Written by orange• April 7, 2025• 2:39 pm• Costa Mesa, Review, Theater, Uncategorized, Vanguard Uni

World Premiere: Journey to the Center of the Earth @ Vanguard University – Review

Photo credit: Julia Flores

Written by Zack Johnston

Vanguard University’s Lyceum Theater presents Journey to the Center of the Earth, a comedic multimedia adaptation of the classic Jules Vern novel. This highly technical production creatively brings this subterranean science fiction to the stage.

Adapted by Amanda Fagan and directed by Susan K. Berkompas, the play is simultaneously an homage to the original source material and a campy, farcical reimagining of it.

Story:

Professor Hardwick and his reluctant nephew, Harry, set out on a daring expedition to discover what really lies beneath the Earth’s surface. As their journey progresses and more travelers join the adventure. The team discovers worlds unknown, full of danger at every turn.

Much of the show’s success relies on the strength of the cast and their ability to collaborate and find humor in every corner. They work together more like a slow-building ensemble, acquiring new members as their journey sets in.

Acting:

Gregory Dodd (Hardwick) embodies the overly ambitious scientist driven by a need for discovery, with Chase Pebelier (Harry) playing up the comedy of his timid character confronting his fears. Shekinah Rainwater (Gretchen) is a delight as Harry’s adventure-seeking fiance and a great contrast to her co-stars.

Other standouts in this cast include Matthew Barge (Bear), Faith Horne (Mayor Finsen), and Alex Norman (Ensemble). Each actor delivers a fully fledged character, complete with a dynamic of total ridiculousness.

Innovative Tech:

What sets this production apart is the creative embrace of technology not typically seen in live theater. Not only does it help with the spatial limitations of a normal theater, but it also specifically provides this show with a layer of pure silliness and imagination.

Berkompas took direct inspiration from Brian Newell’s King Kong at the Maverick Theater in Fullerton, CA. Through the use of a green screen with a live video feed and rear projection, the adventure and comedy of this adaptation truly became larger than life. The actors work in tandem with a vast audio and visual effects crew to create a live theater experience that continues offstage using an array of miniatures, puppets, and special set pieces. Even when the physical stage is empty, the action continues on screen with the help of clever theatrics and forced perspective.

Overall:

This blending of stage performance and digital effects also makes possible the show’s metatheatrical humor. Intentional gaffes, crude stagecraft, and moments of plain absurdity are found in this over-the-top comedy’s right moments.