June 12, 2020
Junior high teacher Kristen Caldwell reviews 10th grader Becca Barnes performance just before the governor’s mandate of stay- at-home shut down Journey Theater’s performances. Caldwell was also Barnes’ teacher for the Technical Theatre class as the Junior High Drama class for the past three years.
As a member of Portland Christian's Oregon Thespian Troupe, Barnes has also acted in PCS’ The Wizard of Oz musical production. She is part of the choir and had a solo part in the choir's 2019 Christmas performance at the The Grotto.
The following is Caldwell’s review of Barnes’ performance.
So many things were cancelled this spring! Including the second half of performances for Journey theater's production of “Shrek the Musical”.
But, anyone who was blessed enough to get over to Milwaukie for one of the earlier performances by this company had their socks knocked off by one Portland Christian High School student, Becca Barnes. In the part of the Dragon, Barnes’ voice belted through the audience with the confidence and showmanship of a true diva.
The dragon's song, “Forever,” is a rocky love ballad that's punchy and vocally demanding. The piece has a certain gospel quality (very Broadway-like) to which most young voices couldn't do justice. Barnes did not disappoint in this role. We were supposed to be looking at the dragon, and we were - a huge puppet with eye-popping color and movement - but we couldn't keep our eyes off of the vibrant and energetic actress (Barnes) who accompanies and voices the multi-puppeteered armature puppet on stage. Where the puppet could not bring facial expression, or emotional energy Barnes brought it! Her gorgeous voice stole the show and with a recent reprise fresh in their memories, the audience erupted with cheers for Barnes as the dragon entered for curtain call.
It is no surprise that Barnes has been honored with a nomination in the Outstanding Young Female Performer category for her first PAMTA (Portland Area Musical Theatre Awards) this spring. PAMTA’s mission is to recognize outstanding achievements in the performance of musical theatre each year.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Shrek and to Becca for this wonderful performance and PAMTA nomination (https://pamtaawards.com/2019-2020/)!