Winsor
McCay, the originator of the “Little Nemo” comic strip that ran in newspapers
in the early 1900s, was an acknowledged genius of the form. He inspired many
artists to follow him, including Walt Disney, R. Crumb and Art Spiegelman.
Indeed,
his story would make for a fascinating play for adults. But this play, written
by David Hansen and based on McCay’s characters, is meant for kids. And it’s
quite a treat.
As
soon as Nemo (which means “no one” in Latin) nods off at night, his bed
launches him into many adventures populated by the Princess of Slumberland, an
Imp who speaks in a non-identifiable foreign tongue, and Flip, a fellow who
keeps trying to wake up Nemo and interrupt the boy’s nocturnal travels.
Director
Alison Garrigan knows her audience and keeps the action fast-paced and funny.
Valerie C. Kilmer is ideal as Nemo, reacting with surprise and delight as the
adventures unfold. Annie Perusek is endearing as both Nemo’s mom and as the Princess,
and Tim Pringuangkeo makes Flip both a thorn in Nemo’s side and an eventual
ally.
Other
roles are well-animated by the angular and amusing Bryan Ritchey, Lauren B.
Smith as the irrepressible Imp and Christopher Walker as King Morpheus and
Santa, among others.
It’s
a colorful and high-energy 45-minute show that works just fine. But one can
only imagine what TCT could do with a bigger budget and an ability to show some
of McCay’s jaw-dropping and often hallucinatory art.
Anyhow,
at the end Nemo finds that he is not “no one,” he is most definitely someone.
And that’s a lesson we can all take to heart.
Adventures
in Slumberland
Through
December 22 at the Talespinner Children’s Theatre, The Reinberger Auditorium,
5209 Detroit Avenue, 216-264-9680
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