Come out to support your fellow Cardinals in their magnetic performance of City of Angels! Opening on November 1, this play promises to deliver a night of fun, emotion, and great music.
The play follows two storylines simultaneously. The first follows Stine (Lake Lewis ‘18), an author, whose novel is in the process of being transformed into a screenplay. Stine, along with his agent, portrayed by Luca Rogoff ’18, are hoping to find success in moving the book from page to screen. Stine is sympathetic but flawed, and his relationship with his wife Gabby, played by Jaidyn Lam ‘18, has the audience emotionally invested within their first interaction.
The second story follows the novel that Stine has written. The story depicts private investigator Stone (Simon Matisse ’18), who is meant to mirror Stine, and his perception of himself. Stone hesitantly takes on a new client, Alura (Mckenna Kerns ’19), and from there a plot of mystery, romance, and suspense unfolds.
While the production’s plot is engaging, the relationships between characters truly captivates the audience. Stone and his assistant, Ms. Oolie (Lily Staton ’18), have chemistry and a sense of partnership that is wonderful to watch. Staton and Matisse have worked side-by-side in many productions before, including The Wedding Singer, and their working relationship shines on stage. They play off each other easily and have clearly established a deep trust.
The production even finds a way to build chemistry with characters that cross the story line boundaries. I was lucky enough to sit in on a run-through of the play, and one of my favorite parts was the performance of “What You Don’t Know About Women.” A duet sung by Staton and Lam, the song bridges two realities through a shared emotional experience. Both actors have beautiful voices, and Staton’s clear vibrato mixes well with Lam’s smooth low notes.
Michael Cimino and Mark Hoover are directing City of Angels. Mark ensures that every song is a myriad of perfectly blended harmonies, while still allowing every student’s voice to shine. Mike creates chemistry and timing unlike any other.
Cimino and Hoover have created a play that is fun from start to finish. City of Angels runs November 1-4. Make sure to come out and benefit not only your classmates, but also yourself!