An inspiring performance of 'Stand and Deliver'

    Stand and Deliver was originally a movie in 1988 and is about teacher Jaime Escalante and his journey to teach inner-city kids higher level math. He starts with his basic arithmetic class in 1980 and with his unorthodox teaching styles, he has them successfully learning calculus by the their senior year in 1981. But when his students successfully complete the AP Calculus exam with flying colors and all get the same questions wrong, the Educational Testing Service comes after them, saying they cheated on the exam. Escalante, however, is right there, still encouraging the kids, and they eventually retake the test, once again passing.

Mike Peak was an inspirational actor as Jaime Escalante. He gave a beautiful representation of the man while adding his own details to the character. Victoria Cepeda was spectacular and gripping, and her monologue of the hatred of men was incredible. Her lines meant more then just a set of words to her, and you could tell she felt what her character Claudia went through. Lupe Escobar, played by Gabriela Flores, was hysterical with her monologue and delivery throughout the play.

The ensemble had the most impact on the play, as the entirety of Escalante's class made you feel like you were back in the 1980 class. Everything was realistic, especially the way the Spanish was spoken. The students spoke Spanish like it was their second language. The Spanish gang was also extremely realistic and Xavier Acevedo did a great job as the gang leader Chuco.

The stage crew mastered the multiple scene changes in the show, and despite a few lighting hiccups, worked quickly and efficiently. The thought-radio sequence by Kyle Thompson in the second act helped show the characters in a new light while they were working on the test and was a wonderful addition to the show.

Lindenwold produced a very difficult show in its adaptation of Stand And Deliver and pulled it off extremely well.

by Zach Workman of Sun Valley High School