2007 Cappies Reviews
 
Alex Syiek (Engineer) shows maturity in character development unheard of in high school theater let alone high school musical theater. His pitch, perceivably, was perfect. He commands the stage and delivers much-needed humor to this lugubrious play. From the moment he enters in the first number sliding smoothly around the stage in his dingy whorehouse, seemingly thinking a pimp is a position of regality and prestige, it is clear how well intoned he is with his character. Caught in a torrent of talent, Syiek belongs on stage.
 
Alex Syiek is the Engineer; he not only plays the character of the Engineer, but gives the Engineer life that is rarely seen in a part portrayed by a high school student. With an identifiable walk and crooked stance, his complex and sinister character cannot be played any better.
 
Alex Syiek shines as the vibrantly spirited Engineer.  Syiek’s animated take on the character makes for a hilarious essence that steadily keeps the audience involved and alert.  His timing presents a professional experience for the audience, as well as a sense of the actor’s confidence and poise.
 
As the Engineer, Alex Syiek is breathtaking. His sinister character and magnificent vocals are overwhelming. Syiek commands the stage whenever he is on it and blows the audience away with his performances in “If You Want to Die in Bed” and “The American Dream”. His character never ceases to develop, from a pimp in Saigon to a communist lackey. Syiek is captivating.
 
Alex Syiek plays the Engineer, a cunning and devious brothel owner who is trying to get to America.  He is quite convincing with excellent mannerisms, clever line delivery, and amazing vocal talent.
 
Alex Syiek as the shifty, shady, seemingly-peripheral-but-not-when-you-really-think-about-it Engineer is fun and dark. Syiek, a formidable singer as well, captures the soul of his double-crossing character who only looks out for number one and is always ready to make a fast buck. He could be a one-man show in "The American Dream" and makes even his shiny, tacky suit look attractive.
 
Alex Syiek, in the role of the Engineer, brings a sense of character to a complex and confusing lead. His ability to fully capture the essence of the character through facial expressions, stance and voice is the main reason for his success in this role.
 
Alex Syiek portrayed the slimy Engineer with chilling accuracy.  The pimp and seller of flesh was fleshed out with skeletal movements and the subtlety afforded to a flashy, spineless, serpent.  While characteristically portrayed as selfish and self-serving, Syiek mastered a father-like undertone visible only in moments of desperation. Comically timed perfectly, and armed with a voice as two-sided as his character, Alex Syiek was a joy to to all the senses.
 
Alex Syiek, the Engineer, is presented one of the most difficult tasks as he narrates an all-vocal show.  He has a beautiful voice and winning charm. His show-stopping number, “The American Dream,” allows the Engineer’s “sick” mind to show.
 
Alex Syiek is a conniving, charismatic, self-serving, foolhardy pseudo-narrator, only vaguely connected to the main story, and he commands brilliantly his large chunks of stage time. His street smart Engineer gives the play its credibility and much of its depth. He shines in his first act showcase, "If You Want to Die in Bed” and especially in his big penultimate production number, “The American Dream." Syiek’s humorous facial expressions and body movements help to further embellish his character, and convincingly portray a man of an older age.
 
A man of entrepreneurship, Alex Syiek provided plenty of laughs as the Engineer, taking to the stage like a businessman full of class and character.  His comedic facial expressions, trembling responses to the Viet Cong, and excellent singing all made for a man of showbiz and style.
 
Pairing charisma with unparalleled comedic ingenuity, Alex Syiek captivates in his role as the conniving Engineer. While adding aspects of boisterous humor and physical comedy, Syiek displays exquisite vocal ability and innate wit. Syiek masterfully distinguishes the balance of comedy from drama, adding the proper amount of humor to each scene.