Theatre 29’s latest musical, the family friendly “Rapunzel”, opened to appreciative audiences this past weekend. Arts & Entertainment Reporter Charlie Thomas attended a performance and submits this review…
The word wholesome, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, means in part “promoting health or well-being of mind or spirit”. Theatre 29’s latest offering, the family musical “Rapunzel” which opened Friday night (March 25) to audiences of cheering kids and chuckling adults, encapsulates the word in form and deed. Another word describes this delightful youth-oriented work, brevity. The run-time comes in at just under an hour and smartly chooses to not utilize an intermission.
The familiar Grimm fairy tale of the infinitely tressed maiden languishing in a door- less tower under the thrall of a wicked witch is turned on it’s proverbial ear in this rendition by the creative team responsible for the TV mega-hit, Friends: David Crane and Marta Kauffman who were responsible for the book and lyrics and Michael Skloff as composer. Theatre 29’s production team of award-winning veteran Artistic Director Gary Daigneault, debut Musical Director Ron Bottorff and recognized choreographer Lisa Goldberg, established a universe that was kid friendly and accessible to everyone.
The show was formulated as a mini musical for children’s audiences but portrayed by adults. While I say that the rendition is a child centric work, there are tidbits for the adults in the room to garner a hearty chuckle as well. At the performance I attended (Saturday, March 26), a full house of mostly children were vocally cheering for their favorite characters and sat, enraptured, at the antics of the players.
The heroine of the work is, of course, the title character Rapunzel, played by Anna Pollnow. Sweet, spunky and hopelessly naïve, this Rapunzel only wants to see the world outside her tower turret for her 16th birthday. Providing a strong soprano voice and a knack for comedic timing, Miss Pollnow is the presence to beat on that stage. In the villainous role of the witch, Britney Vachon-LaGuardia avoids the wicked witch stereotype here. With an “twist of her wrist and a turn of her ring”, she uses her power to make anything happen. Rapunzel’s hapless suitor Prince Brian, vigorously played by Noah Wahlberg, hits the scene, tailed by his ever-present man for all seasons, Simon the Valet, who is portrayed by John Pollnow. Mr. Wahlberg lends immense charm and innocence to his role as the often-forgotten prince in search of what he knew not. His strong lyric tenor and cherubic good looks fit the role to a tee. Mr. Pollnow’s ode to Monty Python in his entrance scene, coconuts and all, was one of those adult guffaw moments mentioned earlier. His energetic portrayal of the not- all-that-on-the-ball henchman was a joy to watch. His scenes in which he is “wooing the witch” were terrific. It was a nice touch in that, as the witch started falling in love with the clueless beau, she became increasing less hideous.
The whole tale is bound together with interstitial segments of the Storyteller, played by Jennifer Langdon in her Theatre 29 debut. Very much in the fashion of communal tale spinning in our collective pasts, Mrs. Langdon’s character keeps the flow moving. The self-absorbed King (Joe Rego) and the “Man with the mop” (Maryam Langdon) round out the cast of misfits. Strong moments for Mr Rego include the song “Growing Up” from the point of view of an exasperated parent. The witch’s exclamation of “Wait until you have kids!” was the embodiment of the ancient mother’s curse and caused a great swell of laughter from the parents in the audience. Miss Langdon, who also handled spotlight operations, took her own light in convincing the bewildered Rapunzel that her mop was actually a carriage.
The set was simple, as simplicity was all that was required of the production. The exterior and interior of the tower on the extension stage was reminiscent of a set which might have been at home in Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood in a prior life. The marvelously detailed painted forest drop as the main stage back wall served the show well and brought audiences right into the wood. Assorted foliage strategically placed allowed for multi-level entrances and exits. Lighting Design by DTL Award winning designer Lisa Goldberg illuminated everyone yet retained the illusion of being under a canopy of leaves. Ron Bottorff’s sound design was solid, yet the cast would have benefitted from microphone amplification, particularly in group numbers.
Tera Bottorff’s colorful costume design set the mood and the universe everyone inhabited. Tim Corvin (Stage Manager) kept scene changes moving smoothly and invisibly to the audience with his crew.
If the news of the world around you has gotten to be too much, “Rapunzel” is your ticket to glorious escapism that doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. But, if you bring the kids, which I heartily suggest you do, be prepared to take pictures of them with cast members after the performance. They will want to, believe me.
“Rapunzel” runs weekends through April 10th with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7:00pm and Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm at Theatre 29, 73637 Sullivan Rd in Twentynine Palms. Reservations can be made at Theatre29.org or by calling the Theatre 29 Box Office at 760-361-4151. Tickets are $15.00 for General admission, $12.50 for Seniors and Military, and $10.00 for students with ID and children 12 and under (a convenience fee will also be charged). Proof of vaccination is required for patrons 12 and over and masks are required for all patrons.
