The energy and optimism of youth or the wisdom and humor of age.
Choose one or both at two new stage shows playing this weekend.
The Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production of the rock musical “Footloose” is at the Everett Performing Arts Center, and the Edge of the World in Edmonds is offering “Opal’s Baby,” the third installment in John Patrick’s saga of the optimistic queen of the city dump.
“Opal’s Baby”: Director Roger Kelley and his cast take audiences back to Opal Kronkie’s humble abode in Edge of the World Theatre’s season-opening production.
|
“Opal’s Baby”: An Edge of the World Theatre production weekends through Feb. 6 at Edge of the World Theatre, 9667 Firdale Ave., Edmonds. Tickets, 206-542-7529. “Footloose”: A Village Theatre KIDSTAGE production at 7:30 tonight, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett. Tickets, $7-$9 at the box office, 425-257-8600.
|
Used tea bags hang on a clothes line waiting to be re-dipped, a little red wagon carries Opal’s prized findings from her daily trek to the dump and Opal, between sharing “Opalisms” or proclaiming the wonderfulness of everyone she knows, is a pretty happy camper.
There is only one thing Opal pines for – a fellow Kronkie.
The show opens with Opal (Melanie Calderwood), in her signature red high tops and orange socks, singing “Happy Birthday” as she pulls her little red wagon into her home.
Hanging up her two coats and one sweater, she hears a knock at the door. It’s Norman (Brian Vyrostek), a large, dirty, scruffy bearded “gentleman” who’s looking for a tire for his 1927 truck.
Of course Opal, who knows no strangers, invites him in as she searches for the tire among her junk.
Norman, surveying the surroundings, sees an opportunity to get something for nothing. With a bit of useful information from Opal’s neighbor Rosie (Sara Trowbridge), Norman poses as the last living Kronkie.
Soon, Norman and the rest of the clan move in with Opal: There’s Norman’s long-john wearing, mental midget son, Spencer (Rick Wright); Spencer’s conniving wife, Verna (Christina Buchan); and Granny, Norman’s mother.
When Opal discovers Verna is seven months pregnant (courtesy of a couch pillow stuffed in her dress) Opal decides to leave her entire fortune to the clan – or at least to their future baby.
Opal waits on them hand and foot as they scheme to take her for all they can. Calderwood, reprising her role, is perfect as the cheerful, philosophical, annoyingly positive Opal.
As the fountain of pithy observations, Opal has a tale about all neighbors, including a story about the local handless baker who kneads dough with his elbows (“wonderful man”) or another “wonderful fella” who accidentally shot his wife as she was squatting behind a bush. He thought she was a turkey.
Norman and the gang are believably disgusting, itching and scratching as they shovel Jell-O into their mouths while sucking the remnants off the kitchen table, all the while stealing Opal’s “valuables” to sell for cash.
But while the ensemble performance is wonderful, offering plenty of laughs, the script is a one-joke plot that wears thin.
It’s Opal’s optimism that is both her strength and the strength of the show, resulting in a production that’s both entertaining and fun.
“Footloose”: The energy, buoyant spirit and determined passion of youth are the hallmarks of “Footloose.” Not only does the script offer these virtues, but the cast – all young, talented and full life and joy for the show – is incredible.
Their enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring the audience to applaud every song and dance.
Director R.J. Tancioco gathered a cast of more than 40 young actors ranging from grade school through high school graduates who bring honesty to the show with believable and electric performances along with incredible singing.
“Footloose,” adapted from the hit movie of the 1980s, is set in a small Texas town where the adults have banned dancing.
When Ren McCormack (Robert L. Snow III) arrives from Chicago with his mother, Ethel (McKenna Milici), he’s astounded – no dancing, no clubs, no music!
Where has he landed?
Held in suspicion by the adults, and embraced and inspired by the students, Ren, with the help of the preacher’s daughter Ariel (Cynthia Fox) and his new friend Willard (Justin Huertas), becomes a rebel with a cause: Bring music and dancing back to town.
Snow and Fox are outstanding as Ren and Ariel. Confident and determined, Ren catches the eye of Ariel, a girl who’s “been kissed a lot.” Each wears a badge of defiance, his a leather coat and hers the red cowboy boots her father hates.
Together, however, they eventually make a match, singing “Almost Paradise” in perfect harmony.
Willard, who Huertas imbues with a combination of charm, insecurity and two left feet, is Ren’s perfect opposite. Ren is a city slicker, the smooth talker.
Willard is the country bumpkin, the cowboy-hatted western walker side stepping and stiffly hopping as Ren teaches him to dance.
The guys are hilarious, eventually rocking out with the whole company to “Let’s Hear it for the Boys.”
Also good is an Ariel and her “posse of friends”: Rusty (Annelih G. Holganza), Wendy Jo (Katy Acker), Urleen (Molli Corcoran) and Tiffani (Mauri Zingarelli), who sing into ketchup and mustard container “microphones” at Betty’s Burger Blast as they belt out “Holding Out for a Hero.”
Packed with familiar songs, the fast-moving choreography of Taryn Darr, a talented orchestra conducted by Jenna Lahr and a great cast, “Footloose” is a winner.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
