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More than a wild ride

Tom Titus

For those who, like your correspondent, relate to “The Wind in the

Willows” only from taking Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland, the

stage version of this classic children’s novel -- now being presented

at South Coast Repertory Theater -- will be something of an

eye-opener.

Originally a late 19th century book by Kenneth Grahame, “The Wind

in the Willows” has been entertaining generations of youngsters on

both sides of the Atlantic for more than 100 years in one form or

another.

Now, the theater’s Richard Hellesen and Michael Silversher, the

playwright and composer, respectively, have given this well-traveled

tale the dimension of live, and lively, performance.

This closing production of the theater’s inaugural Theater for

Young Audiences season is given a bright, bouncy, fully staged

professional production on the theater’s Julianne Argyros Stage. And

set designer Donna Marquet has created a yawning, multi-dimensional

setting that suggests something out of a “Star Trek” movie. The

cavernous atmosphere nearly dwarfs the actors, but they have no

problem making their presence felt once the show gets under way.

The premise of the story is that three friends -- Mole, Badger and

Rat -- must extricate their irresponsible (and irrepressible) friend

Toad from an ever-deepening series of miscalculated episodes. Toad,

it seems, just wants to have fun, be it in a boat, a car or whatever

he can beg, borrow or steal to satisfy his whim of the moment.

When he chooses the latter course and his latest misadventure

lands him in jail -- and the ravenous weasels take possession of his

beloved Toad Hall estate -- the stakes increase, as does the fun

under the direction of Art Manke.

The real central figure of the 90-minute tale appears to be Mole

(Nathanael Johnson), who’s emerging from his subterranean home in

search of adventure. Johnson plays the character as an innocent

caught up in the swirling maelstrom of the outside world with a

mixture of fear and wonderment.

Rat (Danny Scheie) is a dapper character, given to more pragmatic

style but still eager to enlist in the battle to reclaim Toad’s

rightful abode. Badger (theater veteran John-David Keller) is the

grumpy one, suffering no fools gladly but still willing to extend

himself for a friend.

Then there’s Toad, apparently wealthy and obviously spoiled

rotten. Tom Shelton plays this hyperactive character with a twinkle

in his eye and mischief in his heart. His remorseful gaze as his

latest plan collapses would melt those unfamiliar with his wily,

fun-seeking ways.

Others in the theater’s cast -- playing weasels, court officers,

elderly ladies, are Darin Anthony, Jenna Cole, Phil Johnson and Amy

Tolsky. These actors are the busiest of the cast, changing in and out

of costume designer Angela Balogh Calin’s colorful threads.

This first season of Theater for Young Audiences has been so

successful that South Coast Repertory has added more performances for

its 2004-05 season, which was announced at the opening of “Wind in

the Willows.” Next season, the series will present: “The Hoboken

Chicken Emergency” from the book by Daniel Pinkwater, with script,

music and lyrics by Chad Henry, Nov. 5 to 21.

“The Little Prince,” adapted by Rick Cummin and John Scoullar from

the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Feb. 4 to 20, “Pinocchio,” with

book and lyrics by Susan DiLallo and music by Jeffrey Harris, June 3

to 19, 2005.

If “Wind in the Willows” is any indication, young audiences should

have a terrific time at South Coast Repertory next season.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews

appear Fridays.

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