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The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

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“The Stinky Cheese Man:” A ‘gouda’ time

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Junior Daniel Cottrell performs his solo as the Stinky Cheese Man, accompanied by dramatic smoke and an old-style microphone. Photo by George Lu.

Overexaggerating and taking a refreshing interpretation on classic fairy tales, “The Stinky Cheese Man” woos audiences with its wit and lively acting. Featuring appearances from familiar fairy tale protagonists, such as Jack from “Jack and the Beanstalk” and the Princess from “The Frog Prince,” and some not-so-familiar fairy tale protagonists, like Cinderrumpelstiltskin (a mix of “Cinderella” and “Rumpelstiltskin”), it puts a comical twist to classic stories.

The acting by the cast is very well done, with the production willing to go all out in using accents, body humor and exaggeration. Because of the overall captivating and intriguing effect, the audience will leave with a satisfied feeling.

Some standout performances are noted especially from junior Daniel Cottrell as the Stinky Cheese Man, sophomore Claire Eberhart as the Princess, sophomore Jason Pollak as the Frog Prince and sophomore Jackson Kienitz as Jack. The actors fully immerse themselves in their roles, which leads to believable and enjoyable performances.

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The Princess, played by sophomore Claire Eberhart, inspects the Frog Prince, played by sophomore Jason Pollak. Photo by George Lu.

The set works well to accommodate the different stories, which even include a smoke machine. The special effects definitely add polish to the whole performance and make it professional.

Director Tony Kienitz wrote the play, a witty piece that often breaks the fourth wall to talk to the audience, giving it a casual and conversational tone. The tone allows for the play to easily flow and be followed by the audience.

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Senior Jamie Garcia as the Wicked Stepmother in the parody of “Cinderella” leads a musical number. Photo by Alex Merkle-Raymond.

Many of the jokes are excellent for those who feel they are kids at heart or would enjoy exaggerated humor, so if you want a good laugh, be sure to check out “The Stinky Cheese Man.” Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 in the Haymarket Theater. Tickets will be $5 and will be sold online and at the door.

Check out The Paly Voice’s video preview for “The Stinky Cheese Man” here.

Alex Merkle-Raymond and George Lu also contributed to this story.

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