There
can never be enough children’s theater. Because this is how we teach little
ones the difference between birthday party balloon-twisting clowns and
performers of another ilk.
That’s
why everyone with rug rats in their home should celebrate the opening of
Talespinner Chidren’s Theatre. Located in a spacious and comfy theater on
Detroit Road, this venture under the artistic direction of multi-talented
theater veteran Alison Garigan promises to provide both children and theater
people new and challenging opportunities.
Their
first production, The Tale of the Name of
the Tree, is a Bantu tale adapted by local playwright Michael Sepesy. And
while it’s not airtight in all respects, this inaugural offering has plenty to
recommend it—for sippy-cup users as well as those who chauffeur the young lads and lasses
to their various entertainments.
It
seems that a number of different animals in the jungle are losing their food
sources. And it is rumored that a lion has a huge fruit tree, but it will only
release it’s goodies when someone can intone the mysterious name of the tree.
The
five inventively-masked actors who play the animals are thoroughly engaged and
continually try to connect with their young audience members. Ray Caspio is a
wonderfully nervous ostrich and Elaine Feagler ambulates with purposeful intent
and the adorable, slow moving turtle.
As
the meerkat, Nathaniel Leeson with his mask on looks weirdly like David Spade,
and he’s equally as funny. His whip-sharp head turns and lack of short-term
memory create laughs for people of any age.
As
the cheetah, Stephanie Wilbert works admirably hard but never quite lands on a
feline personality that clearly resonates. And James (Jack) Hunt has some nice
(okay) moments, but fails to make his elephant as accessible as he might.
Sepesy
includes a number of subtle jokes for the adults in the audience, always a thoughtful touch. And he sneaks in some mildly political fodder. But the play spends a lot of time travelling through an imaginary jungle
and could benefit from a clear and tangible villain (kids love villains!) who
might add both humor and tension.
By
featuring some African-inspired music and dance, director Garrigan has
fashioned an hour-long live theater experience that all your back seat riders
will enjoy.
The
Tale of the Name of the Tree
Through
July 8 at Talespinner Children’s Theatre, The Reinberger Auditorium, 5209
Detroit Ave., 216-264-9680.
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