Opening Night at the American School

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 by Frank K. Meyer

Thursday December 1, the musical “Fantasticks” became alive once more. And what a night it was! The young actors gave a performance that had all the audience raving about how good it was. It is true that the parents were there, but also were many well known theatre personalities from this area; and they were just as thrilled as were the parents.
To name a few, I saw my old friend, Arden Murphy laughing and clapping his heart out. Mikki Probst was there as was Patrice White, and they both seemed to be enjoying the presentation.
The music, as always, was provided by Nina Venalainen, their faithful pianist. Nina has been providing music for Producer--Director Renee Perez for the past several years, starting with “Cinderella”, and continuing with “Damn Yankees”, “Music Man”, “Sound of Music” and “Guys and Dolls”,and now this current show. Besides spending endless hours doing the music for Renee’s productions, she also teaches piano during the day.
After the overture, during which you see some of the characters scurrying about, Jayce, as El Gallo, comes on stage and sings Try to Remember , and what a wonderful rendition he does. El Gallo introduces The Boy, The Girl, their Fathers and the wall that separates them. He explains that The Girl began to notice a change in her ugly duckling features when she reached 15. Now 16, her sudden prettiness has led her to suspect that she is a princess and that her glue paste necklace is real. In response to her enchantment with her newfound identity, she sings "Much More," a plea for a life that is beyond the everyday and full of magic - the kind of life for a girl meant "to be kissed upon the eyes."
Jacqueline Ruesga as Luisa, sings and acts more like a professional than a 10th grade student. The fathers, Juan Ramon Gonzalez and Rodney Ingram, are quite believable in their roles, and the duets they sing, such as “Never say No”, and then along with El Gallo, “It Depends on What you Pay”, are show stoppers. Matt, the boy, is aptly portrayed by Jeffrey Bernal. His energy doing his part is also fantastic. Speaking of energy, leads me to Henry and Mortimer, the “Actors” called upon by El Gallo from the prop box; they are hilarious. Their costumes are outrageous, and their antics superb. Diego Hernandez is Henry and D’Michael Williams is Mortimer. Last but certainly not least, is the Mute. She is on stage through out the performance, doing various things, like building the wall, but saying not a word. Good job, Miriam Baumgarten.
Needles to say, I was thrilled watching these young actors perform in this latest production. I am sorry if you missed it, but do not despair, for in March or April, Renee will be producing “My Fair Lady” at the American School. I promise you that I will be there, and I hope that you will be as well.