State Fair
at Beckman

Reviewed on March 2, 2018

Julia Pacific
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Step Right Up To See Beckman's ‘State Fair'!
written by Julia Pacific, a senior at Tesoro High School

Lights emerge on a bright morning with a family wearing joyous expressions as they sing and pack up their truck for the annual Iowa State Fair. Beckman High School's production of State Fair brings grit and passion to a story about a family who face love, heartbreak, and scandal in the midst of contests and carnival games.

Margy Frake, portrayed by Bella Kelso, lights up the stage as the headstrong daughter of the family. Kelso's strong vocals and sharp, yet sassy teenage tone of voice exude confidence and establish that Margy is firm in her convictions. Yet, when the charming reporter, Pat Gilbert, portrayed by Ryan Puterbaugh, starts to pursue her, she shows her vulnerability and growing desperation with a bubbly smile and wide eyes as she falls deeper in love with him. Pauterbaugh shows off the arrogance of Pat as he saunters around the stage and gives carefree eye rolls, but he reciprocates Margy's infatuation with deep longing looks and a gentle step whenever he is dancing with her.

Melissa (Julia Arguelles) and Abel (Raymond Vasco) create an endearing tone of the Frake family as the Mom and Dad. Arguelles shows the stress in Melissa as she frantically gathers ingredients for her prize winning pickles and meats, while Vasco contrasts with a jolly manner and hearty laugh as he comforts her in anticipation of the state-wide tasting contest. Their playful banter combined with their protective grasps over their children in the highest points of conflict constitute a strong, unwavering family dynamic throughout the course of the show.

Hair and makeup by Maya Puterbaugh, Sara Faye, Sophia Sambito, and Julia Arguelles highlight the whimisical elements of the carnival in their designs. The extravagant showgirls with big updo's, heavy blush, and bright lipstick starkly contrast the neutral toned makeup and soft, subtle hair of the entire Frake family and the rest of the Iowa citizens at the carnival.

Stage manager Adrian Salcedo Gonzalez brings the show to life with seamless transitions between scenes and excellent timing of every cue. His consistency of execution keeps the audience enthralled with the action throughout the course of the show.

Beckman's production of State Fair showcases evolving performances and colorful, complex technical elements to convey that while love may not be a fairytale, it's a sacrifice worth taking.

Myah Phillips
Fullerton Union
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Dollars to donuts, Beckman High School's "State Fair" is not one to miss
written by Myah Phillips, a senior at Fullerton Union High School

Following the Frake family as they attend the state fair, Beckman's production of "State Fair" is full of exuberant and life-like performances.

Bella Kelso as Margy Frake and Wilson Lu as her older brother Wayne perfectly exemplify a loving familial relationship. Their combined expressiveness and command of the stage bring a sprightly vibe to the production. The two both walk with a fresh-faced whimsy that showcases their small-town innocence.

Kelso effortlessly highlights Margy's wistful nature as she flounces across the stage with a pure lust for life that is adorably contrasted by Ryan Puterbaugh as Pat Gilbert, her love interest. Ryan swaggers across the stage, hands in pockets, conveying Pat's charismatic arrogance. This juxtaposition of character allows their chemistry to ooze off the stage.

In the song "Isn't It Kinda Fun," the two radiate young love as they bounce around the stage and look desirably into each other's eyes. In "The Man I Used to Be," Puterbaugh encapsulates how lovestruck Pat is, arms open wide, he allows his demeanor to shift towards one of eager hope. And in Kelso's rendition of "That's The Way It Happens," Margy's pure love for Pat leaks through as she lovingly discusses him.

Meeting the sultry Emily Arden, played by Maya Puterbaugh, Wayne learns what it means to have loved and lost. With rosy cheeks, wild hair, and an ever-elegant attire, Maya portrays a level of sophistication that is unmatched by the fair attendees. Maya walks with a beautiful poise that is well-met by Lu's bashful and naive Wayne.

The two are effervescent and charming in the song "So Far" as their attraction to each other becomes unparalleled. Waltzing across the stage and smiling in a way the comes from the heart and reaches the eyes, Maya and Lu paint an idyllic picture of intimacy. It is blatant that the two love and appreciate each other.

The entire ensemble does a brilliant job of bringing the story to life. Always energetically jovial, each ensemble character brings a new personality to their character that resonates and thrills. In the song "All I Owe Ioway," the entire cast is immersed and astounds as they commanded the stage in their own spectacular way.

Bringing to life an incredible story of life and love, Beckman's "State Fair" defines high school theater.

Hazar Eldick
Northwood
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Don't be Late to Beckman's "State Fair"
written by Hazar Eldick, a senior at Northwood High School

Sun beating and birds chirping, it's an exciting time in 1946 Iowa. Along with many other Iowan families, the Frake family is leaving the farm with a destination to the state fair. With eyes on the prize, parents Melissa and Abel Frake have hopes of winning a few blue ribbons, but their children, Margy and Wayne, have a different love agenda that unravels in Beckman High School's production of "State Fair."

The accomplished singer, Emily Arden, portrayed by Maya Puterbaugh, never leaves a dull moment on stage. At times she's sultry but depending on the situation she's a serious and composed woman.

Always behind Emily are her Fairtone's, Faith Ogawa, Sophia Hebert, Nicole Hebert and Sarah Teng. They're sassy, flirty, and ambitious. Throughout each poignantly executed dance number, their choreography keeps a high energy and an engaging focus. The group's dynamic brings new, vibrant energy to the fun fair's atmosphere.

Wayne Frake, portrayed by Wilson Lu, has extraordinary stage presence and establishes strong character relationships. Lu presents his broad range of character development as his interaction with Violet, played by Christina Kellogg, accommodates her young age whereas his moments with Emily attract her straight forward, pointed personality.

Just like any other state fair, you'll find an abundance of talented dancers, fun booths, and more! The ensemble really brings a fair's character alive with each ensemble member's distinct qualities that added to the overall scene. The musical number "Our State Fair" is nothing less than electric with strong harmonies staying consistent throughout.

Makeup and Hair, executed by Julia Arguelles, Sara Faye, Maya Puterbaugh, Sophia Sambito, helped create the fun atmosphere seen on stage. The youthful Violet is dressed in pigtails and heavy blush in contrast Emily Arden's long curled hair to show her older age.

Pulled all together was the work of stage management, managed under Adrian Salcedo Gonzalez, who called and executed clean, smooth cues. Each scene change went unnoticed which guided the fast paced flow of the show.

Beckman High School's musical production of "State Fair" awes with excitement through beautiful dance numbers and vibrant energy.