the extraordinary courage and passion of Jean-Michel. His clenched fists and magnified chest heighten the call to action he longs for in the animated number "A Prince Is Giving a Ball/Now Is the Time." His resistance, however, wanes at the sight of his love interest, Gabrielle, (Ruby Hernandez) whose optimistic demeanor and radiant smile drown him in giddiness.

Eliana Bane astoundingly portrays the malicious and manipulating Madame with beady eyes and an aura of superiority, as she shrieks "Cinderella!" Her pompous disposition brilliantly pairs with the uproarious and side-splitting antics of Sydney Castiglione (Charlotte). From scrunching her nose, to clumsily fainting, and chucking her shoe across the stage, Castiglione sensationally embraces the role of Charlotte.

Stage Managers, Samantha Brackman and Noah Martinez accomplish praiseworthy behind-the-scenes tasks. Each set change is in flawless alignment with every light cue, sound cue, and line.

Hair and Makeup designed by Elizabeth Gimple and Abigail Lange, exquisitely achieves the precise fantasy and humor of the show. Natural makeup and dreamlike curls for Ella reflect the purity of her character, while Charlotte's towering, teased hair and overkill of hot pink blush flaunts her wackiness.

Implementing a new approach to an old-fashioned fairytale, Fullerton Union's rendition of "R&H's Cinderella" unveils that through choices made and voices projected, one can take authority over their own glass slipper to break through any ceiling that dares to control destiny.

Sophie Lindborg
Dana Hills (SOCSA)
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Fullerton's "R&H's Cinderella" breaks the glass ceiling with glass slippers
written by Sophie Lindbord, a senior at Dana Hills (SOCSA) High School

From glittering glass slippers, to dancing animals, and swirling ball gowns at midnight, the story of a classic fairytale may come to mind, yet it is Fullerton Union High School's "R&H's Cinderella" that breathes new life through the empowerment of its heroine, Ella. Through grace and kindness, Ella shines a light on the darkness of her oppressed village, while transforming Prince Topher into the compassionate leader who ultimately brings justice and democracy to all.

Gleaming bravery and beauty, Abigail Lange is breathtaking as the gracious dreamer, Ella. She illuminates the ball gliding effortlessly in a sparkling white gown, while her angelic vocals and charismatic glow capture the eyes of Prince Topher (Yale Yang). With dashing stature and a rich, alluring voice, Yang majestically embodies Prince Topher charming Ella to a romantic waltz, while letting the rest of the kingdom fade into the shadows of a ticking clock.

As a gritty revolutionary striving for change, Devin Ricklef exhibits the extraordinary courage and passion of Jean-Michel. His clenched fists and magnified chest heighten the call to action he longs for in the animated number "A Prince Is Giving a Ball/Now Is the Time." His resistance, however, wanes at the sight of his love interest, Gabrielle, (Ruby Hernandez) whose optimistic demeanor and radiant smile drown him in giddiness.

Eliana Bane astoundingly portrays the malicious and manipulating Madame with beady eyes and an aura of superiority, as she shrieks "Cinderella!" Her pompous disposition brilliantly pairs with the uproarious and side-splitting antics of Sydney Castiglione (Charlotte). From scrunching her nose, to clumsily fainting, and chucking her shoe across the stage, Castiglione sensationally embraces the role of Charlotte.

Stage Managers, Samantha Brackman and Noah Martinez accomplish praiseworthy behind-the-scenes tasks. Each set change is in flawless alignment with every light cue, sound cue, and line.

Hair and Makeup designed by Elizabeth Gimple and Abigail Lange, exquisitely achieves the precise fantasy and humor of the show. Natural makeup and dreamlike curls for Ella reflect the purity of her character, while Charlotte's towering, teased hair and overkill of hot pink blush flaunts her wackiness.

Implementing a new approach to an old-fashioned fairytale, Fullerton Union's rendition of "R&H's Cinderella" unveils that through choices made and voices projected, one can take authority over their own glass slipper to break through any ceiling that dares to control destiny.

Carlie McCleary
San Clemente
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Fullerton Union's Cinderella is an absolute ball
written by Carlie McCleary, a junior at San Clemente High School

Fullerton Union enchants in its production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella," illuminating the power of kindness and compassion in an overwhelming whirlwind of hate.

Putting a new twist on a classic fairy tale, Ella approaches the prince with a request: "open your eyes to what's happening in your kingdom." Attempting to rescue the needy from the government's continental conquests, Ella transforms the ideals of her country's from hate and bitterness to those of fairness and love.

Abigail Lange is mesmerizing as Cinderella; her elegant, gentle touches and kind, smiling eyes radiate the inherent goodness of the peasant turned princess. Her posture poised with her shoulders placed elegantly backward, Lange carries herself with an innate confidence while she joyfully waltzes with her prince in "Ten Minutes Ago." Lange's gentle soprano in "My Own Little Corner" blends playful laughs with soft vibrato, showcasing Ella's joie de vivre as she imagines a life of adventure, far from home.

Yale Yang shines as Topher, the lovestruck prince whose immaculate baritone emanates his desperate urgency to find his runaway love in "Loneliness of Evening." Yang's transforms his "puppy-dog" naïveté to unwavering strength, battling his stubborn and ill-intentioned advisor Sebastian (Adam Ritter) with a resolute, resounding vocal tone in an intense contest of wills.

As Jean-Michel, the rambunctious revolutionary, Devin Ricklef bounds across the stage with boisterous fervor, exclaiming that, "Now is the Time" with a loud, untameable passion in his raw, rough-around-the-edge tenor. When meeting with his forbidden love, Gabrielle, Ricklef is much less sure, fidgeting with his hands and blinking frequently in an effort to calm his growing nerves.

Wobbling with a consistent limp and screeching inflection, Mikayla Haugen is laughably loony as Marie, the village madwoman with a mischievous secret. Transforming her hunched posture to a definitively elegant stance, Haugen's glorious soprano soars in "There is Music in You," perpetuating her newfound enchanting persona as Ella's fairy godmother.

With acting complemented by an innovative design team, the Lighting Design by Calvin Tate utilises a single spotlight in a sea of darkness to easily transition from indoors scenes to the night sky. Cascading miniscule star-shaped lights across the proscenium, Tate skillfully transitions from dawn to dusk, adding authenticity to Ella's midnight escapades.

Both heartfelt and technically immaculate, Fullerton Union's Cinderella bewitches thanks to the dedication of both the joyous cast and adept technicians.

Carlie McCleary
San Clemente
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Fullerton Union's Cinderella is an absolute ball
written by Carlie McCleary, a junior at San Clemente High School

Fullerton Union enchants in its production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella," illuminating the power of kindness and compassion in an overwhelming whirlwind of hate.

Putting a new twist on a classic fairy tale, Ella approaches the prince with a request: "open your eyes to what's happening in your kingdom." Attempting to rescue the needy from the government's continental conquests, Ella transforms the ideals of her country's from hate and bitterness to those of fairness and love.

Abigail Lange is mesmerizing as Cinderella; her elegant, gentle touches and kind, smiling eyes radiate the inherent goodness of the peasant turned princess. Her posture poised with her shoulders placed elegantly backward, Lange carries herself with an innate confidence while she joyfully waltzes with her prince in "Ten Minutes Ago." Lange's gentle soprano in "My Own Little Corner" blends playful laughs with soft vibrato, showcasing Ella's joie de vivre as she imagines a life of adventure, far from home.

Yale Yang shines as Topher, the lovestruck prince whose immaculate baritone emanates his desperate urgency to find his runaway love in "Loneliness of Evening." Yang's transforms his "puppy-dog" naïveté to unwavering strength, battling his stubborn and ill-intentioned advisor Sebastian (Adam Ritter) with a resolute, resounding vocal tone in an intense contest of wills.

As Jean-Michel, the rambunctious revolutionary, Devin Ricklef bounds across the stage with boisterous fervor, exclaiming that, "Now is the Time" with a loud, untameable passion in his raw, rough-around-the-edge tenor. When meeting with his forbidden love, Gabrielle, Ricklef is much less sure, fidgeting with his hands and blinking frequently in an effort to calm his growing nerves.

Wobbling with a consistent limp and screeching inflection, Mikayla Haugen is laughably loony as Marie, the village madwoman with a mischievous secret. Transforming her hunched posture to a definitively elegant stance, Haugen's glorious soprano soars in "There is Music in You," perpetuating her newfound enchanting persona as Ella's fairy godmother.

With acting complemented by an innovative design team, the Lighting Design by Calvin Tate utilises a single spotlight in a sea of darkness to easily transition from indoors scenes to the night sky. Cascading miniscule star-shaped lights across the proscenium, Tate skillfully transitions from dawn to dusk, adding authenticity to Ella's midnight escapades.

Both heartfelt and technically immaculate, Fullerton Union's Cinderella bewitches thanks to the dedication of both the joyous cast and adept technicians.