Young Beatrice the Butterfly has a challenge. She’s
different than others, having a shortened wing that causes her to fly in
circles. Her older brother Bill (Chandler Hurtley) is growing a little
tired of sticking by her and doesn’t pass up his chance to hang with the Cool
Bees (the bees wearing leather jackets who cruise onto the stage to the theme
of Grease). But Bill will soon worry over leaving, as a sudden wind
blows his little sister over the rainbow. But that’s where Beatrice’s
adventures and education begin as she meets wondrous new characters who are all
a little different.
The Theatre School’s director at North Coast Rep, Matt
Thompson, adapted this new work for the stage based on a short story by Linda
Sherry. The story is designed for the youngest children, and although more
humor would probably help, the plot moves along quickly and has lots of
characters that help engage the children, while Director Vanessa Dinning
keeps the timing pretty brisk and terrific costumes by Jennifer Mah
keeps the spell over most of the young audience members.
That spell includes a sort of Island of Misfit Toys group of
characters. There’s Lilly the ladybug (Chloe Sherman) who is given to
crying and is missing her spots. Emily North is Millie the millipede who
has only two feet. And Miranda Colvin is an amusingly nerdy Matty the
mantis with a great English accent. They are quick to befriend a dejected
Beatrice (a sweet Delaney Hulshof) whose spirits are lifted with their
patented “Super Bug Hug.”
The group of them end up going for a wild leaf ride into the
ocean (courtesy of blue sheets being waved on the stage) where they are further
lifted up by Walter the whale (Erik Larson as a sea captain wearing a
stuffed whale around his torso) and meet Tammy the turtle (Meg Larkin). Bayleigh
Bogan narrates the tale, and adult actor/mentor Tony Hamm is the
wise  and kind and happy and dancing Mr. Tree. The rest of the performers,
including Beatrice’s parents (Jacob Surovsky and Alli Reissmann)
and all the Cool Bees and Surfer Kids, ranging in age from eight to fourteen,
round out the charming cast of characters.
Before it’s over, Beatrice will learn that “everyone’s
different, and we’re all the same.” And whether or not that’s technically
possible, it is a reason to celebrate, as they do with a big party full of
dancing, including hula, disco, hand-jive, Macarena, and a big limbo contest
that draws in kids from the audience and results in plenty of Super Bug Hugs.
Performed November 19 - 22, 2009
Rob Hopper
rob@nationalyouththeatre.com
Facebook
Instagram
Threads
Executive Director
National Youth Arts
~ Cast ~
Millie: Emily North
Papa/Walter: Jacob Surovsky
Lilly: Chloe Sherman
Narrator: Bayleigh Bogan
Mama: Alli Reissmann
Cool Bee: Joelle Leib
Matty: Miranda Colvin
Beatrice: Delaney Hulshof
Surfer Kid: Lilyanne Leib
Surfer Kid: Lauren Tropio
Cool Bee: Daniela Burrows
Surfer Kid: Haley Gale
Cool Bee: Tori Gatlin
Surfer Kid: Cayla Surovsky
Bill: Chandler Hartley
Tammy the Turtle: Meg Larkin
Mr. Tree/Mentor: Tony Hamm
Director: Vanessa Dinning
Prop Designer: Sunny Smith
Sound Design: Aaron Rumley
Lighting Design: Aaron Rumley
Costume Design: Jennifer Mah
|
