Children's theater

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/30/08 at 2:46pm

Yesterday morning I took my 3 yr old granddaughter to see a children's theater version of "Peter Pan and Wendy". It was at a local theater that has a very good reputation for their main stage shows. However, this production was horrible beyond belief.

First off, the theater was nearly packed. Busloads of kids from various camps were being shuffled into the theater when we got there and mothers with 4 moth old babies learned that they'd have to purchase a full-priced ticket for the baby because he's be "taking up a full-priced seat". The show was late in starting, causing enormous restlessness among the audience.

When the curtain finally rose, we saw a really makeshift set that represented the Darling's nusery. Mrs Darling was a twenty-something actress with more than her share of baby fat and wore a low-cut dress with spaghetti straps. Tinkerbell was represented by a handkerchief suspended on fishing line. There was no flying. The kids just jumped out the window and waved their arms. Come to think of it, Mrs. Darling may have doubled as Tiger Lily. Dunno.

Neverland was represented by three flat evergreen trees, while the background had the NYC skyline in place for that evening's performance of THE PRODUCERS. Almost every costume was in dire need of pressing and the props were not period friendly.

The actors certainly knew their lines, but one got the impression that they'd never actually been rehearsed. They seemed to be just going out there and doing whatever came into their minds. As a result, scenes were sometimes cramped and other times spread out all over the stage.

The sound system was failing and none of the actors seemed to have learned the art of PROJECTING. We were in the fifth row and had great trouble hearing.

My granddaughter seemed to enjoy some moments. It was fun to see her calling out "Hi Pee Pan!" and at another point blurted out "Captain Hook, get over here!", but she's the type of girl who doesn't like TV commercials and becomes restless when they interrupt her shows. The same was true during the boring parts of yesterday's show. Unfortunately, most of yesterday's performance was indeed boring.

It this what children's theater is like in most cases? If so, I think it's a terrible way to introduce young minds to the performaing arts.

[stupidbeans]

Posted: 8/30/08 at 5:30pm

just take your 3 year olds to go see Oh! Calcutta! instead

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 8/30/08 at 5:50pm

We've had some great children's theatre out here in Sonoma County at the Wells Fargo Ctr. for the Arts. Some shows just aren't very good or well funded. That's why I like reviews and ask questions before hand. If your granddaughter can sit through a whole performance that's pretty good. Most performance are too long for young children. It sounds like they didn't have a very creative artist director, too bad. Sets can be made for almost nothing if you have a lot of creative talent, so that sounds pretty dreadful from your description of the set.

Just check more ahead of time. Sometimes a set isn't important if the performances are really good. We enjoyed and my granddaughter even at a year old liked seeing the skits and tricks that were performed at an outdoor festival here in SF not too long ago. It all depends on the material and how well the company can act towards their intended audience I think?

I'd also not miss the Fringe Festivals and smaller venues because some good stuff is going on there for children as well that is pretty entertaining. Plus, you can leave whenever you want to or if your granddaughter just doesn't find it very entertaining.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/30/08 at 7:33pm

This experience has made me aware of how much we really need quality children's theater in this area. Our parish youth group consists mainly of kids who are involved in the public school's drama club and have more than their share of talent.

I'm thinking that we should organize a summer puppet theater for children--The St. Genesius Players(?)--and perform well-done puppet shows for youngsters. Hopefully we'd make these shows interactive, so the tykes aren't just sitting there impassively.

[elphiesmagic]

Posted: 8/30/08 at 7:42pm

"Mrs Darling was a twenty-something actress with more than her share of baby fat and wore a low-cut dress with spaghetti straps."

I hope you don't pass on your feelings about women who aren't "perfect" to your granddaughter. Imagine if someday she grows up to be less than perfect and someone uses it as an irrelevant dig against her as you did against this actress - also someone's beloved granddaughter.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/30/08 at 7:48pm

The point I was trying to make is that the dress was unsuitable for Mrs Darling. The play is set in the Victorian era and plunging necklines weren't worn in those days.

Also, there's nothing wrong with baby fat. You just don't flaunt it. There would have been no problem at all if this actress had a dress with sleeves. It's a matter of taste--and my granddaugher is developing an excellent sense of taste. She not only prepares some very good meals in the kitchen, she knows how to "plate it"--a phrase she's picked up from the Food Network.