Show: Once Upon A Mattress Director: Joseph Russo

Craig Lucas is an American playwright, screenwriter, theatre director, musical actor, and film director who states: As an artist, I believe that the point of all drama is to give the audience a fuller appreciation, an understanding of reality. Obviously, there is no single way to do this; there are an infinite number of ways. Plays can turn reality on its head; they can turn it inside out and confuse all the issues so that the audience is left with a heap of unanswered questions. But if a play leaves the heart, mind, body and soul untouched, unenlightened, that is unpardonable There is no doubt that this years roster of dramas and musicals certainly touched the heart and soul of their audiences and our evaluation committee as well. Often, that heartwarming feeling can be attributed to a fabulously written script and a visually inspiring setbut just as often it is the result of having witnessed the growth of an individual, the passion and enthusiasm of an ensemble, the love and nurturing that is evident in the relationship between a teacher and a student, the obvious committed team work so apparent in our visits to each of the twenty-three schools that we evaluated this season. We hope you never lose sight of the true value of mounting a production: the lasting memories, the personal growth, the camaraderie and fun! In our opinion it far surpasses the momentary thrill of winning an award.

Evaluators rated all criteria Average ~ Good ~ Very Good ~ Excellent ~ Outstanding
Red Bank Regionals musical production was a delightful retelling of a classic fairy talewhere everyone lives happily ever after. The characters are quirky, the musical score memorable and the mad-cap jokes and baudy behaviour abounds. Performed by an enthusiastic and talented group of actors, singers and dancers, guided by a technical team extraordinairethis production was fun from beginning to the happily ever after end! The evaluators overall rating of this show ranged from Very Good to Excellent

Technical Categories Direction: Evaluators used the following criteria for assessment
Effective communication of themes and story Staging/Blocking/stage pictures Unity of all production elements Utilization of Resources

Evaluators found the Direction to be Very Good Pacing was excellent, stage pictures not always visually appealing. Difficult to achieve with very large ensembles that are just blocked in clumps or rows. Transitions were smooth as were all of the set changes. Evaluators would like to have seen more consistent

energy from the chorusmore in the moment honest reactions. Several of the leads delivered one-note character interpretations and lost a great deal of the humor that is imbedded in this script. Many excellent character interpretations and a fine cast of thespians who understand the craft. Since the stage provided so many interesting levels evaluators suggest that it isnt always necessary to bring the vocals down center and keep them there for the entire song.

Set / Scenic Design: Evaluators used the following criteria for assessment
Created mood / atmosphere Established sense of time and space Appropriate size and proportion Maintains location Well executed / construction / design

Evaluators found the Set / Scenic design to be Excellent Absolutely beautiful set design. One evaluator suggested using a curtain or banner on the colonnade to create additional locations just by revolving it. Overall very effective and creative and very well constructed. The Bed was terrific.

Costume Design: Evaluators used the following criteria for assessment

Created mood / atmosphere Established sense of time and space Ease of movement for actors Well constructed

Evaluators found the Costume design to range from Excellent to Outstanding Beautful, rich and charming. A nice color palette that worked with the set design. Be sure to make necessary sewing alterations so that actors are not fumbling with straps and hems. Freds slip left a bit to be desired in regards to the fitLadies in waiting looked fabulous, as did the Royal Family. One knowledgeable evaluator noted, Some of the male costumes were late 16th century, and the girls 13th century.

Lighting Design: Evaluators used the following criteria for assessment

Created mood / atmosphere Established sense of time and place Visibility enhanced the production Helped focus audiences attention Well executed / timing and cues etc.

Evaluators found the Lighting design to range from Very Good to Excellent Good use of spots, all cues met in timely manner. Used appropriately to focus the audiences attention.

Musical Direction: Evaluators used the following criteria for assessment

Vocal
Intonation Harmonies Diction Phrasing Style / Integrity to Score

Music Serves The Story

Seamlessness from scene to song Sensitive to theatrical aspect of music Appropriate use of scene change music Tempos appropriate to flow and pace of the production Balance and Blend between sections Balance With Singers Scale is appropriate to piece and space Intonation within and between sections Integrity to the score / Tempos

Orchestra

Evaluators assessed the musical direction to range from Excellent to Outstanding A professional sounding group of musicians, played with expertise and precision. Excellent balance with the vocalists. Harmonies, and all vocals very well rehearsed and sung. Diction outstanding as well. Set change music was appropriate and perfectly timed.

Choreography: Evaluators used the following criteria for assessment

Interpretation / Effective Communication of Theme Staging / Blocking / Stage Pictures Structure and Vocabulary Musicality Evaluators found the choreography to be Very Good Simple and well executed. Some of the ensemble scenes were a bit crowded. Not the most enthusiastic ensemble .they lacked a certain sparkle. Nice stage pictures.

Performance Categories
Actors: Evaluators used the following criteria for assessment Interpretation of character Diction and dialogue Stage movement / blocking Stage presence / dynamics Relationship with fellow actors

Fred: Dani Berkowitz: Assessed as Excellent to Outstanding Ms. Berkowitz certainly knocked it out of the park vocally. Highly evolved acting skilled and a wonderfully nuanced performance. Not always believable, but she certainly kept the audience entertained with her highly energetic and confident presence. Her Fred was definitely sexier and more contemporary then most the evaluators have seen.but those were her character choices and it seemed to work for the most part. Fred: Joelle Missry: Assessed as Very Good An extremely animated performance, filled with energy and zest. Rhythm, clarity and diction in her vocals was terrific: she did however, have several pitch issues. A spunky character interpretation. Lady Larkin: Madelyn Monoghan: Assessed as Excellent to Outstanding A delightful young actress/singer. Great diction, expression and vocals. Great natural blocking and movement, always in the moment and very believable in this role. Good interaction with others. A highlight in this production for several of the evaluators. Queen: Elizabeth Percy: Assessed as Very Good Evaluators would like to have seen more layering of character. The Queen was mean..yes.but, oh so much more. Work on finding additional ways to show anger, frustration, anxiety, rage.there are many options besides yelling. Dont forget she is also sly, vane, viciousa more subtle interpretation might have made her a more likeable character and that would have translated to more laughs from the audience. Good movement, diction and projection. King: Ari Beller: Assessed as Excellent: Good job at owning the stage with excellent miming skills and movement. Great energy and enthusiasm. Strong evidence of character developmentgood interaction an imaginative and creative portrayal. Prince Dauntless: Reid Henderson: Assessed as Excellent to Outstanding Animated, focused and always in the moment. Great stage presence and tons of energy. One evaluator felt that Prince Dauntless was basically a sweet guyand not one to give glib reactions to Fred. Mr. Henderson is a natural and believable performergreat potential here. Wizard: Dan Rosen: Assessed as Very Good to Excellent Great character voice choice.fantastic interpretation of character. He made the role his own. Good line delivery. Fun to watchoverall excellent performance. Jester: Nolan Mendoza: Assessed as: Good to Very Good A confident stage presence and energy. Committed to his character choicesfun to watch. Dancing left a bit to be desiredbut a valiant effort nonetheless. Minstrel: Abby Russo: Assessed as: Good to Very Good A sweet interpretation of the Minstrel. Vocally challenged by the demands of the score. Some good interaction with her cohorts.

Sir Harry: Jack Kelleher Assessed as: Very Good to Excellent Nice job with character evolvement. Good vocals and nice harmonies with Lady Larkin. Good chemistry with his beloved.