Spring Musical Gold
Photo Credit: Makayla Karr-Warner
Junior Kyra Bowser, who brings her powerful voice to the title role in "Aida," sings along with her fellow Nubian slaves.
Chloe Steck, Staff Writer
March 20, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Theater
Take forbidden love, crush up some witty jokes and elaborate dancing, add a heavy dose of beautiful singing and shake well. Woodside High School’s spring musical was a striking concoction of an incredible story line and an incredible cast to carry it through.
Murmurs of praise echoed through the foyer of the PAC during intermission and the end of the show for David Spain and Kyra Bowser’s incredible performances as the main roles, Radames and Aida. Their lust and longing was delivered effortlessly to the audience. At the heartbreaking conclusion, tears were flowing generously from the audience, an implied job well done.
Bella Mallow and Kyra Bowser singing "Not Me" photo by Makayla Karr Warner
Other captivating performances were that of Isabella Mallow, Will Palomares, Alyssa Sterns, and Michael Steadham. Mallow acted perfectly the roll of an absent minded yet well rounded princess, Amneris. Her voice and ability to portray different personality aspects established a strong affection with the audience. She was able to be ditzy and playful but turned it right around at the end when her character became insightful and forgiving.
Palomares nailed the part of Zoser, the overbearing, controlling father of Radames. The intensity of his rage towards Radames was chilling and even received a “wow” from a small boy in the back of the theater during his short pause.
The brave, sacrificial slave, Nehebka, was unfortunately not recognized enough in the story, but was executed gracefully by Sterns. Her voice and character added a pleasant contrast to the emotional performances.
Steadham’s young, yet wise personality gave the audience a lighthearted vibe and constituted an attachment with the audience.
The ensemble of the production could not have been more skilled. The mix of dancers and various students never failed to add emotion and movement to the set. The group was always on point and their facial expressions only contributed to the mood of each scene.
From the backdrops of a sunset on the Egyptian coast to the bold and brightly colored outfits, the technicalities of the musical were exquisite. The various backdrops for the different scenes commanded attention with warm abstract skies and the shadows of palm trees reflecting in the cool water. These also included the draperies of Amneris’ baths, the Pharoh’s majestic marbled room, and the pier in which the Nubian slaves arrived.
Lily Krosse modeling during "My Strongest Suit" photo by Makayla Karr-Warner
The costumes which ran the gamut from tattered neutrals to brilliant, jeweled gowns established the class of each character. The slaves, who’s hair was cornrowed had torn leather skirts and baggy peasant blouses. This differed greatly from Amneris whose gowns shone with vibrant hues of purple and red, colors that exude wealth and royalty. Similar to the royal wedding, a variation of headdresses were also worn, the one Amneris wore to her wedding was particularly intriguing with it’s surrounding lace veil. Pieces that looked like they were picked exclusively from Lady Gaga’s closet.
The lighting too, was excellent. The intense red spotlight added to the fierceness of Zoser’s wrath. The warm hues set a playful mood in Amneris’ baths scene, and the classic spotlight served Bowser and Spain well by showcasing their flawless talent.
The musical wouldn’t have been a musical of course without the fabulous Woodside High School orchestra. Their melodies added depth to each scene and made it that much more thrilling. They never overpowered the voice of the singer and they (from what the audience could tell) were absolute in playing in harmony.
From overheard babble at intermission, the audience was blown away by the performance. Discussion over the magnetic voices of the leads never ceased, and the energy of the ensemble exhilarated the rest of the crowd.
This production went far and beyond expectations from their costumes, to the set, all the way to the stunning cast. A definite must see for the entire school and community.
Other stories in Arts & Entertainment
- Wildcats needed for APCS - May 9, 2013
- 2013 Art Contest - April 21, 2013
- February 28th, 2013: Art Boom - March 8, 2013
- Woodside's Next Rolling Stones:The Feedback - March 8, 2013
- A Night of Cinema: The 85th Annual Oscars - March 6, 2013
Other stories in Theater
- The Great Gatsby 2013 - May 9, 2013
- The Spotlight Shines on the Polynesian Club - May 29, 2012
- Woodside's First All-Original Play - May 21, 2012
- Behind the Scenes of Aida - March 13, 2012
- Aida in a Nutshell - March 5, 2012
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