Cats
at Dana Hills (SOCSA)

Reviewed on March 16, 2018

Elizabeth Scannell
Santa Margarita Catholic
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

The Jellicle Cats Resurrect at Dana Hills High

It all begins on the night of the Jellicle Ball. Cats, the magnificent musical performed by Dana Hills High School, introduces the personalities of multiple cats and their actions on the night of the Jellicle Ball. All the cats are unique maintaining different stories, features, and qualities.

The curious, mysterious, yet seductive cat, Rum Tum Tugger, played by Dylan Avillanoza, executed his performance with consistent cat-like characteristics along with fluidity and grace while he danced. He paces and prances across the floor with his chin up high and full of confidence. His elegant cat legs danced expressively with meaning while the felines pawed and purred about him. Avillanoza sang swiftly and deeply revealing his bold and charming character. As he entered center stage, the stage burst with red lights affirming Avillanoza's irresistible and fearless character. Throughout the show, he "cat-napped" and lay on higher levels of the set to prove his authority. The felines could not take their paws off him!

Lauren Stevens as Mungojerry and Sarah Glick as Rumpleteazer were an acrobatic duo who brought life and excitement to the stage. In their duet, they executed multiple acrobats as well as singing and dancing. Their choreography and flexibility were totally feline and eluded realism to the stage. During their performance and in the background, their inseparable bond was shown through their actions of cuddling and pawing at each other. Glick and Stevens characters were always seen together expressing love and appreciation but also served as a role model for the other cats on how they should feel and connect with one another.

Emmy Fry on makeup and Lauren Stevens on costume crew did an excellent job at designing and creating each cat to look unique and realistic. The body suited, hand knitted costumes were outstanding and chosen perfectly for each cat. Rum Tum Tugger, for example, wore a black body suit, accompanied by a silver spiked belt that revealed his cat's slithery and sexy vibes while his makeup consisted of face painted lines, scruff, and whiskers. The placement and authenticity of the makeup was accurate and perfect.

Dana Hills accomplished a masterpiece within all elements of the show. The slinky and clever cat-like choreography along with the superlative makeup and costumes aided to the reality of their feline nature. The junkyard cats learned to appreciate one-another and grow in harmony.

Elizabeth Scannell
Santa Margarita Catholic
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

The Jellicle Cats Resurrect at Dana Hills High

It all begins on the night of the Jellicle Ball. Cats, the magnificent musical performed by Dana Hills High School, introduces the personalities of multiple cats and their actions on the night of the Jellicle Ball. All the cats are unique maintaining different stories, features, and qualities.

The curious, mysterious, yet seductive cat, Rum Tum Tugger, played by Dylan Avillanoza, executed his performance with consistent cat-like characteristics along with fluidity and grace while he danced. He paces and prances across the floor with his chin up high and full of confidence. His elegant cat legs danced expressively with meaning while the felines pawed and purred about him. Avillanoza sang swiftly and deeply revealing his bold and charming character. As he entered center stage, the stage burst with red lights affirming Avillanoza's irresistible and fearless character. Throughout the show, he "cat-napped" and lay on higher levels of the set to prove his authority. The felines could not take their paws off him!

Lauren Stevens as Mungojerry and Sarah Glick as Rumpleteazer were an acrobatic duo who brought life and excitement to the stage. In their duet, they executed multiple acrobats as well as singing and dancing. Their choreography and flexibility were totally feline and eluded realism to the stage. During their performance and in the background, their inseparable bond was shown through their actions of cuddling and pawing at each other. Glick and Stevens characters were always seen together expressing love and appreciation but also served as a role model for the other cats on how they should feel and connect with one another.

Emmy Fry on makeup and Lauren Stevens on costume crew did an excellent job at designing and creating each cat to look unique and realistic. The body suited, hand knitted costumes were outstanding and chosen perfectly for each cat. Rum Tum Tugger, for example, wore a black body suit, accompanied by a silver spiked belt that revealed his cat's slithery and sexy vibes while his makeup consisted of face painted lines, scruff, and whiskers. The placement and authenticity of the makeup was accurate and perfect.

Dana Hills accomplished a masterpiece within all elements of the show. The slinky and clever cat-like choreography along with the superlative makeup and costumes aided to the reality of their feline nature. The junkyard cats learned to appreciate one-another and grow in harmony.

Adrianna Ciscone
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

SOCSA's Cats is purrfect

With a diverse set, distinct characters and dazzling singing, SOCSA Dana Hills High School produces the unique story that is Cats, the tale of a quirky group of felines who want to know which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life.

Clayton Walker masters the role of Munkustrap with vitality and poise. He saunters around the stage, narrating each song, and elegantly dances with each cat. He owns his solos, commanding his space, slowly and delicately finessing each move. Walker's grace contrasts the helplessness that Kaitlin Wright brings to Grizabella. She tentatively descends upon the stage, singing the iconic song "Memory,"appearing tattered and distraught.

The twins, Mungojerry (Lauren Stevens) and Rumpleteazer (Sarah Glick), compliment each other with their similar body language and high pitched laughs. Leaping across the stage, twirling and shuffling, they are both in sync and majestic. When they're not in the spotlight, they keep their characters consistent, brushing up against each other and softly meowing, enhancing their sisterly relationship.

While the acting in the production holds its own, the technical elements propel it to another level of sophistication. Mazen Ghosn and Kenny Maddox, the set designers, incorporate items found in a junkyard for the actors to move through, making the entrances and exits a cohesive element of the complex set, and keeps the design versatile. The embellishment of a bright moon amplifies the "Jellical" feel of the musical.

The makeup, designed by Emma Fry, paired with costumes by Lauren Stevens, is vastly impressive. Each cat has its own unique traits and the makeup brings their personalities to life. The makeup complements the costumes with the colors corresponding to the bodysuits, which are likes works of art. Each cat has its own distinctive features whether it be long whiskers, fluffy ears or a sparkly cape.

SOCSA's combination of superior acting and technical elements in its performance of Cats produces an extraordinary show that provides a timely reminder to celebrate everyone's individuality.

Adrianna Ciscone
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

SOCSA's Cats is purrfect

With a diverse set, distinct characters and dazzling singing, SOCSA Dana Hills High School produces the unique story that is Cats, the tale of a quirky group of felines who want to know which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life.

Clayton Walker masters the role of Munkustrap with vitality and poise. He saunters around the stage, narrating each song, and elegantly dances with each cat. He owns his solos, commanding his space, slowly and delicately finessing each move. Walker's grace contrasts the helplessness that Kaitlin Wright brings to Grizabella. She tentatively descends upon the stage, singing the iconic song "Memory,"appearing tattered and distraught.

The twins, Mungojerry (Lauren Stevens) and Rumpleteazer (Sarah Glick), compliment each other with their similar body language and high pitched laughs. Leaping across the stage, twirling and shuffling, they are both in sync and majestic. When they're not in the spotlight, they keep their characters consistent, brushing up against each other and softly meowing, enhancing their sisterly relationship.

While the acting in the production holds its own, the technical elements propel it to another level of sophistication. Mazen Ghosn and Kenny Maddox, the set designers, incorporate items found in a junkyard for the actors to move through, making the entrances and exits a cohesive element of the complex set, and keeps the design versatile. The embellishment of a bright moon amplifies the "Jellical" feel of the musical.

The makeup, designed by Emma Fry, paired with costumes by Lauren Stevens, is vastly impressive. Each cat has its own unique traits and the makeup brings their personalities to life. The makeup complements the costumes with the colors corresponding to the bodysuits, which are likes works of art. Each cat has its own distinctive features whether it be long whiskers, fluffy ears or a sparkly cape.

SOCSA's combination of superior acting and technical elements in its performance of Cats produces an extraordinary show that provides a timely reminder to celebrate everyone's individuality.

Alyssa Cook
Capistrano Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Cats at Dana Hills is absolutely meow-velous
written by Alyssa Cook, a senior at Capistrano Valley High School

It is a dark and stormy night; it is the night of the jellicle moon and all of the jellicle cats are out to play. Slinking, crawling, hissing, and purring, the company of Dana Hills' (SOCSA's) Cats is fully committed to their feline counterparts. Each shake of a tail, each lick of paw, and each stretch of a limb is deliberate and purposeful, and each new movement helps to create character.

One memorable cat is Rum Tum Tugger, played by Dylan Avillanoza. Rebellious, unsatisfied, and curious, Avillanoza portrays Rum Tum Tugger with over-the-top energy, a pompous attitude, a head held high, and hips that even have Elvis Presley rolling in his grave.

Rum Tum Tugger is adored by all of the cats around him, but Grizabella, portrayed by Kaitlin Wright, is loathed and neglected by everyone. Wright's head is hung low, her arms remain close to her body as if for protection, and her movements are small and timid. Her physicality demonstrates Grizabella's lack of confidence, and as she belts out "Memory," Wright makes the trauma and ridicule her character has endured very clear.

Some cats are simply born to stand out, and Mr. Mistoffelees, played by Josh Wallin, is one of those cats. Mistofelees is the magician of the group, amusing the other cats with his tricks. Wallin's portrays his character's creative spirit with wide eyes, a giant smile, and incredible dancing talent that seems almost magical.

Toren Kuzminsky plays Gus, an old theatre cat who reflects back on his days in the spotlight. Kuzminsky's constantly shaking hand illustrates Gus's palsy. His raspy, deeper voice and slow, careful movements also help to demonstrate his character's age.

Gus is escorted by the youthful and caring Jellylorum, played by Taylor Evans. The perfect combination of sassy and sweet, Evans' fluid movements and consistent taming of her mane show her character's playfulness as well as her poise.

Cats simply would not be Cats without its remarkable choreography, and in Dana Hills' production, the choreography was student-done by Taylor Evans and Sarah Glick. These two choreographed everything from jazzy tap numbers to ballet solos to tumbling, and their fellow students' execution of the choreography was quite amazing.

Endless energy, exceptional choreography, and a cohesive, larger-than-life ensemble makes Dana Hills' Cats a show that will be ingrained in our memories.

Alyssa Cook
Capistrano Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Cats at Dana Hills is absolutely meow-velous
written by Alyssa Cook, a senior at Capistrano Valley High School

It is a dark and stormy night; it is the night of the jellicle moon and all of the jellicle cats are out to play. Slinking, crawling, hissing, and purring, the company of Dana Hills' (SOCSA's) Cats is fully committed to their feline counterparts. Each shake of a tail, each lick of paw, and each stretch of a limb is deliberate and purposeful, and each new movement helps to create character.

One memorable cat is Rum Tum Tugger, played by Dylan Avillanoza. Rebellious, unsatisfied, and curious, Avillanoza portrays Rum Tum Tugger with over-the-top energy, a pompous attitude, a head held high, and hips that even have Elvis Presley rolling in his grave.

Rum Tum Tugger is adored by all of the cats around him, but Grizabella, portrayed by Kaitlin Wright, is loathed and neglected by everyone. Wright's head is hung low, her arms remain close to her body as if for protection, and her movements are small and timid. Her physicality demonstrates Grizabella's lack of confidence, and as she belts out "Memory," Wright makes the trauma and ridicule her character has endured very clear.

Some cats are simply born to stand out, and Mr. Mistoffelees, played by Josh Wallin, is one of those cats. Mistofelees is the magician of the group, amusing the other cats with his tricks. Wallin's portrays his character's creative spirit with wide eyes, a giant smile, and incredible dancing talent that seems almost magical.

Toren Kuzminsky plays Gus, an old theatre cat who reflects back on his days in the spotlight. Kuzminsky's constantly shaking hand illustrates Gus's palsy. His raspy, deeper voice and slow, careful movements also help to demonstrate his character's age.

Gus is escorted by the youthful and caring Jellylorum, played by Taylor Evans. The perfect combination of sassy and sweet, Evans' fluid movements and consistent taming of her mane show her character's playfulness as well as her poise.

Cats simply would not be Cats without its remarkable choreography, and in Dana Hills' production, the choreography was student-done by Taylor Evans and Sarah Glick. These two choreographed everything from jazzy tap numbers to ballet solos to tumbling, and their fellow students' execution of the choreography was quite amazing.

Endless energy, exceptional choreography, and a cohesive, larger-than-life ensemble makes Dana Hills' Cats a show that will be ingrained in our memories.