Photo Credit: Raphael Ghieuw Sien
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December 19, 2009
Nicole Pham
Students packed the gym for the winter assembly Dec. 18, but the annual event was cut earlier than in previous years. Student activities director Helen Paris released students ten minutes before first period was scheduled to start, explaining the gesture as a type of holiday reward.
The assembly, though shortened, maintained its usual sequence of events. Athletics director Mike Tripp announced the $2,500 check awarded to the football team for their entry in a video contest. Balancing athletics with academics, vice principal Lance Miller acknowledged those with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
After the administrators’ announcements, the festivities began with senior Kimberly Chatterjee singing “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Sports team members and teachers appeared as Chatterjee sang about each “day”. English teacher Debi Pavlecic (pictured) was among the six teachers acting as the “geese a-laying”. Students played games with seasonal themes, competing within classes. The school band, conducted by senior Christopher Valdez and band teacher Duane Mitchell, played sets of holiday music between the various games.
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December 1, 2009
Paige Castren
Bilbo Baggins was reluctant to go on a adventure, but Allison D’ Ambrosio threw herself into it, literally. Her size, voice, pointy ears and hairy feet made her a convincing hobbit, whose expressions stole Irvington Conservatory Theatre’s production of “The Hobbit”, which closed Nov. 22. From the front row, you could see her eyes pop out when the dwarfs talked about dragons and trolls. D’ Ambrosio used body language appropriately after putting the ring on and becoming invisible.
“The Hobbit” is about Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, joining a group of dwarfs to go on an adventure to rescue their treasure from the dragon, Smaug. Along the way they meet elves, trolls and goblins, and Bilbo discovers a ring that brings him great power. The play covers all the major events from J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel and leaves out some minor events, especially in the end. Some fans of the book might not enjoy it, but if you are not picky, it is definitely worthwhile.
Even though the book has all male characters, the overwhelming female cast provided a new twist. Nicole Mitchell did an excellent job portraying the wizard, Gandalf. Her voice and mysterious presence added to the whole production. Fili and Kili, played by Kristina Haran and Rachel Ho respectively, added spunk to the group of dwarfs. The whole group was different from the grumpy old men in the novel.
The costumes and makeup made these magical creatures come to life. Gollum, played by Ian Kreeger, was wrapped in slimy looking fabric complete with a creepy mask. The Great Goblin, played by Ilia Johnson, was complete with a life-like mask. It was hard to distinguish between the trolls, Essie, played by Emily Raboy, and Bert, played by Samantha Rasler, because of their warty noses and chins. The Elven Queen, played by Melissa Caban, wore a dress complete with leaves and vines. Even Smaug, played by Ray D’ Ambrosio and Larry Raboy, came to life complete with a booming voice, smoke, and puppeteers moving its tail, hands and head.
The set was rustic and simple, but versatile. The rotating set in the middle of the stage acted as Gollum’s throne, the secret entrance to the cave and the interior of the cave. The door to Bilbo Baggin’s home was cute and was even complete with hooks to hang the dwarfs’ hats on. Inside the home there was a fireplace, a table with benches and a rocking chair, that made it feel cozy. Vultures stared down at the audience from the top of the stage. Trees and vines wrapped around the edge of the stage and even the curtain was brown adding to the mood.
Special effects added a great deal to this production. Gandalf’s staff lit up and made noise when he performed a spell. The river was created by lights and sound. Appropriate music played between scenes whether it was adventure or daunting. Thorin, played by Brian Barrientez II, had an elvish sword glowed. When a storm hit, lightning was projected in the background. When Bilbo was invisible, he was showered in green light.
The characters took the action into the audience as well when the dwarfs marched off to their adventure and when the goblin fight took place.
This heavy-dialogued play came to life thanks to the lead characters’ expressions and charisma and the sound effects. It was definitely enjoyable to watch.
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