More than a wild ride
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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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