Fruit of the Drama Department

Madison Baldo
Photographer

The Drama Department at Mira Costa is famous for performing musicals and plays that astonish audiences with the show-stopping dance numbers and astounding acting. The department staged its fall musical, “The Apple Tree,” from Nov. 13 through Nov. 21, which was worth biting into.

This creative mix of three different acts rolled into one play appeals to all ages. The first act, “The Diary of Adam and Eve,” documents the discoveries and tribulations of the first couple on earth (seniors Russell Sperberg and Sarah Mitchell).

The second, “The Lady or the Tiger,” is a tale of the forbidden love between a princess (junior Selena Feliciano) and a soldier (senior Tyler Duncan), and how their relationship is put to the ultimate test.

“Passionella” ends the show. In it a chimney sweep (senior Shannon Morrissey) wants to be a movie star. Her Fairy Godmother (junior Juli Sanders) grants her request, but this wish keeps her from being with her true love (senior Ben Silva).

The actors were wonderful in their multiple roles. Sperberg and Mitchell were engaging as Adam and Eve, while Silva oozed charm as the Serpent and as Flip, Passionella’s true love. Feliciano and Duncan were excellent as Princess Barbara and Sanjar. Morrissey and Sanders were humorous as Passionella and her Fairy Godmother, while Juniors Laurel Andersen and Oriana Inferrera were energetic as the second and third acts’ narrators.

The musical talent was obvious, with the chorus of voices delivering humorous and heartfelt melodies. The songs stuck in audiences’ heads long after leading the auditorium, with quirky but cute lyrics and music flowing with perfect harmony.

The sets were simple but gave the stage a sweet and pleasant look. The magical part was that each setting was unique, transporting audiences to three new worlds. The Garden of Eden was decked out with beautiful flowers and leaves, giving a cheery glow. The exotic colors and glitter that cover the palace were effective, and the razzle-dazzle of Passionella’s life overwhelmed the eyes.

It was impossible not to notice the costumes that the actors donned throughout the play. Brightly colored fabrics and unusual patterns with jewelry, lace, and beading brought out the characters’ personalities.

‘The Apple Tree’ was a solid play anddelicious to the core, living up to the Drama Department’s traditional excellence.