Press

Honk if you enjoy youth theater
by W. Fred Crow
Fremont Bulletin - January 17, 2008

Star Struck Musical Theatre brings to life the award-winning stage production, "HONK! The Ugly Duckling Musical," a delightful family pleasure everyone can enjoy. Lori Stokes directs the cast of more than 45 geese and ducks and chickens and fish and frogs and cats and swans, with a polished flair. This is community theater and the cast is mostly young people, but the production comes off as professional. From the set to costumes to lighting to the music to the singing, "HONK!" is good theater. Read the complete article...

Honk! A modern take on the Ugly Duckling
by Janet Grant
Tri-City Voice - January 15, 2008

The barnyard has come to life at Ohlone College's Jackson Theatre. And what a wild and far-out place it is too as StarStruck Theatre presents Honk! The Ugly Duckling Musical. Loosely based on the children's fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, British composer George Stiles and writer Anthony Drewe have added a few twists and a number of cheery songs in their award-winning musical. Read the complete article...

Starstruck stages tale of ugly duckling in Fremont
Youth theater group performs at Ohlone College
by Todd R. Brown, Staff Writer
Fremont Argus - January 12, 2008

A musical based on the 19th-century Danish fairy tale about how inner beauty trumps mere good looks is gracing the stage at Ohlone College's Smith Center. "Honk!" based on Hans Christian Andersen's classic story of an ugly duckling that transforms into a sightly swan, runs through January thanks to StarStruck Theatre, a 12-year-old youth performance group based in Fremont. Read the complete article...

Star Struck touching in "Beauty and the Beast"
by W. Fred Crow
Fremont Bulletin - August 9, 2007

Over the years, Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" has had to face the two-headed challenge of time and exposure. The world has changed since the musical opened on Broadway in April 1994. Beauty and that Beast have appeared on stage, on the big screen, on television, in books, and in cartoons over the decades. And still, the story stands the test of time. In the hands of director Lori Stokes, the product remains vibrant, energetic, and relevant. Read the complete article...

Theater Review - Beauty and the Beast
by Janet Grant
Tri-City Voice - July 31, 2007

There is crispness in the air, but definite magic on the stage of Fremont's Ohlone College Amphitheatre as StarStruck Theatre presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast. With StarStruck's most recent Broadway musical foray, Director Lori Stokes yet again delivers the theatrical excellence and topnotch entertainment we have come to expect from this award-winning theatre troupe. Read the complete article...

If you believe, Star Struck's "Peter Pan" is a must see
by W. Fred Crow
Fremont Bulletin - January 18, 2007

Star Struck Musical Theatre brings to its stage "Peter Pan," that perennial classic of charm and youth just right for young and old. Director Lori Stokes pulled out the stops to entertain. From the stunning Neverland curtain that is simply eye candy, to a set engulfed in color and imagination, Star Struck's "Pan" packs a punch. And I'm picky when it comes to Peter's tale. You see, "Peter Pan" was the first live play I remember seeing. The year was 1956 and I saw Mary Martin fly. Today's youth may remember Cathy Rigby or Sandy Duncan reprising the role of Peter Pan, but for we baby boomers, Mary Martin will always be Peter.  Read the complete article...

Flying - in cable ready format
by Steve Warga
Tri-City Voice - January 16, 2007

No doubt the ancient Greeks were not the first humans to dream of flying like birds, but they are credited with creating the story of a flight to freedom on wings of waxed feathers crafted by Deadalus, a renowned inventor and adventurer. The story tells of Daedalus warning his son, Icarus, that flying too close to the sun would cause the wax to melt. However, Icarus grew so enthralled with his ability to fly that he forgot the warning, flew too near the sun, and plunged to his death in the sea.  Read the complete article...

Peter Pan - a musical worth crowing about
by Janet Grant
Tri-City Voice - January 16, 2007

With the opening of their newest musical Peter Pan, StarStruck Theatre asks the all important question, "Do you believe in magic?" After watching children fly, a dog acting as a nursemaid, a mother hiding a boy's shadow in a clothes drawer, and pirates doing the Tango, I would have to say a resounding, "Yes!" Read the complete article...

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" a treat
by W. Fred Crow, The Arts
Milpitas Post/Fremont Bulletin - August 3, 2006

Star Struck Theatre once again brings a palette of talent and a pile of pizzazz to the stage with its production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie." This is a complete show, a comprehensive affair, a show equal with the professionals. Not much is missed, with much to enjoy. Read the complete article...

Small town girl makes modern in Manhattan
by Janet Grant
Tri-City Voice - August 1, 2006

It's an ageless story _ small town girl escapes to the big city to find adventure and marry wealth. Along the way she encounters intrigue, zany characters, and jazz! Well at least it's ageless in the beautiful hillside confines of the Ohlone College Amphitheatre in StarStruck Theatre's production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.  Read the complete article...

Revenge of the Drama Geeks
Why it's almost cool to be a theater kid
by Chad Jones, Staff Writer
Fremont Argus - May 21, 2006

At her elementary school, Amy Mendonca is known as "the drama geek."  "I'm the girl who sings show tunes day in and day out — any show tune," says 11-year-old Amy, a sixth grader at Joshua Chadbourne Elementary in Fremont.  Theater has never, ever been seen as the cool after school option for young people, at least not when compared to sports. Read the complete article...

A Review of Star Struck's 'A Year with Frog and Toad'
by Dan Harper
Bay Area Theater Bums - January 19, 2006

Starstruck Theatre, of Fremont, debuted "A Year with Frog and Toad" last weekend to Bay Area audiences unsure of what to expect. Given the title "A Year with Frog and Toad" I almost made the mistake of dismissing this musical gem. The title gave me the knee-jerk reaction of  "Ugg! A kiddie show?!?"  Let me put one thing on the table right now: this is NOT a "Barney" show. It exceeded my expectations as it did the entire audience. "A Year with Frog and Toad" demonstrates a strong undertone of maturity in the foundation of this musical's deceptively simple subject matter which makes watching these performers a treat for adults and a very fun diversion for four year olds. Read the complete article...

Star Struck's 'Anything Goes': Just About Perfect
by W. Fred Crow, The Arts
Milpitas Post - August 11, 2005

I usually reserve room in my reviews for growth and improvement and change so that, when you visit a show I recommend, it might be that much better an experience. However, I don't believe Star Struck Musical Theatre's production of Cole Porter's, "Anything Goes" can actually get any better.  Read the complete article...

Don't Miss the Boat - See Anything Goes
by Praveena Raman
Tri-City Voice - August 9, 2005 

Star Struck's S. S. Ocean liner had its maiden voyage on Friday August 5 in Fremont, California. More than 200 passengers and crew set sail at 8:15 p.m. from the Ohlone College Amphitheater under clear starry skies. About 50 of the passengers and crew with a comical disposition and musical talent set out to entertain the remaining passengers. Read the complete article...

Anything Goes opens August 5 despite setback
by Praveena Raman
Tri-City Voice - July 27, 2005 

Star Struck Musical Theatre's summer production "Anything Goes" will be opening on August 5 at the Ohlone College Outdoor Amphitheater, 43600 Mission Boulevard Fremont, CA 94539. Directed by Lori Stokes, this Cole Porter musical stars more than fifty youth aged 7-19 from different parts of the East Bay; many from the Tri-City area. This production also showcases some of this musical theatre's alumni, who are pursuing theatrical degrees, in the roles of Assistant Director, Vocal Director and Stage Manager.  Read the complete article...

Star Struck's lively ode to Dr. Seuss a family treat
by W. Fred Crow, The Arts
Milpitas Post - January 20, 2005

What a delight! From the opening curtain through to the closing bows, "Seussical the Musical" charms young and old alike. Dr. Seuss is awash with powerful bold colors and lively songs and a presentation filled with pizzazz. This Seussical musical is a completely satisfying package. Nothing lacking. Star Struck Musical Theatre is presenting its latest staged offering, "Seussical the Musical," at the Ohlone College, Jackson Theatre, in Fremont through Jan. 23. Seriously, take the family, take your nieces and nephews, take the grandkids, or just take yourself. This is a staged treat.   Read the complete article...

Seussical the Musical
by Veronica Velasquez
Tri-City Voice - January 17, 2005 

Oh, the amazing things you'll see! Oh, the magnificent singing you'll hear! It's Seussical the Musical based on the works of Dr. Seuss, and adapted from the book of the same name by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. This isn't child's play...well, technically, it is, but it's so much more than that. It's clever, and amazing, and hilarious, and beautiful, and....oh, don't miss it!
Read the complete article...

There's Great Theater Right Here in Fremont
by Jaime Richards
Fremont Argus - September 4, 2004

Fremont is one of the larger cities in the country - we rank somewhere about 80th. We're nearly the same size as Madison, Wis., Akron, Ohio, and Baton Rouge, La. - cities with an identity. I live in Fremont but I've heard of Madison (the University of Wisconsin), Akron (tires and rubber) and Baton Rouge (the state capital). But I bet not many people living in those cities have heard of Fremont.   Read the complete article...

StarStruck Stages Must-See Birdie
by W. Fred Crow, The Arts
Milpitas Post - August 19, 2004

The gentleness of the 1950s does exist and is in pleasant quantities in Star Struck Music Theatre's latest production, "Bye Bye Birdie." Unencumbered by the simplest of plots, "Birdie" is a story about one last kiss. Conrad Birdie (Evan Boomer) is off to the Army a la Elvis and as a publicity stunt, offers to pucker one on sweet teen Kim Macafee (Juliane Godfrey) before getting his marching orders.   Read the complete article...

No Ugly Ducklings in Star Struck's HONK!
by W. Fred Crow, The Arts
Fremont Bulletin - December 27, 2003 

Star Struck Musical Theatre strikes gold again, this time with the award-winning musical, "HONK!," written by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The talented duo adapted the gentle tale of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Ugly Duckling" to music and stage. Fairly new to these American shores, "HONK!" is the enchanting tale that reaches children through the frolicking nonsense of some off-the-wall barnyard characters, and will still delight the not so young with a deeper sense of fun with meaning.  Read the complete article...

Behind the Scenes at Star Struck Musical Theatre
Where Dreams Come True
by Praveena Raman
Tri-City Voice - December 9, 2003 

It’s a busy day at Star Struck Studios.  With just three weeks for Honk!  to open,  the cast of 45 are busy rehearsing Act 2. Suddenly the door opens and Marlene comes bursting in, full of energy, with a big smile and a box in her hand.  Christmas has come early to Star Struck.  She rips it open saying “It’s from Canada.”  Out comes a yellow underskirt used for Square dancing  Read the complete article...

Behind the Scenes at Star Struck Musical Theatre
Where Adults and Youth Find Opportunity...
by Praveena Raman
Tri-City Voice - November 18, 2003 

Sitting on a chair with my eyes closed I relax and hear the whimsical music taking me away to a sunshine filled place with chirping birds and gobbling turkeys, soothing my tired body and mind.  I open my eyes as the sweet voices fill the place in tune to the music.  This is not Symphony Hall - it is the Star Struck studio where music director Dr. Nancy Godfrey and vocal director Jeff Oliveira are hard at work rehearsing the music with the Honk! Choir.    Read the complete article...

Star Struck Musical Theatre Celebrates Family with Honk! A Musical Tale of the Ugly Duckling
by Praveena Raman
Tri-City Voice - November 4, 2003 

On their new website at www.starstrucktheatre.org , Fremont’s Star Struck Musical Theatre invites the community to “Consider yourself part of our family!” and join them for a season of family entertainment.  In keeping with this they have announced their 2003-2004 season where, with the musicals Honk!, Oliver and Bye Bye Birdie, the community will explore how different families struggle together, grow together, help each other and make each other strong.   Read the complete article...

Youngsters Perform Beyond Their Years for 'Into The Woods'
by W. Fred Crow, The Arts
Fremont Bulletin - July 31, 2003 

After seeing the latest staged offering from Star Struck Children's Theatre, I had to readjust my theater senses. This wasn't a child's play that was merely nice. This was real theater carried off nicely by young people! Read the complete article...

Children's Theater Still Stars in Fremont
by T. T. Nhu
San Jose Mercury News - April 18, 2003 

At a time when many community theatrical groups are in danger of folding, Fremont's Star Struck Children's Theatre has been mounting two to three successful shows a year. ''We always sell out,'' said founder Lori Stokes, who also directs the productions. Read the complete article...

Fremont Children's Theater has Faithful Following
by W. Fred Crow, The Arts
Fremont Bulletin - September 28, 2002 

In the beginning was Lori. And Lori loved children and the theater. And Lori combined her enthusiasm and energy, talents and training and founded the Star Struck Children's Theatre in Fremont just seven years ago. And like a number of other community theater houses, Star Struck Children's Theatre continues to grow and be successful serving the local area children and community. Read the complete article...

Stars to Shine on Fremont Stage
By Sandhya Somashekhar
The Argus - May 25, 2001

Getting to Broadway seemed a little far-fetched for four local young performers, so Broadway is coming to them. On Sunday, Kristin Stokes, 15, Courtney Stokes, 12, Mekala Raman, 12, and Karen Joshi, 10, will sing alongside Tony Galde -- a former Bay Area resident who lives in New York and performs regularly on Broadway. Read the complete article...