|
'Foxtales' review
Published November 12, 2009
A few years ago, Playhouse 2000 opened an academy in which young people from the Hill Country could learn about and participate in live theater. They learn “diction, stage presence, pantomime, characterization and other aspects of live theater,” says director Jeff Cunningham. “Foxtales” is a production from the Playhouse Academy and it is a play for young audiences and presented by young theater students.
“Foxtales,” written by Texas State professor Charles Pascoe, is a story told in the genre of Aesop’s Fables, Mother Goose stories, or even on a more modern bent, “Sesame Street.” The tale follows a Red Fox and his encounters with a Black Crow, a Rooster, a Stork and others. In each vignette, our little friend Fox has obstacles to overcome, conflicts to resolve and lessons to learn. Each member of this energetic and friendly cast actually gets a chance to play the lead, since all actors play several parts, and each cast member sings, dances and plays inanimate objects.
Director Jeff Cunningham and choreographer Heather Cunningham pull together a tight little show that presents some growing talent in our midst. “Foxtales” highlights the ensemble nature of casting a show such as this, and each cast member has an opportunity to shine in voice and character for the audience. And speaking of audience, this is a first for the Cailloux theater, but the audience is on the stage and the stage is ... well the stage. Seating is set up close and personal on the west side of the stage and the actor’s use the other half of the stage. This makes for an intimate and fun experience. Kenda Delaney’s piano accompaniment is right up front as well, and she does a fine job of supporting the cast in music and in personal style.
The cast varies in age and experience, but from the smallest to the tallest, each actor proves their willing passion for performance. Sloan Frierson, Lindsey Pate, Marc West, Amanda Radkiewicz, Sheradon Olden, Matthew Rathbun, MacKenzie Stewart, Talor Sparkman, Sarah Neal, Chrislyn Sparkman and Heather McCain invite us to experience theater in its oldest and most basic form …that of storytelling. Tell us a good story. Tell it in an entertaining manner. Leave us with a moral lesson, and what more could you ask?
Share |
Save |
Mail |
Print |
Comment
|
|
|
 |
|
Photo Reprints
Get Daily Times photos from the latest games and scenic locales.
Special Sections
Visitor's Guide
Real Estate Guide
Hill Country Life
Medical Directory
Home Directory
|
