Review of Cinderella at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  Did you know there are more than 1500 versions of "Cinderella" from all over the world? The origins of the story date back to the ninth century China! The modern version, written Charles Perrault, is over three hundred years old! What all these stories have in common are the essential qualities in CTC's production as well, that whatever its title, "Cinderella" is a story of hope, redemption, and perseverance. excerpt from the program of the Children's Theatre Company production of Cinderella.

The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, under the direction of Peter C. Brosius, is definitely putting its own unique spin on this classic tale. Their production of Cinderella is filled with over the top humor, slapstick, physical humor, modern pop culture references, and audience participation. This is not your typical Disney-style princess show. This Cinderella, and her hilarious step-sisters and mother, entertains girls and boys of all ages. The audience was roaring with laughter, shouting, standing up, and sitting back breathless from the beauty and pacing. Bravo, cast and crew! Don't leave your boys at home, they will be hooting and hollering at Dean Holt and Reed Sigmund, who play the stepsisters, Autumn Ness as the wicked Stepmother, and a large ensemble cast of dancers with high energy, gorgeous costumes, and a fascinating set.  I'll let the photos, taken by Dan Norman of CTC, illustrate.

Traci Allen as Cinderella

Can a poor, orphaned girl really dare to dream of beautiful dances and magical nights?

What happens when she tries on the slipper?

Dean Holt as Pearl, Reed Sigmund as Dorcas, and Autumn Ness as the Stepmother

Who might try to get in the way of Cinderella's happiness?

Nathan Barlow as the Prince

Everyone wants a piece of the Prince!

Traci Allen and Nathan Barlow

Dreams really do come true.

Magic, dreams, sparkles, and help from your friends, what more does a girl need to feel loved?

The Children's Theatre Company makes this a holiday show with the addition of a family gathering, storytelling, dancing, and holiday songs. Victor Zupanc, musical director, adds some original music and modern songs to Cinderella. I think he's the hardest working person in the the entertainment industry. I've seen his name in several places and admire his excellent work.

Cinderella is playing at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, November 12, 2013 - January 5, 2014. Call or stop by the box office on Sundays at noon if you'd like to try to get $10 tickets for the shows in the upcoming week. Each show has a few $10 seats available. Otherwise, call or visit their website. 612-874-0400. 

I'll post about our behind-the-scenes experience at the Children's Theatre Company later. My friend Krista and her daughters accompanied me and I was able to take some fantastic photos and learn more about the art of making theatre. It was one of the best days EVER! 

Traci Allen (Cinderella) with Rebekah and Leah

Also, I have a pair of tickets to give away for Cinderella, Thursday, November 21, 7:00 pm. Leave a comment here with your email, or leave a comment on facebook, or email me at mary.aalgaard@yahoo.com with subject line: glass slipper, if you'd like to be included in the drawing. I'll close the offer on Monday, 11/18/2013 at noon and announce the winners. I'll also email the winners.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Have you ever been on a behind the scenes tour? What did you do? Where would you like to go behind the scenes?

Review of Charlotte's Web at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  Old age is a special problem for me because I've never been able to shed the mental image I have of myself - a lad of about 19. E.B. White, author of the classic children's book, Charlotte's Web, Adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette, Directed by Greg Banks, and performed by The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN, September 17 - October 27, 2013.

Photos by Dan Norman

Ethan Davenport (Wilbur), Gerald Drake (Homer Zuckerman), and Brant Miller (Lurvy)

Charlotte's Web at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN

Emma Thvedt as Fern

The amazing Joanna Harmon as Charlotte. 

She was acrobatic in her web spinning, stunning!

Like the gifted author, E.B. White, I also maintain my childlike sense of wonder, especially at the theatre. Sometimes, I get so caught up in the show, that I forget I'm there to view and review. Then, I get lost again, accepting that mesmerized moment will come back as I type my review. I don't think I'm the only adult who laughed and giggle, sighed and cried along with the children as we watched the stunning performance of Charlotte's Web at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis.

Charlotte's Web is one of the most loved stories of all time. The characters are delightful, and the story endearing. My favorites have always been those silly gooses who say everything three times. And, the show really was terrific, terrific, terrific. The actors take on the movements of the animals they portray and give them life. Joanna Harmon's portrayal of Charlotte is breathtaking. She makes her entrance from above and descends the rafters of the barn. I gasped in awe, and Erin, who was sitting next to me said, "I want to play Charlotte." A girl after my own heart. However, you can't be afraid of heights to play Charlotte. She spent the entire show dangling from the rafters, weaving in and out, walking backwards up one way and down the next. She had acrobatic qualities, and must be exhausted by the end of each show.

Even when you know the story backwards and forwards, and wish for a different ending, you read it again anyway, or watch the movie, and in this case, see it come alive on stage because the story is so beautiful. It's about friendship between unlikely creatures, and it's about saving a life, only to lose it and have your heart broken, and then to learn that we go on living and loving and forming new relationships. 

Watching Charlotte's Web come alive on stage is a memorable experience. As we walked out of the theatre, Erin exclaimed, "We've got to come here more often!" I agree. Treat the kid inside of you to this stunning performance.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What are some of your favorite scenes or characters in "Charlotte's Web?" What brings out the kid in you?

Review of Uncle Vanya at The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  I hope that in the next world I shall be able to look back at this life and say: "Those were beautiful dreams..." Anton Chekhov (quote used in the program at the Guthrie Theater for the play Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov, adaptation by Brian Friel, directed by Joe Dowling.)

Andrew Weems as Uncle Vanya (Ivan Voynitsky) and Jim Lichtscheidl as Ilya Telegin (Waffles)

Photo by Joan Marcus

If you've ever wanted to see a production of an Anton Chekhov play, but were a little leery about connecting to a play written in the late 1800's in Russia, then The Guthrie Theater's production of Uncle Vanya is for you. Even if this isn't one of the events on your bucket list, I say add it, now. This is your chance to see superb actors bringing to life a classic piece that has been adapted for the stage by a living playwright, Brian Friel, who has kept the feeling of the setting, while making the play accessible to a modern audience.

Valeri Mudek as Elena, Jim Lichtscheidl and "Waffles", Andrew Weems as Uncle Vanya, 

and Emily Gunyou Halaas as Sonya, photo by Joan Marcus

The characters in the play are just like you and me, and the guy down the street. We're dealing with similar issues today, dissatisfaction with your position in life, loving someone who doesn't return the admiration, a longing for what could have been. The play even has an environmentalist concerned about deforestation. As each of the characters move through the story, as we move through our own lives, we examine who we are, where we came from, and what we'd really like to be doing. Some people remain stuck in the "coulda, woulda, shoulda" thinking, while others live in the moment, making the best out of what they have.

Jim Lichtscheidel as "Waffles", Andrew Weems as Uncle Vanya, and John Catron as Mikhail Astrov

photo by Joan Marcus

Chekhov, Friel, and the actors who portray the characters, do a nice job of adding levity to heavy subjects. I attended this show with the Biker Chef. I asked him to tell me three things he liked about the show. His first answer, Jim Lichtscheidl playing "Waffles." What a great comic relief character. He has humorous lines, a sweaty condition, and a great attitude about life. He lives in the present. The other great character who got many laughs was Nanny, played by Barbara Kingsley, wonderful. She reminded me of Estelle Getty's character in "The Golden Girls," well beyond holding back on an honest assessment of the characters or their situations.

Nanny played by Barbara Kingsley, and Robert Dorfman as Alexander Serebryakov

Photo by Joan Marcus

The third thing, the Chef and I agreed, that made the show was the music. Victor Zupanc, listed as the Music Coach, made the selections for this performance. Jim Lichtscheidl plays the guitar live on stage, and Nathan Barlow (Yefim, night watchman) sings a haunting melody during some of the evening scenes. This, along with piano music, set the mood of the show, beautifully.

Uncle Vanya is playing at The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN, September 14 - October 27, 2013, on the Wurtele Thrust Stage. Go to their website for ticket information. We went on a game day, meaning the Vikings' game was also that afternoon and therefore, huge hikes in parking prices, but we were able to prepay for a spot in the ramp across from the Guthrie Theater. Call the box office for assistance with that, 612-377-2224.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Make a list of the things in your life that give you joy and a feeling of satisfaction.

Review of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie at The Children's Theatre in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  That is one crazy mouse! Leah, 5 years old
Look, he's clean skating! Rebekkah, 5 years old
That was really funny. Leah and Rebekkah

 

What happens when you give a girl and her sister a cookie?

 

 

You'll have to read them the book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, by Laura Joffe Numeroff.

 

 

Then, you'll have to take them to see the play based on the book at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN.

 

Where they'll laugh their heads off at the crazy mouse and the boy, who make messes and try to clean them up, but end up making more messes, and having more fun, and not going to sleep, but listening to a great story that the boy reads and the mouse acts out, with food for characters and props, and it's all very exciting, and most of the kids (and some of the grown-ups) are on the edge of their seats, slapping their heads at the silliness, and standing up, and shouting, and telling their parents and friends that this is "too much," but not really, because it's the most fun at the theatre they've ever had. For some youngsters, it might even be their first time, and they'll love it so much that they'll beg to go back again because these guys are really good!

 

Dean Holt as the Mouse, Reed Sigmund as The Boy

Photos by Dan Norman, CTC

 

Things got a little carried away, at times.

 

 

Bring on the milk and cookies because this is a high energy, calorie burning show! We loved it.

 

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is playing at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, June 21 - July 21, 2013. Based on the book by Laura Joffe Numeroff, adapted for the stage by Jody Davidson, Directed by Peter C. Brosius, Music Composed and Recorded by Victor Zupanc (fantastic, btw.). The show runs an hour and a half with one intermission, just enough time to gobble up a cookie. And, you know what happens when you give kids a cookie...they'll want to see the show! So, bring them all! They'll be sure to thank you, and maybe even share their cookies.

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  What's your favorite cookie?

Mine is a monster cookie! Of course, I love all cookies...sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, chocolate chip, peanut butter chocolate chip that my sister made today...thank you! And, I love gingersnaps and rolled out cookies that I can frost, especially at Christmas when they're shaped like angels and reindeer and Santa and trees. Mmm. That's making me thirsty for milk. See ya! Enjoy your cookies, books, plays, and family!

 

 

 

Review of The Primrose Path at The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  It is the character who is willing to bare it all, to risk going against the norms of society, who has the best chance of a happy ending. Summary of what I observed from watching The Primrose Path at The Guthrie Theater, and from the discussion with the actors after the show.

Image from The Guthrie Theater, photo by T. Charles Erickson. Jim Stanek as Mikhalevich, Christian Bardin as A Maid from Mtsensk

Music is a central theme of The Primrose Path, a new play by Crispin Whittell. The composer, Wayne Barker, wrote the music for this show, which is moving and captivating, with sad undertones, and at times, humorous. Tom Bloom, who portrays the private music instructor Christoph Lemm, plays much of the music live on stage, giving us (the audience) a feeling of being in the parlor with the family and their guests. Music is an emotional creative outlet, a vehicle for finding one's voice, literally and figuratively, as some of the characters in this play are trying to do.

The Primrose Path is a play based on the Russian novel Home of the Gentry by Ivan Turgenev, published in 1859. The playwright, Crispin Whittell, is British and wrote this play for The Guthrie Theater, an American stage with national standing. Does this play have an identity crisis? Maybe. Some of the language and much of the setting give you the feeling of a distant time and place. The costumes are incredible, very much period dressings.

Sally Wingert as Maria, Suzy Kohane as Elizaveta in

The Primrose Path, photo by T. Charles Erickson

"It's a poofy dress kind of play," I told my sister as we were driving into the city. "I love poofy dress plays," she responded. 

It's also a play that digs into what is truly important in life, a timeless theme. Some of the language and actions seem very modern. What was Maria doing with a plastic bubble blower in 1845 Russia? And, what of the music that had a classic feel although it was written specifically for this play here in the year 2013? Maybe what Whittell and the director Roger Rees are trying to do is show us (the audience) that we are connected to the past. While fashions change, the need to control our environments (and sometimes each other) doesn't. From the time the first humans were born on this earth, they have been searching for the best way to live out this, relatively, short life, to love freely, to pursue one's deepest desires, and to make a splash that gets people's attention.

Or, maybe, it's just fun to spend Mother's Day with my sister watching a "poofy dress" show, listening to new music that feels familiar, and dream of what could happen if we dared.

The Primrose Path is playing on The Guthrie's Wurtele Thrust Stage through June 15. Go to The Guthrie for show times and tickets!

(Here's what I really wanted to write for my review.) It's pretty good. I think you should go, and see for yourself what works, what doesn't, and what you'd dare to do given the right circumstances. Anyway, that's what Millie and Willie Cottonpoly (sock puppets) would say. I heard Millie sigh when it was over. That's always a sign of a good play.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What would make you bare it all and jump into life with arms wide open?

Review of Alice in Wonderland at CTC in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  from Lewis Carroll's book Alice in Wonderland
"Do you think I've gone round the bend?"
"I'm afraid so. You're mad, bonkers, completely off your head. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are."

Alice played by Anna Evans, photo by Dan Norman (Children's Theatre Company)

 

White Rabbit played by Brandon Brooks, photo by Dan Norman (CTC)

 

Queen of Hearts played by Autumn Ness

 

As you can see by these amazing photos, The Children's Theater Company production of Alice in Wonderland is as colorful and full of animation as anything you've ever seen. This is a high energy show that carries you away into a fantastic dreamland where grinning cats are larger than life and royal croquet games are played with flamingos as mallets and hedgehogs as the ball. Alice attends the most unusual tea party, and she matches wits with a deck of cards. You wouldn't want to close your eyes for more than a blink or you might miss all the wild sight gags, physical humor, and visual brilliance of this show.

 

The key to any great performance is a creative team. The list of cast and crew for this production is long and the applause goes to all of them. I was especially impressed with the musician Victor Zupanc (composer, sound designer, and Foley artist), a stunning one-man band.

 

Millie and Willie Cottonpoly (sock puppets) and the girls loved the show!

 

 



Alice in Wonderland is playing through June 15, 2013, at The Children's Theatre. Go there for show times and ticket information. Remember, that if you stop in or call the box office on Sundays, starting at noon, there are a limited number of seats for the following week's performances for $10. This is your chance to slip into Wonderland and see where dreams can take you!

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  Write about your dreams, the ones you have at night, or the ones that you imagine in the daytime.

 

 

Open to Youthful Events (and cake)

Quote of the Month: Open the window in the center of your chest and let the spirits fly in and out. Rumi
(My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is Open.)

Millie and Willie Cottonpoly, a sock puppet creation, are here to tell you their story during the April A to Z Blogging Challenge.

Cake by Joy Ciaffoni

Millie and Willie attend the twins' birthday party, double the fun, double the guests, double the cake.

Anyone else thinking of the old Double Mint Gum commercial?

 

Millie:  Willie, aren't you excited? It's the twins' birthday.

 

Willie:  Yes. That means double the cake!

 

 

Millie:  And, a loud and boisterous Happy Birthday.

 

Willie:  Do you think those young fellers would teach me how to play that video game contraption?

 

Millie:  I'll need to triple the pancake batter for breakfast.

 

Willie:  Mmm. Pancakes. Are we going to share our freshly tapped and cooked Maple syrup?

 

Millie:  You know we are, Willie. It's for the kids. And, some of them helped collect sap.

 

(After the party festivities wound down and all the boys went home to sleep in their own beds, Millie and Willie attended a local production of The Glass Menagerie.)

 

Willie:  That was just as good as anything I've seen at The Guthrie in Minneapolis.

 

Millie:  I am astounded by the talent right here in the Brainerd lakes area.

 

Willie:  That woman who played Amanda, Laura Busch, could have been my mother, Millie. She wasn't a Southern Bell, but she did have a command of the family, if you know what I mean.

 

Millie:  Yes, Willie, that is the most memorable characteristic of your mother. I was quite taken with Tom, of course. He told his story with love and sentiment. Kevin Yeager is a fine actor, indeed. Maybe he'll be in a show with us some day.

 

Willie:  That young Linda Nichols might as well apply to the University acting school right now. She could audition at any of the theatres in the metro.  She was so believable as shy, young Laura that I wanted to walk right on stage and hug her and give her some courage to face the world head on.

 

Millie:  (chuckling) The costume designer deserves an A+ for all the great outfits, especially Amanda's party dress. What a hoot!

 

(Millie and Willie go to bed ruminating on the themes of the play, loss of youth, or the clinging to it and the past, as they rest up for Sunday's music recital.)

 

Millie and Willie play a little something during refreshments after the recital.

 

 

Millie:  They were all so good, Willie. I want to applaud one more time.

 

Willie:  They are all so brave to get up on that bench and play their songs, or sing in front of all these people.

 

Millie:  Music lessons and recitals build character, Willie.

 

Willie:  And, confidence. I didn't have nearly that much confidence when I was young. I could barely raise my hand in class to ask a question.

 

Millie:  I love people who support the arts.

 

Willie:  I love all those kids, and their teachers. Music teachers are the best.

 

Millie:  They create good things.

 

Willie:  Amen, Millie.

 

Spring Piano and Voice Recital at Edgewood Vista in Brainerd, MN

 

&&&&&&&&&&&

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  How have you supported the arts lately? Anyone else have a birthday? My babies turned 13 today! Now, I am a mother of four teenage boys. (send help)



 

 Click here for show times and tickets to The Glass Menagerie at Central Lakes College.

Review of Jackie and Me at The Children's Theatre in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  The unwritten rules run the deepest. Mr. Rickey in Jackie and Me, a play about breaking the color barriers in 1947 when Jackie Robinson signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers, based on the book by Dan Gutman, adapted for the stage by Steven Dietz, and directed by Marion McClinton, playing through April 14, 2013 at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN.

Nine of us attended this show, and we give it 18 thumbs up! "A realistic view of the times," said Pete who was going to college and playing baseball in the 1960's. "It's a good way to show children what it was like back then."

Ansa Akyea as Jackie Robinson, photo by Dan Norman, CTC

 

The stage is set like a baseball diamond. Our seats are on the first-base line. The tension builds as the lights dim, the players take the stage, and we're pulled into another time and place. Joey Stoshack has to write a report for his history class on an African American who's made an important contribution to society. Joey, an avid baseball fan, chooses Jackie Robinson. With the help of a Bond Bread card with Jackie's photo on it, Joey uses his special gift to travel back in time and lands in the office of Mr. Rickey the day he signs Jackie to the Brooklyn Dodgers, April 9, 1947.

 

Brandon Brooks as Joey Stoshack, photo by Dan Norman, CTC

 

How exciting to be present when history was being made! Joey was ready to celebrate. Mr. Rickey signed Jackie with a word of warning. "They will say all these awful things and more. They'll threaten you and your family." He asked Jackie if he was up to the challenge and if he was man enough not to strike back. Jackie said, "Yes, sir, I am." They shook hands and changed the world of baseball forever, and Americans of varying colors and backgrounds started to play together.

 

photo by Dan Norman, CTC

 

Not all the players were accepting of the change. They signed a petition stating that they'd rather be traded than play with Jackie. He was told to use a different door to the clubhouse. He wasn't allowed to stay at the same hotels as his white teammates, or eat at the same restaurants, drink at the same fountains, or be treated with the same respect. Jackie got hate mail and death threats. He was risking his life and the lives of his family to play baseball, to change the way people treat each other, and to pave the way for other players like him.

 

Ansa Akyea as Jackie Robinson, photo by Dan Norman, CTC

 

This is the first play where I've been so riveted to the story, that I was surprised when the lights came up for intermission. Certain scenes and lines from this play brought tears to my eyes.

 

Brandon Brooks as Joey Stoshack with Spencer Harrison Levin, and Braxton Baker

 

You don't know how much you can learn from a baseball card!

 

Brandon Brooks (Joey) and Gerald Drake (Flip)

 

Jackie and Me shows us what it was like for someone to be the first to do something both brave and dangerous, to put aside personal fears, and dare to make a difference in the world. The entire cast does an amazing job of making this time and place feel so real. I want to encourage everyone to attend this show, for the history, the baseball, and the chance to travel back in time to understand what it might have been like for another person.

 

Go to Children's Theatre Company for showtimes and tickets. Call Sundays, starting at noon, for a chance to score $10 tickets for the upcoming week's shows. It is well worth the time and price of admission!

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  If you could travel back in time, where would you go? Who would you like to meet?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review of Yellow Fever at the Guthrie Theater

Quote of the Day:  Beware the Ides of March. William Shakespeare, also a line used in Yellow Fever by R.A. Shiomi, produced by Mu Performing Arts and performed at the Dowling Studio.

Kurt Kwan (Sam Shikaze) © Michal Daniel, 2013

Yellow Fever has all the elements of a good detective story, starting with the P.I., a loner who quietly and steadily works to solve crimes and make his community safer. The year is 1973. The place, Vancouver, Canada, and Miss Lilly has gone missing from the annual Cherry Blossom festival. Sam Shikaze uses his connections and intincts to solve the mystery and uncover the shady side of some of citizens. The story plays out in film noir fashion with the detective narrating like he's reading the notes on the case, and that smokey jazz music playing between scenes.

(L-R) Alex Galick (Chuck Chan), Sara Ochs (Nancy Wing), Jeannie Lander (Rosie), and Kurt Kwan (Sam Shikaze) All Photos © Michal Daniel, 2013

 

This play has just the right amount of characters. Each one has an important role in telling the story and moving the plot along. Jeanie Lander did an excellent job of bringing Rosie to life. She's the owner of the cafe (above picture) and adds insight into the culture, the mystery, and the climate of the times. She's a delightful actor with humorous lines and actions. Wade A. Vaughn plays two very different characters, and did it so well that I didn't realize it was the same actor until I read it in the program after the show!

 

(L-R) Kurt Kwan (Sam Shikaze), Sara Ochs (Nancy Wing), Eric Sharp (Capt. Kadota), and Brandon Ewald (Sgt. Mackenzie) © Michal Daniel, 2013

 

Yellow Fever also has all of elements of what I enjoy in a story - mystery, history, intrigue, colorful and witty characters, a little romance, and lots of humor. One of the lines got the biggest laugh I've heard at a live performance. Excellent comedic timing and spark between characters. 

 

(L-R) Kurt Kwan (Sam Shikaze) and Sara Ochs (Nancy Wing) © Michal Daniel, 2013

 

Sara Ochs seems to have fun playing Nancy, a writer and a modern woman of the 70's, who has another favorite line of mine. After she's threatened not to print what she's heard, she responds, "I won't, if I don't make my deadline," then heads out to go to press. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it.

 

The Biker Chef accompanied me to this play. He wrote in his review/survey for Mu Theater, "Great performance. Thought-provoking." I agree. Not everyone thinks about how racist we can be to each other in North America, how some people try to define the "right" race by a certain look and cultural background. Fear, power and greed are causes for all sorts of criminal behavior.

 

I recommend seeing Yellow Fever playing at the Guthrie Theater's Dowling Studio through March 24, for the laughs, the mystery, the colorful characters, and the parts that make you think.

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  Have you ever been surprised or hurt by someone's blatant racisim or prejudices?

 

The Biggest Little House in the Forest, Play Review

Quote of the Day:  There's always room for one more! Said anyone who's ever opened their home for guests.

Photo by Dan Norman, featuring Autumn Ness and Bernie the Butterfly

Autumn Ness uses her outstanding theatrical skills to tell us the story of Bernice the Butterfly, her little house, and her big heart in The Biggest Little House in the Forest by Rosanna Staffa, adapted from the book by Djemma Bider.

When you walk into the theatre, you can pick out sock puppets to wear on your feet which makes you feel like you're already part of the show. My sister and I giggled as we set our boots on the rack and slipped the socks on our feet. We asked the sock attendant to take our picture!  Then my Right Side Puppet tapped her Left Side Puppet and said, "Hey, wanna see a show today?" Her Lefty said, "Yes!" We slid on into the theatre, right behind the little guy making noises. His mom said, "No shooting noises in the theatre." You don't hear that every day!

 

This show is designed for even the smallest of theatre fans to enjoy. Everyone from babies to Grandparents were there. One little girl, Pink Tutu, was so excited about the noises, that she got up and told her Grandpa, "It's in her pocket." Later Pink Tutu collected the feathers from the pillow fight scene that landed in the audience. I heard kids giggling and trying to talk to the puppets. The boy next to us had the best laugh. What a hoot to have him in the audience. Some of them got so excited they stood up, or whispered to their moms, or handed out feathers to other kids (Pink Tutu).

 

Photo by Dan Norman. Autumn Ness and Millie the Mouse

 

 

Autumn Ness keeps the energy up and the kids engaged. She throws feathers, blows bubbles, looks at the kids when a new sound breaks in and another character tries to move into the house. It reminded me of when my mom would say, "Put another potato in the pot, more people are coming!" This is a story of adding more friends to the fun and sharing what you have like in The Mitten by Jan Brett or One Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova. Where there's heart room there's house room. Isn't that the saying? But, how much is too much? And, what happens when your generosity is bursting at the seams? Go to the Children's Theatre in Minneapolis to find out what Bernice the Butterfly and her friends do!

 

Photo by Dan Norman. Turns out the Frog is a great chef, flippin' pancakes and everything!

 

My sister and I were thinking that's what we want to do with our Art Spa. Invite them all, big and small, worried or confident. We'll find room for all of you. Make a bed here. Add chair to the table there. The more the merrier!

Photo by Dan Norman

 

Autumn Ness really knows how to play with her audience. I can imagine many of them will go home, make their own puppets, or use their favorite toys to make their own Biggest Little House in the Forest (or lakeside, or street, or farm, or apartment, or park, or...you get what I mean.)  Joy and I are already planning our sock puppet day at the Primo Art Spa.

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt: What makes you giggle?

Review of Pinocchio at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  What's easy to get into, but hard to get out of? Cricket asks Pinocchio. The answer: Trouble! And, as you probably already know, Pinocchio finds himself in all sorts of trouble on his journey to go to school and learn how to be a real boy.

Gepetto chisels a boys puppet out of a block of wood.

There is a real boy in here somewhere.

 

All photos provided by the Children's Theatre Company for press purposes.

Dan Norman Photographer

Elise Langer playing the worker who portrays Pinocchio.

 

Pinocchio and the bullies (Bradley Greenwald and Dean Holt)

 

(Elise Langer and Maggie Chestovich as the workers telling the story of Pinocchio)

Who do you trust when you are a wooden puppet on a new adventure?

Maybe not a cat and a fox.

 

Sometimes, a puppet can feel lost in a big, scary world.

 

Feeling real love and caring for someone else means being a real boy.

 

When you go to see Pinocchio at the Children's Theatre in Minneapolis, you might think that they aren't ready for you, yet. The set is paint cloths and scaffolding, with buckets and brushes lying around. The actors are in work clothes and seem distracted until you arrive with your energy and eagerness to watch them tell a story. They look at you. They listen to your cries to tell the story, and they hear you taking in your breath as the magic unfolds. They hear your giggles and encourage you to help Pinocchio on his way. With the tools used to build a set, the actors find props and instruments, costume pieces, and tiny objects that can produce big whales. The show is engaging and lively. The actors feed off the energy of the audience from preschoolers to grandparents. I heard kids who were so involved in the story that they shouted out encouragement and advice. It was delightful. Take the whole family. I brought three teenage boys, and they liked it. I saw smiles on their faces and heard them laughing. The message of Pinocchio and his journey speaks to all of us as we try to find our path, get distracted from our goal, and even lose our way at times. To be a real boy (or girl) you have to feel real love for the people who love you back.

 

I think love is the theme of The Children's Theatre Company. The actors seem to truly love telling stories. The audience loves to watch it. All of the people behind the scenes love to create the magic for us. At the end of the show, one young audience member shouted, "Tell it again!" And, they will, from January 15 - February 24, 2013.

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt: What goes up and down, but never moves? Go to Pinocchio to find out the answer!