This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Nov. 22, 2010 Wizard of Oz, Performed by Northwest High School, Reviewed by Jessica Hackbarth | Pattonville High School
A twister sweeps a young girl, her dog and her house into a magical world where scarecrows can talk and monkeys can fly. Sound familiar? This story sparks the memories of many across the nation. However, those who attended Northwest High School's adaption of "The Wizard of Oz" last Thursday may remember the story more clearly.
Though it had its own flair, Northwest's production was generally based on MGM's interpretation of "The Wizard of Oz." Set in the early 1900s, a young girl named Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are swept up in a twister to the magical land of Oz. On a quest to find her way back home, Dorothy befriends a lively Scarecrow, a sweet Tin Man and a Cowardly Lion. Their journey to meet with the Wizard of Oz fills the majority of the musical's plot.
The actors used the entire theater by promenading through the audience and entering and exiting through the theater's main doors, providing a fresh spin in comparison to other shows that restrict their performing to the stage. The Munchkins were played by both high school students and elementary school children, adding an endearing air to the musical.
As soon as she started singing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," the voice of Molly Fowler (Dorothy) instantly evoked memories of the original Judy Garland. Her sweet demeanor was played well to contrast other wicked characters. The roles of the Scarecrow (Brandon Janssen) and the Tin Man (Nate Camden) both required a degree of constant physical investment, and the actors acted their parts with ease, giving the musical much more life. The Cowardly Lion (Cody Dickerson) provided the musical with humorous one-liners and a cowardly accent consistent even through his songs. As an ensemble, the quartet acted very well together.
The cackle and screechy voice of the Wicked Witch (Miranda Gunn) was chillingly effective to match her accompanying smoke and fog, as was her use of unique mannerisms to give her character that sinister feel. The Jitterbug's (creative student choreographer, Kevin Haye) dancing was phenomenal for an opening to the second act.
Costumes for the most part were spot on. Dorothy's ruby slippers sparkled just as brightly as they did in the traditional movie, and Glinda's (Michelle Brinkman) dress was just as pink. The set was at times of a higher quality than others, but sufficient for the purpose of the musical. Special lighting effects such as flickering lights for lightening and using a pink spotlight to depict Glinda's traveling orb were creative and impressive, adding to the overall effect of the play.
When Dorothy and her dog were swept into a far away land, the audience was taken along for a ride packed with friendly adventure. At the journey's end, the audience stood in applause for an entertaining performance. Overall, Northwest High School put on a heart warming, fun-filled tale appropriate for adults and children alike.
The Music Man
Performed by Holt High School
Reviewed by Laura Cole | Bishop DuBourg High School
Very few would expect to find excitement and entertainment in the tiny town of River City, Iowa. Holt High School managed to make River City come alive and work its way into the hearts of the audience during its production of "The Music Man."
The Music Man opened for the first time on Broadway in 1957. It won five Tony Awards in its first season, beating out West Side Story for Best Musical. Revivals of the show occurred both in 1980 and 2000.
The Music Man opens inside a train car. Several traveling salesman discuss their pet peeve: a dishonest salesman by the name of Harold Hill. Harold (Peter Billing), it turns out, is a passenger in that same car and decides to disembark in the tiny town of River City, Iowa. He turns the town upside down with the promise of a band, seducing the librarian/music teacher, Marian (Erica Loesche), along the way in an effort to keep her quiet about his obvious lack of musical ability. Contrary to his intentions, Harold finds that he has invested quite a bit of his heart in the city, making it rather difficult to pull his usual "get the money and run" scheme.
Billing's Harold Hill was as suave and slick as a penguin on greased ice. Playing the traveling salesman for all it's worth, his voice soared in "Seventy-Six Trombones" and was delightfully charming in "Marian the Librarian." Loesche's stern, uptight demeanor accurately gave the impression of a strict librarian, but she added a few touches of sweet, soft humanity in songs such as "Goodnight My Someone," sung in her innocent, clear voice. Together, Billing and Loesche created a believable love story with the audience cheering for them every step of the way.
Marcellus (Jimmy Cambron) stood out with his dramatic facial expressions and body language, especially in the humorous "The Sadder But Wiser Girl." His vivacity picked up the show when energy was a little lacking. The school board turned barbershop quartet definitely stole the scene whenever it strolled on stage with its smooth harmony and synchronized movements. As a whole, the ensemble was quite good with the choreography (Angela Luna), making very good use of the entire stage in "Shapoopi" and "Seventy-Six Trombones."
The stage crew (Andrew Buell, Ryan Biggs, Chloe Buckman, Nico Stringfellow) was absolutely silent and made the set changes look like undisputed magic. Although spotty at times, sound (Stu Baker, Laura Wiley, Jessi Donoyan, Ella Whitehead) was mostly loud and clear. The costumes (Kaylyn Bauer, Josey Coleman, Dana Engelhardt, Brian Flammang) were especially impressive, helping to transport the entire theater into the time period.
The cast and crew worked impeccably to make "The Music Man" and its always relevant message of the importance of love over all other ideas come alive. They successfully conveyed their message, and everyone in the audience went home better for seeing it.
The Three Musketeers
Performed by Marquette High School
Reviewed by Megan Jones | Pattonville High School
As flames dance in the background, a bellow is heard in the distance. Suddenly, every pair of eyes is drawn to two men dueling their way around the entire theater. Welcome to the world of "The Three Musketeers." This play by Ken Ludwig was adapted from a novel of the same title by Alexandre Dumas, and follows the adventures of young D'Artagnan as he strives to become a famed Musketeer. Apart from the play, Dumas' beloved tale has inspired film and television adaptations, a musical and even several games.
D'Artagnan longs to follow in his father's footsteps and serve as a Musketeer for King Louis XIII of France. Unfortunately, meddling associates of Cardinal Richelieu, accidental confrontations, a pesky younger sister and an embarrassing horse make D'Artagnan's journey more difficult than he anticipated. D'Artagnan eventually earns the respect and protection of the king's three serving Musketeers, and after proving his courage and valor in numerous ways, is granted the honor of serving as a Musketeer.
Ryan Martin did a wonderful job portraying D'Artagnan. Martin's emotion and dedication to his character made D'Artagnan's development from an unsure swordsman to a heroic Musketeer a delight to watch. Alex Greene, Matt Perry and Austin Jones were equally entertaining in their portrayals of Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, respectively. The trio had fantastic chemistry together, and kept the audience laughing with their witty banter. Additionally, the Musketeers all managed to successfully simulate sword fights that captivated the audience.
Will Moore showed his villainous side, and established himself as one of the production's strongest actors as the not-so-noble Cardinal Richelieu. Though some actors' mannerisms and line deliveries came across as over-exaggerated, the seemingly natural ease of Moore's portrayal detracted from the exaggerations. Moore delivered his lines with just the right amount of malevolence, and he even depicted a frighteningly convincing performance of being choked. Also establishing herself as a strong performer was Zoe Lefebvre as the maleficent Milady. Lefebvre made it impossible not to detest Milady during her violent outbursts and wicked scheming.
Not even a great cast can shine without a series of strong technical elements, and the crews of "The Three Musketeers" were certainly strong. Lauren Cooper's make-up and the hair crew's acquisition of the various wigs used throughout the show added to the production's authenticity. Dan Moessner's set crew, though conspicuous at times, was quick and efficient during set changes. Cassidy Wrap's lighting design helped avoid confusion as to where the audience's attention should be focused during times of high stage traffic.
Though producing a play with such a large number of actors can be daunting, Marquette did a lovely job of incorporating everyone into the production without making the stage seem too cluttered. Overall, the Marquette Theatre Company's production of "The Three Musketeers" was quite enjoyable.
About the Cappies
The Critics and Awards Program for high school theater - known as Cappies - was formed in the aftermath of the Columbine shooting to celebrate writing and performing arts at America's high schools. It operates chapters across the nation.
St. Louis' program was launched in 2002-03.
This year, 16 schools are participating, producing 32 shows. Some 195 student critics will write nearly 1,000 reviews of the productions.
At the end of the year, the top performers, technicians and reviewers are honored during a Tony-style gala.
The Beacon is happy to help spread the word by printing some of the reviews.