For the Love of Three Oranges
at Annandale High School

Reviewed on October 26, 2019

Lily Perez
Woodrow Wilson High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

What constitutes a comedy? In its non-traditional take on a classic commedia dell'arte tale, the Annandale Theatre Company wed the raucous slapstick of the medieval art form with clever modern touches - to hilarious effect. Drawing on a scenario written by Carlo Gozzi in the 18th century, the dynamic ensemble of For the Love of 3 Oranges populated the fantastical Kingdom of Cups with traditional stock characters. But this isn't your typical dichotomy of cheery good and stoic evil: villains and heroes alike proved their comedic chops along Prince Tartaglia's quest for three succulent oranges.

Armed with makeshift aluminum shoes, golden pajamas, and a dogged yearning for the smell of citrus, Tarik Darwiesh took on the role of the quixotic Prince with aplomb. Subverting the initial portrait of his character as an ailing patient suffering from an inability to laugh, Darwiesh completely changed his facade when cured of his disease. This metamorphosis unveiled excellent comedic timing accentuated by his dynamic with Nia Collins as Truffaldino the Clown. Collins thoughtfully characterized the prince's unlikely ally (and at times inadvertent saboteur) by building up her physicality throughout her scenes, frequent bits and joking asides turning a more static character into the comedic heartbeat of the show.

They say villains have the most fun, and this was certainly the case for the cast of absurd antagonists helmed by Jack Dalrymple and Jewel Coulter as Leandro and Princess Clarice, respectively. This power-hungry duo made distinctive choices with their sassy, bombastic physicality - Dalrymple's use of his wig for prop comedy work was especially memorable. Their lustful zeal was an antithesis to the sweet relationship between Tartaglia and Ninetta (a charming Makayla Collins as the princess prophesied to be freed from her spherical prison by the prince). Leandro and Clarice were but minions of Fata Morgana (Mariam Sesay), who was bent on bewitching Tartaglia as consequence for being bested in a game of cards by King Silvio (Jessup Gravitt). Sesay's impressive vocal variation and confident control of movement in dance scenes brought maturity to her performance while Gravitt maintained his frail physicality and made his fatherly motivation consistently clear.

From Brighella's hunchbacked gait to Il Capitano's flamboyant sword fighting, the colorful characters of For the Love of 3 Oranges moved with purpose across Lynni Do and Max Boyd's cleverly simple, yet adaptable set. An extended dance scene in the first act exemplified the intersection of innovative student contributions: choreography by Han Le paid homage to both period-appropriate square dancing and modern dance moves popularized by Tik Tok, prop designers Rebeca Zeballos and Alex Chounramany supplied red solo cups used as champagne flutes, and Al Tran and Makhi Jackson set the scene with smartly employed strobe lighting. The confluence of creative elements amidst the choreographed chaos of royal weddings and orange-throwing battles brought cohesiveness and heart to the production. Against this background, the complete commitment of the ensemble to strong character choices shone. Their extensive character work was evident in the panorama of memorable characters which augmented every scene, particularly the perfectly synchronized and wonderfully bizarre Zanni (Sirena Clemons, Hunter Duggan, and Tim Hurd).

Annandale Theatre Company's For the Love of 3 Oranges accomplished the impressive task of interpreting centuries-old characters in an original context. Between each unexpected entrance and flamboyant exit, a world rolling with comically large oranges came to life and looked incredibly a-peel-ing.

Elizabeth Vichness
W. T. Woodson High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

What do you get when you mix farting demons, tinfoil shoes, wizard dance battles, and a profusive number of oranges in a whirlwind of vibrant and hilarious chaos? These crazy components meld seamlessly together to form Annandale High School's For the Love of 3 Oranges.

Performed in the hundred-year-old outrageous style of Commedia dell'arte, For the Love of 3 Oranges is an adaptation of Carlo Gozzi's 18th century comedy scenarios. The story follows Prince Tartaglia who after being afflicted with a mysterious illness for the last ten years is cursed by the evil Fata Morgana to go on a futile and frivolous quest to find his true love, which happens to be three ginormous oranges.
Accompanied by Truffaldino the Clown he ventures into the unknown despite imminent death to find his unorthodox one true love.

The infectious energy of the cast resonated in the vivacious and lively dance battles and party scenes (choreographed by Han Le) through the performance. Through diverse physicality and spot on comedic timing the show provided an atmosphere where even a food fight consisting exclusively of oranges seems believable and genuine.

Tarik Darwiesh's performance of Prince Tartaglia was filled to the brim with wonderfully outlandish facial expressions and dynamic physicality that showed both a hilarious and genuinely sweet side of the Prince. Accompanied by the witty and incredibly animated Truffaldino the Clown (Nia Collins), both Darwiesh and Collins expertly built off one another's humor and energy to create a lively performance.

From chasing a dove with flimsy butterfly nets to flinging plates around like frisbees, the zany antics of the bumbling Zanni (Sirena Clemons, Hunter Duggan, Tim Hurd) brought an delightfully wacky element to the production as they tried to please the wicked Leandro (Jack Dalrymple) and Princess Clarice (Jewel Coulter). Dalrymple and Coulter's farcical scheming and flamboyant flirting added an extra layer of eccentricity and humor to the production. Along with the powerful and malevolent Fata Morgana (Mariam Sesay) and the lovable, chirpy Princess Ninetta (Makayla Collins) the story combines various distinct and entertaining personalities to form a cohesive and comical journey for love.

The eclectic mix of props (Rebeca Zeballos and Alex Chounramany) ranging from red solo cups to wizard staffs combined the old-fashioned setting of the story with modern, durable props that were able to withstand being flung across the stage in a frenzy. The minimalistic but ever changing and adapting set (Lynni Do and Max Boyd) served as a backdrop for various settings including an enchanted lake and a mysterious castle. The crisp and concise lighting (Al Tran and Makhi Jackson) along with the additional technological elements, highlighted the pinpoint comedic timing and phenomenal physical choices of the cast.

With its lively energy and comical slap stick, be sure not to miss Annandale High School's extremely a-peeling production of For the Love of 3 Oranges.

Elena Auclair
Teen Theatre Company
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

Bang! Bang! Bang! went a drum. Characters with flamboyant costumes ran through the theatre, coming from the stage, through side entrances, and the back doors. The clown stopped the jangle of her tambourine with a flourish—and after one synchronized wave of twirls through the cast, "For the Love of Three Oranges" began!

Based on the Commedia dell'Arte scenario by Carlo Gozzi, "For the Love of Three Oranges" was adapted by director Cathryn Benson specifically for Annandale. The story of "For the Love of Three Oranges" is a simple yet entertaining one. Prince Tartaglia sets off on a quest of true love, aided by Truffaldino the Clown, to find three huge, enchanted oranges. Of course, nothing goes quite right along the way. Annandale's production included traditional elements of Commedia dell'Arte such as character types like the Zanni, who were bumbling servants, and flamboyant physicality that filled up the stage.

Prince Tartaglia (Tarik Darwiesh) kept up an entertaining duo with Truffaldino the Clown (Nia Collins) the entire play. With consistent delivery of a variety of lines, Darwiesh portrayed a fed-up prince, a quixotic adventurer, and a lovesick boy over the span of only two hours. His facial expressions and physicality matched each scene well; during Act I, a silent shoe-making sequence with aluminum foil and duct tape made the audience break into laughter. Collins as Truffaldino always had amusing reactions and was dedicated to her character as the loyal but reluctant and skeptical sidekick.

The well-meaning but clumsy servants known as the Zanni (Sirena Clemons, Hunter Duggan, Tim Hurd) were always committed to their roles, throwing props around with abandon and ad-libbing squawks to provide constant comic relief. The evil Fata Morgana (Mariam Sesay) and Celio Mago the Wizard (Han Le) were strong characters that created remarkable scenes like the wizard's dance battle in Act II, choreographed by Le.

The lighting by Al Tran and Makhi Jackson was essential to creating each scene and mood in the simple set. During the wizard's dance battle, the lighting created a red and blue side that shifted with the flow of the battle. During the Prince's Party of Act I, strobe lights turned the theatre into a club, and in Act II, a pastel pink backlight silhouetted the prince and princess during a romantic dance. The props, created by Rebeca Zeballos and Alex Chounramany, withstood much abuse, being thrown around the stage. Swords were customized for each character, and staffs for the wizards were painted to look like waves and the sky.

Traditionally at the end of Commedia dell'Arte plays, the audience would join in the merrymaking of the cast—and this production was no different. Annandale's bows included a call and response, an introductory rap, and a stepping break with the whoa thrown in for good measure. As Prince Tartaglia put it, the end of this play was just as chaotic and "a-peel-ing" as the entire production of "For the Love of Three Oranges."

Julia Tucker
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

A sickly prince slumps under his coverlet, his muscles too deteriorated to move, his lungs too weak to laugh. The only thing he anticipates is his imminent death, which has loomed over him and his kingdom for the past two years. When it becomes clear that no doctor can save the prince, the king employs his last resort: a clown. One lifesaving laugh later, the now vivacious prince dons his DIY tinfoil shoes and embarks on a quest of love, deceit, and glory. Mount your trusty steed and join Prince Tartaglia on his adventure in Annandale High School's uproarious production of For the Love of Three Oranges.

Annandale's production of For the Love of Three Oranges—while based on Carlo Gozzi's Comedia scenario written in the 1700s—was adapted specifically for Annandale's Theatre Company. Rooted in the Italian comedy style of Commedia dell'arte, the play features characters with strong archetypes and a plethora of exaggerated movements. The comedy follows Prince Tartaglia after being enchanted to fall in love with not one, but three oranges. To follow his love, Prince Tartaglia and his friend Truffaldino the Clown set off on a journey across the land in search of the fabled three oranges.

Annandale's entire cast moved with purpose while maintaining decisive characters. The actors not only knew their blocking but connected their movements to their characters to craft intricate stories beyond the dialogue. Moreover, the performers all exuded passion and happiness to perform, especially evident in exciting scenes that involved the entire cast.

Tarik Darwiesh shined like stage lights on aluminum as Prince Tartaglia. Darwiesh's articulate voice resonated throughout the vast performance space, even when delivering quick and slapstick banter. Truffaldino the Clown, played by Nia Collins, could be found hilariously eating an orange while a battle raged on around her. Even when she out of the spotlight, Collins trail-blazed a way to remain involved in the action. Stray eyes always found their way back to Darwiesh and Collins, whose engaged facial expressions and boundless energy made them the perfect duo for any death-defying quest.

Princess Clarice (Jewel Coulter) and Leandro's (Jack Dalrymple) outlandish comedy made being bad look good. Jessup Gravitt played the frail King Silvio. Gravitt's hunched back and shaky, cane-holding hand made the audience sure that he was going to croak at any minute. Makayla Collins' (Princess Ninetta) wide-eyed look and fanciful voice swiftly captured the hearts of the audience. The righteous Celio Mago the Wizard (Han Le) and the scheming sorceress Fata Morgana (Mariam Sesay) personified the contrasting forces of good and evil. Both actresses displayed impressive dancing in their climactic battle sequence choreographed by Han Le.

The versatile set crafted by Lynni Do and Max Boyd was deftly converted to suit the needs of any scene. Scene transitions were smoothly completed by Stephanie Manco and Nani Brown. Al Tran and Makhi Jackson's lighting design defined the focus of every scene and incorporated fun elements such as strobes, moving gobos, and color symbolism. The costumes aligned with the hair and makeup (Max Boyd) to suit each character's traits. By mixing modern and period props, the props team (Rebeca Zeballos and Alex Chounramany) fluidly transformed Commedia dell'arte into the modern era without ripping out its roots in renaissance-era Italy.

If you are on a quest for love, look no further than Annandale High School's production of For the Love of Three Oranges: it might just blow you away!

Erin Tarpgaard
George Mason High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

From aluminum shoes to wizard dance battles, Annandale High School's "For The Love of Three Oranges" had hilarious surprises that left audiences laughing out loud in every scene.

"For The Love of Three Oranges" used the theatrical style of Commedia dell'arte which was extremely popular through the 16th and 18th centuries in Italy. Annandale's production was based on a scenario written by Carlo Gozzi in the 18th century; however, Annandale added their own modern twists and references that made this fairytale-like story their own.

At the beginning of the play Prince Tartaglia is deathly ill, but his kingdom is determined to make him laugh, so they throw a huge party. However this party backfires when Tartaglia is cursed by the evil witch, Fata Morgana. He becomes overwhelmed with love for three enchanted oranges, and sets off on a journey, with the help of Truffaldino the Clown, to find them. They face hilarious challenges along the way, but eventually the kingdom lives happily ever after.

Tarik Darwiesh, playing the role of Prince Tartaglia brought countless comedic moments while still displaying the growth that Tartaglia goes through from the beginning of the play to the end. From his sorrowful monologue about his illness at the beginning of the play to his excitement after meeting Princess Ninetta, the range of emotions that Darwiesh exhibited was endless.

"For The Love of Three Oranges" would not have been the same without the perfect comedic timing of Nia Collins, who played the role of Truffaldino the Clown. She displayed a confident and clear understanding of her character, whether she was joking around with Prince Tartaglia in an effort to get him to laugh or when she was debating about eating the oranges.

In addition, Han Le playing the role of Celio The Mago Wizard had significant alone time on stage, but she rose to the challenge beautifully. One of the highlights of the show was her wizard dance battle with the evil witch, Fata Morgana, played by Mariam Sesay. Han Le choreographed the wizard dance battle and the multiple dance parties in the show. These dances were modern and fun, creating a hilarious mix of time periods.

The lighting by Al Tran and Makhi Jackson added memorable effects and highlighted recurring themes throughout the show. The use of pink lighting in Prince Tartaglia and Princess Ninetta's first dance created a silhouette of the actors that made that sweet moment unforgettable.

Annandale High School's "For The Love of Three Oranges" mixed the classic theatrical style of Commedia dell'arte with modern references that showed great creativity and teamwork. Every actor and actress displayed genuine happiness on the stage which left audience members with wide smiles on their faces even after the curtain closed.

Megan Orlando
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

"Boom!" A drum being hit rattled through the darkness of the theatre as the audience waited in anticipation. This anticipation only grows as the cast members parade down the isles to the beating of a drum leaving everyone with a simple question, what is about to occur? This was the world the audience of Annandale High School was drawn into in the production of For The Love Of Three Oranges.

Written and directed by Cathryn Benson, For The Love Of Three Oranges followed the adventure of a young prince after he was cursed by an evil sorceress to fall head over heels in love with three oranges. The young prince immediately went on a 2,000-mile excursion to find these three oranges while a clown trudges along as his companion.

The audience is drawn in by the actors' comedic energy and a strong commitment to their character. At any point during the performance if an audience member decided to focus on a character that was not the focus of that scene one would find that character just as engaged and hilarious as the one drawing focus. The actors' extraordinary use of audience participation lured the audience in making them feel as if they were in the story itself.

Prince Tartaglia (Tarik Darwiesh) worked exquisitely with his companion Truffaldino The Clown (Nia Collins) to ensure their jokes and movements always got a chuckle. Tarik Darwiesh did an impeccable job at using his physical movement to paint his emotions. The audience could watch as Prince Tartaglia's shoulders slumped in despair and feet dragged as he begrudgingly went along with his father's wishes.

Leandro (Jack Dalrymple) maintained a level of comedic connection to his accomplice Princess Clarice (Jewel Coulter) by exaggerating their movements that left the audience grinning. Leandro and Princess Clarice commitment to their characters perpetual unpleasantness were astonishing. One could glance over to Princess Clarice during a party to find her slumped over followed by a sour face.

The set, designed by Lynni Do and Max Boyd, was a simplistic wooden arch that could be adapted to fit any new setting that characters wound up in. As the scenes progressed and settings changed this was portrayed through the changing of colored drapes, which covered the arch. When the characters found themselves to be at a lake, one would find shimmering cobalt and arctic blue drapes. They even went as far as to change the drapes from room to room in the castle. In Prince Tartaglia's bedroom, the audience is dazzled by sparkling butterscotch and aquamarine, while during the castle party the audience is astonished by glistening dandelion and crimson.

The lighting, designed by Al Tran and Makhi Jackson, often changed to represent good/evil. For example, during the final battle, the "good" side was an eye-catching lapis blue, while the "evil" side was a sinister scarlet. At one point in time, a monster chases Prince Tartaglia and Truffaldino out of a fortress. Al Tran and Makhi Jackson brought this to life by shocking the audience with the creation of giant steps being taken across the theater. The team created this spectacle illusion by using a projector and cardboard cutouts.

The lively and entertaining production ended as it began, with the audience surrounded by the radiating joy of the characters. The audience got to laugh alongside the characters one last time as the characters danced on stage for their buoyant and exciting bows. As the lights faded the audience found themselves smiling from the adventures they just had.