Reviews

Feedback from professional and student judges

Cameron Firoozi of Corona del Mar (Cappies)

"One of the most impressive aspects of the show was the immersive set design that helped stage every scene and really set each one apart in its own innovative way. At the front of the stage was a pile of snow that covered the whole floor, even leading to the house, as well as a bright red bench in the middle. Then in the back of the stage was the arresting display of the northern lights achieved by a wooden frame and various shades of blue green and purple string, to display this surreal effect of immersion into the world of Almost, Maine. Where Outericky's design excelled was with their three-piece interchangeable set, which had designs on either side that allowed for several distinctive looks, while also having the ability to effortlessly transform into a cabin gazebo-like structure that really fit with the narrative but also stood out from most other sets.

Cherry Xue of University (Cappies)

From snow-clad porches to run-down laundry mats, the set design (Danika Outericky) stuns. Three platforms are rotated and connected to construct each scene, perfectly suiting the quick-paced vignette-based nature of the play. White, snowy floors spill out from the apron onto the floor below, thrusting the snowy wonderland beyond its confines, and into the intimate space of the audience.

In a true display of innovation, a captivating constellation of recycled water bottles towers over the performance to create the recurring motif of the mystical Northern Lights. Vivid pinks, purples, and greens reflected by the bottles blend into an ethereal frenzy in tender moments of emotion