Head Over Heels
at NSU University School

Reviewed on March 11, 2023

Rainn Berland
South Plantation High School
Submitted for publication to www.floridatheateronstage.com

A delicate, yet not so delicate dance betwixt masculinity and femininity; adultery... with one's betrothed; 16th century prose; and 1980s rock music are all on full display at NSU University School's production of Head Over Heels. With an exceptional level of attitude, the company of this production explores serious topics, such as queerness, in a beautiful yet incredibly comedic fashion.

Head Over Heels is a jukebox musical, using music written by '80s rock band The Go-Go's, which first premiered in 2015. It went on to have a year-long run on Broadway. The story follows a royal family, a shepherd, and a sentient serpent on their joint journeys of self-discovery.

This production features a unique group of dancers who symbolize the "beat" of the kingdom of Arcadia. Coming out in different costumes correlating to different moments and themes, this group is involved in most major musical moments, displaying the synchronicity and musicality of the kingdom. Through expert use of choreography, done by Maddie Musso, the group consistently carries the emotional undertone of the current moment on their sleeves and makes each moment a memorable one.

Jolie Lubar (Pamela) is able to use her voice to show off so many different colors and emotions in a truly masterful way. Having the ability to fill a stage with her presence, she dominates every musical moment she is involved in. She is able to convey humor of the Renaissance era to a modern day crowd in an understandable and comedic way, making it easier to understand this sort of dialect. She has beautiful chemistry with Ellie Esquenazi (Mopsa), leading to a stunning whirlwind of emotions whenever the two are featured together.

The props team, lead by Karina Lopez, is able to provide a strong level of meaning and wonder out of typically mundane objects, such as picture frames and drum sticks. The choreographer's use of these objects displays a level of mastery of her craft. This production features a turntable, used to create unique movement in scenes otherwise impossible. Paired with a low to the ground platform and three areas for projections to be displayed, the minimalist set, designed by Nico Wellons, is able to be used to create dynamic tableaus and represent any location desired.

Using a fully realized sense of humor, NSU University School manages to create a wondrous experience out of a difficult-to-understand text. With the amount of heart put into this production, you may exit the theater speechless, leaving your "lips sealed."

Jaire St. Ange
Dillard Center for the Arts
Submitted for publication to www.floridatheateronstage.com

Hear ye, hear ye! Let it be known far and wide that a musical spectacle of the highest order, Head Over Heels, hath graced the halls of NSU University School. This vibrant production weaves a tale of love, deception, and self-discovery. Head Over Heels is a veritable feast for the senses. So, come one, come all, and bear witness to this dazzling display of theatrical prowess. Forsooth, you shall not want to miss it!

With the original book by Jeff Whitty and music by The Go-Go's, this mirthful romp gained much inspiration from the plot of The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia by Sir Philip Sidney. Head Over Heels was set to open on the Broadway stage on July 26, 2018 at the Hudson Theatre and didst run for a season of 86 performances until officially closing on January 6, 2019. This fine theatrical presentation didst receive much praise and approbation from the critics. 'Twas the winner of the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costume Design and was nominated for a host of other awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical.

Snatching the audience's attention with her striking vocal ability, Princess Pamela (Jolie Lubar) was consistent when it came to the "attention to detail" in the deliverance of her character. Commanding the stage with her very meek but persistent presence, Mopsa (Ellie Esquenazi) did an astounding job. Every joke was a hit; every line stuck; and every song soared to the heavens! Bringing the TLC, Princess Philoclea (Lindsay Stern) was a work of art! Her dainty take on the character was breathtaking. Stern did a commendable job taking us through the story of her love and loss physically, emotionally, and vocally! The comedic Musidorus (Jack Steinman) had astounding character commitment. Steinman clearly prepared for his role with research, because he happened to be very in tune with the whimsical and eccentric Musidorus. Lastly, The featured dancers were impeccable! Every time they hit the stage they were always serving facial expressions, personality, and fierce & full-out choreography! Overall, the entire cast gave praiseworthy performances.

Stepping into the world of tech, the entire tech production team presentation was stunning. The choreography was a heart-stopper. Choreographer Maddie Musso did a lot of meritable hard work. From start to finish, she served vibrant and vivacious choreography that not only complimented the dancers and actors but always kept the audience engaged and entertained. The special effects team (Sam Dyer & Nico Wellons) completed a very highly skilled task, and they completed it successfully. From the flag droppings to the turntable, they worked well with the storyline to make sure that this fictional plot was coming to life on stage.

Hark! The musical performance of Head Over Heels at NSU University School hath drawn to a close, and verily, it was a spectacle to behold. As the curtain doth fall, we bid adieu to this merry tale and commend the performers for their excellence. Farewell, Head Over Heels, and may thy memory be long cherished!

Isabella Saralegui
Cypress Bay High School
Submitted for publication to www.floridatheateronstage.com

"Get Up and Go" to NSU University to watch the hit show Head Over Heels. With music from The Go-Go's, any "Automatic Rainy Day" will be turned around (literally) by this upbeat campy show.

Head Over Heels is a musical comedy based on the classic story The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia. With music from the 80s pop group The Go-Go's, Head Over Heels follows the royal family of Arcadia as they navigate love, acceptance, and self-discovery. Along the way, they meet a colorful cast of characters who help on their quest, including a shepherd and a genderqueer oracle. With catchy tunes, clever humor, and a message of inclusivity and acceptance, Head Over Heels is a joyous celebration of love in all forms.

Jack Steinman possessed a strong stage presence as the leading player Musidorus. Steinman adeptly transmogrified his mannerisms, making his performance dynamic and entertaining. Additionally, his vocals in the song "Mad About You" and overall comedic timing made his performance a stand out amongst the cast. Lindsay Stern as the "Good Girl" Philoclea delivered a clear character with her crisp vocals which were displayed in the song "Here You Are."

As the wise handmaiden Mopsa, Ellie Esquenazi commanded the stage, never wavering from her character. Esquenazi showcased her unique tone in her duet with her lover Pamela, played by Jolie Lubar, in the song "Automatic Rainy Day." The two blended together beautifully, adding an extra element to their hopeful love story. As Mopsa's father Dametes, Sam Dyer seized every moment he was onstage, hitting all of his comedic lines with ease.

Although at moments the production lacked charisma and energy, the cast of "Head Over Heels" played off of each other well, effectively establishing relationships with one another. The featured dancers' fluid movements and abilities to establish different characters were delivered with a meritorious finesse.

Many technical aspects of this show shined, most notably the costumes, hair, and makeup. With a fun combination of Renaissance and 80s attire, both costumes and makeup alike used vivid colors that effectively represented the main characters. Another impressive technical element was the turntable which, although at times felt overused, added an entertaining component to the production.

NSU University School's production of Head Over Heels was truly a "Vision of Nowness" with its colorful lights, costumes, and characters. This show is one of a kind, highlighting various queer stories and people alike. All's well that ends well, and they all lived gayly ever after.

Lila De Almeida
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Submitted for publication to www.floridatheateronstage.com

NSU University School blended progressive themes with Renaissance prose, '80s pop-punk, and plenty of love triangles in their powerful production of Head Over Heels-- and they did it all with the help of the Beat.

Head Over Heels premiered on Broadway in 2018 and ran until 2019. The show is what is known as a jukebox musical, a production whose soundtrack takes from previous music. Head Over Heels consists of 20 musical numbers from the hit '80s pop group the Go-Go's. An unlikely pairing with the musical choices is the setting of Arcadia in Greece, inspired by The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia, written by Sir Philip Sidney in the 16th century. The winding storyline is centered around four ominous prophecies issued by the non-binary Oracle of Delphi. Over the course of the production, every single prediction comes true, threatening the "Beat," the musicality that protects the kingdom's well-being which is first introduced in the iconic opening number "We Got The Beat." Through the lengths that King Basilius makes to avoid the prophecies inevitably coming to fruition, the members of his household discover their own sexual awakenings and gender fluidity.

The themes of self discovery and unconventional love were brought to life by a pair of Greek sisters. Jolie Lubar enchanted as Pamela with spectacular diction and comedic timing. Her vocal delivery wowed in numbers such as "Beautiful" and "Turn to You." Her romantic bond with her maidservant Mopsa (Ellie Esquenazi) was touching as well. Pamela's sister Philoclea (Lindsay Stern) was equally charming and was convincing in her love for the hilarious Musidorus (Jack Steinman). Both couples dazzled in "Our Lips Are Sealed."

Further attitude and comedic relief was supplied by other members of the household. Queen Gynecia, played by Shayna Soffer, brought hilarious sass to the stage and impressive projection in songs like "This Old Feeling" and "Heaven Is A Place On Earth." Sam Dyer, in his role as Dametas, guaranteed fits of laughter every time he stepped onstage. His body language and delivery was hilarious, but he also effectively portrayed more solemn moments.

The cast took an interesting approach to conveying their "Beat." In the larger dance numbers, six featured dancers took to the stage to aid the characters in storytelling. They were beautifully coordinated in their movements and in their stylized costumes. Maddie Musso must be commended for her stellar choreography and performance alongside the dancers. Rubi Katz also gracefully excelled as dance captain in addition to convincingly reacting to the scenes occurring around her. Haleigh Mish provided the perfect balance between facial expressions and crisp movements as a featured dancer.

The props played an integral role to the fullness of the production, such as Queen Gynecia with her fan and the featured dancers with their drumsticks. Hair and makeup were also incredibly effective. The cosmetics were detailed and clear despite the distance, which was aided by the high quality lighting. Although certain technological aspects of the set were impressive, their usage often seemed repetitive. The sense of wonder could have benefitted from stage pieces being used more sparingly.

NSU University School delivered raunchy comedy in the form of 16th century English, which is no easy feat. Nevertheless, they still excelled in instilling the message that true love is unconditional and comes in many shapes and forms. Once the final curtains closed, the audience felt motivated to "Get Up And Go" spread change in the world.

Julia Kim
Archbishop McCarthy High School
Submitted for publication to www.floridatheateronstage.com

Get up and go see NSU University School's Production of Head Over Heels, because it's a show you definitely don't wanna miss!

Head Over Heels officially opened on Broadway on July 26, 2018 at the Hudson Theatre. After 164 performances on January 9, 2019, the show closed on Broadway after only less than a year. With the original book by Jeff Whitty and the adaptation by James Magruder, this jukebox musical with songs by The Go-Go's will have you singing all day long. The musical follows the royal family of Arcadia as they set foot on a journey in hope of keeping their famous "Beat."

Leading the show, Musidorus, played by Jack Steinman, was completely incredible. With outstanding characterization and character choices, he was truly a joy to watch. On top of that, his clear vocals and spectacular range were extremely impressive and definitely highlighted in his solo "Mad About You." Alongside him was his love interest Philoclea, played by Lindsay Stern, who had powerful vocal energy throughout the entire show. Whether it was dancing together or embracing, both showed great chemistry with one another from beginning to end.

Basilius, played by Joshua Diaz, captivated the audience as the older king through his physicality and commitment to the character. His counterpart Gynecia, played by Shayna Soffer, had impeccable comedic timing - not to mention her vocals, which were equally as amazing. They both were able to contrast between the happy and argumentative moments in their relationship beautifully through songs such as "This Old Feeling" and "Get Up And Go."

Pamela, played by Jolie Lubar, was yet another strong vocal talent. Her powerful belt and smooth vibrato were both executed flawlessly. Her other half Mopsa, played by Ellie Esquenazi, commanded the stage with her excellent tone and high energy. In terms of energy though, "the beat" ensemble kept it unfaltering throughout the entire show. Even in large dance numbers, such as "We Got the Beat," these ladies were able to keep impressive facials while also never failing to miss a beat.

Moving on to the technical elements, lighting by Nico Wellons was masterfully executed. From creative cues such as the heartbeat to simple ones such as the colorful overlays, each design was uniquely created and well thought out. Moreover, the props by Karina Lopez were nicely done and each was individually crafted. The attention to detail, such as Gynecia's fan, was clearly planned and very well thought out. The costumes by Sofia Casares and Lucy Crawford truly shined on stage. The Renaissance style along with the bright pops of colors, such as pink and red, gave each character a unique style in a cohesive way that helped to bring everything together.

Come see NSU University School's production of Head Over Heels for a blast to the past and a rockin' time!

Kai Cooper
Dillard Center for the Arts
Submitted for publication to USchool News The Shark Sentinel

Get ready to fall head over heels in love with the latest production at NSU University School, where the colorful and captivating world of the 16th century collides with the vibrant energy of a modern-day pop musical. With its powerful messages of love, acceptance, and self-discovery, this show has struck a chord with audiences of all ages. And with the talented cast and crew of NSU University School at the helm, this production truly has the beat.

Head Over Heels is a musical that premiered at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in June 2015 and opened on Broadway in 2018 featuring the music of The Go-Go's and a book by Jeff Whitty. The show is inspired by Sir Philip Sidney's Arcadia, a pastoral romance that was popular in the 16th century. The story of Head Over Heels follows a royal family on a journey to save their kingdom with themes of love, gender roles, and acceptance woven throughout the plot. The show is known for its vibrant and inclusive representation of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships and its energetic and colorful musical numbers. Head Over Heels has been praised for its modern spin on a classic tale and its celebration of diverse identities and expressions.

Give it up for the shepherd boy turned warrior Jack Steinman as Musidorus, who, with flawless energy, perfect comedic timing, and heartfelt emotions, shows us just how madly in love he is. Lindsay Stern as Philoclea proves how Musidorus could fall in love with such a girl with her clear vocals, limitless range, and purely raw emotions. Jolie Lubar is also flawless as Pamela by bringing this character to life with beautiful vocals with a clear tone, powerhouse belts, comedic timing, and a sassy and fiery disposition to match this beautiful princess. Ellie Esquenazi as Mopsa matched Lubar's Pamela with witty remarks and a loving yet firm attitude, proving her love through every riff. The connections between Steinman's Musidorus and Stern's Philoclea as well as Lubar's Pamela and Esquenazi's Mopsa are both full of love and passion with vocals that transcended the time period, such as in the songs "Our Lips Are Sealed" and "Turn to You." The loyal king's advisor Dametas is portrayed perfectly by Sam Dyer with impeccable comedic timing and complete character commitment.

With a mystical flair and a beat so divine, the tech in this show truly brings it to life. The lighting done by Nico Wellons enhances the show with clear and precise light cues along with wondrous use of flashing lights and different color schemes differentiating between characters and their essences. The choreography by Maddie Musso always gave a funktastic and beat-filled quality to every number, giving the beat life and ensuring that it was felt wherever you are.

NSU University School's production will have you "head over heels" in love with the cast and crew of this production. It is a production full of love and passion that proves they got the beat.

Jack Ryan
American Heritage School
Submitted for publication to USchool News The Shark Sentinel

Audiences were mad about NSU University School's appealing and engaging performance of Head Over Heels. Their beautiful and innovative production astounded viewers and left a memorable impression.

Written by James Magruder and Jeff Whitty, Head Over Heels is an unexpected yet smooth intertwining of a Renaissance Arcadia story and the popular music of the 1980s band The Go-Go's. The outrageous story focuses on the escapades of a royal family's efforts to save their kingdom from extinction. This story unveils how the lover Musidorus, deeply in love with Philoclea, discovers a hilarious way to maintain a connection with her despite her family's desire to keep them apart. Head Over Heels is an emotional roller coaster of a musical that teaches about love without judgment.

The show presented great expertise in the technical aspects. The special effects, lighting, and projections were all creative, well-executed, and brought life to the stage. The lead actors presented their diverse talents. A lot of vocals were surprising and stunning, and a lot of the acting choices not written in the script brought tons of humor to the show. The ensemble was synchronized physically and vocally, and many members showed true energy and love within the inventive choreography. Overall, the show was spectacular with exciting dance numbers and amusing comedic moments.

All of the lead actors bestowed upon us hilarious acting choices and astonishing vocals. Most notably, Lindsay Stern (Philoclea) had amazing diversity within her unique vocals, and her acting was always animated no matter where she was placed in the scene. Stern showed great knowledge of her character along with her fellow actor Jack Steinman (Musidorus). Steinman's archetypes and traits of his character were consistent and always brought a relief of humor to the audience.

To continue, the supporting and featured characters blew the audience away with their utter devotion and brilliant decisions they made with their roles. Jolie Lubar's performance (Pamela) was definitely a sight to behold. Lubar's vocals were staggering, strong, and beautiful. The creation of her character's arc was obvious and the acting was always on point. Additionally, Sam Dyer (Dametas) showed true professionalism with his well-developed skill of comedy, timing, and dramatic acting. It was always hysterical to watch Dyer on stage. His reactions were always present to make the audience laugh.

The tech involved in the show was beyond mind-blowing. The professional artistry with the projections and symbolic lighting moments were exceptional, including their hand-crafted rotating stage. Though, at times, the rotating stage seemed to be overused, it did provide a fascinating and new effect on stage. The costumes were vibrant and cohesive with all of the other theatrical elements. The publicity was distinct, eye-catching, clearly cared for, and brought the expected hype for the show.

Overall, this production delivered great mastery within many aspects. The cast was very talented, the tech was flashy and sensational, and the audience's lips won't be sealed after watching this memorable musical.