The Giver
at Anaheim

Reviewed on April 27, 2019

Lauren Stevens
Dana Hills (SOCSA)
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Anaheim's "The Giver" explores the power of knowledge
written by Lauren Stevens, a senior at Dana Hills (SOCSA) High School

In a world stripped of passion, pain, and even color, one young boy must take on the arduous task of holding all of the world's memories, but at what cost? Anaheim High Schools "The Giver" asks that very question by challenging convictions many hold about the importance of individualism and freedom in our society today.

Jonas, portrayed by Andrew Gutierrez, gives a charming performance filled with childlike innocence. Characterized by his wide-eyed optimism, Gutierrez adds depth as his character disends into pessimistic cynicism once he learns the truth about the world around him. Gutierrez's once boundless energy transitions into chaotic nerves as Jonas leaves his community and ventures into the unknown.

The Giver, portrayed by Abel Rosas, acts as the wise and pained mentor for the young boy. Rosas' honest and raw performance strayed from the optimistic and cheery performances of others in the cast. Rosas establishes himself as an outsider for the other members of the society through his hunched posture and grim demeanor. As the Giver recounts his past memories, both fond and painful, Rosas embodies the deteriorating energy and spirit of his character.

Fiona and Asher, portrayed by Jasmine De La Torre and Matthew Garrett, cohesively contrast one another as the two best friends of Jonas. De La Torre plays Fiona, the studious yet smitten young girl who has a passion for assisting the elderly. Garrett plays Asher, the chaotic yet sheepishly lovable young boy who is struggling to find his place in the world. Together, the pair complete Jonas and consistently work together to bring hope and happiness into each other's lives.

Projections, designed by Andrew Moreno, assisted in the creation of the constricted society Jonas lives in as well as the beautifully mysterious world of the Giver's memories. Cold and muted streets and living rooms are shown to represent the controlling community around them. Yet, once Jonas arrives at the Giver's home, bright colors begin to appear within projections of towering bookshelves. As Jonas is transported into the world of the Giver's memories, the colors of entrancingly swirling snow and magnificently vibrant sunsets begin to flood the stage to depict the beauty of a time long forgotten.

Anaheim's production of "The Giver" is a beautifully moving piece of theatre which explores the pain that comes with knowledge and examines the power that lies in the ability to choose.

Natalie Pearl
Dana Hills (SOCSA)
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Anaheim High School Gives Colorful Performance Of "The Giver"
written by Natalie Pearl, a junior at Dana Hills (SOCSA) High School

Emotions, choices, and memories -- a large component of what makes us humans human. Anaheim High School's "The Giver" explores life without the three and questions the point at which such is more hurtful than helpful.

In the title role is Abel Rosas as the Giver. Rosas shines with convincing commitment to his aging character, arched over a cane and stepping slowly as he tires of living. Rosas is honest and angry with a constant scowl. The weight of the world is visibly on his shoulders as his character tutors prodigy Jonas (Andrew Gutierrez) on being the holder of all memories, both painful and beautiful. In the show's climax, the Giver stands in the mind of young Jonas, Rosas's posture taller and stronger as that is how the young boy sees him. Gutierrez is dynamic in his portrayal of Jonas, beginning the play as a naive child who play fights with his friends and growing into a young man who understands the truth behind these games: war.

Making up the conformist society are Jonas's friends and family. Rigo Lopez (the Father) is captivating in his depiction of the feelingless community, smiling and laughing innocently, even whilst speaking of the gruesome possibility of killing an infant. Jasmine De La Torre's Fiona makes up the object of Jonas's affection.

The projections by Andrew Moreno dramatically set the stage. In the finale of act one, images of war overwhelm the background as actors run about the stage, screaming murderous threats in their simulation of the entire history of human violence. The visuals furthermore enhanced the play as Jonas begins to see color and what had once been a black-and-white library becomes painted in maroons and yellows. The memories which Jonas receives are brought to life as well, most notably a scene of snow illuminating the surroundings while Jonas grabs the bench on which he sits to sled down the hill.

Lighting by Natalie Oliveras works in collaboration with projections, cool blue dispersed around the stage to highlight the snowy scene or warm yellow against a hopeful sunset. De La Torre is bathed in passionately jarring red light as Jonas begins to see the world for all the beauty that it is.

Anaheim High School's "The Giver" highlights the importance of free will, even if it may lead to bad decisions.

Lani Jacobson
Laguna Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Anaheim's "The Giver" will never be forgotten
written by Lani Jacobson, a sophomore at Laguna Hills High School

When Jonas becomes the receiver of knowledge, he is exposed to a world unknown to all but one other person- a world of overwhelming joy and consuming pain. He is able to see life in living color while everyone else only sees in black and white. Breaking free from his dystopian society, Jonas finds there is more to life than what was given to him initially.

Andrew Gutierrez plays Jonas excellently. While playing a young boy, he is dynamic and shows growth throughout the progression of the show. He is also a great foil to The Giver as he has a zest for life and is eager to learn; on the other hand, the Giver is drained and exhausted.

Abel Rosas' hunched over posture is very fitting in his role of The Giver. Carrying all the memories of the past, his posture is a visual representation of the weight of the world on his shoulders. Furthermore, Rosas takes his time always moving very slowly across the stage in contrast to all the children who have a pep in their step. In brief, The Giver's old, sympathetic character is a standout performance.

Jasmine De La Torre is the perfect preppy school girl as Fiona. She has her own individual quirks, like fixing her hair when her crush, Jonas, is around, that add another level to her character. De La Torre always stands with her head held high, and she is the perfect amount of know-it-all and friendly in one.

Projections done by the team of visual artists are very effective. With a different projection for each memory, they act as a portal to other dimensions including blizzards, beaches, and a battlefields. In addition, the projection of the Giver's home starts out in black and white then slowly transitions into a colorful room once Jonas can see colors. This nice, but subtle, touch adds a new ambiance to the setting.

The lights (done by Natalie Olivares) compliment the projections greatly. With pale blues during the snow and sunset oranges at the beach, the lights change the mood of each scene. In addition, the lights are successfully used to show divisions in the unit set that separate the Giver's house from Jonas'.

All in all, Anaheim's The Giver reminds us that while knowledge can be painful, memories are what make life worth living.