Einstein is a Dummy

Oregon Children's Theatre
May 4 - 18, 2008

Summary:

A fictional day in the life of Albert Einstein as an awkward twelve year old. Einstein struggles with all the usual issues of a pre-teen: keeping up with violin lessons, impressing the girl next-door and, oh yeah, comprehending the fundamental relationship of space and time to the speed of light.

The Ghosts of Treasure Island

Oregon Children's Theatre
April 20 - 27, 2008

Summary:

Swaggerin’ scallywags, it’s Long John Silver and the gang in a wild, eye-patched musical starring Captain Bogg & Salty! In this classic, young Jim Hawkins tracks down pirate treasure with a stolen treasure map. But along the way, he encounters menacing Long John Silver and his motley crew of pirates!

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Oregon Children's Theatre
January 4 - 27, 2008

Review by Thursday

A children's show about the daily life of Lilly, a mouse. Well directed, good script. All design elements support whimsical style of show well, including mouse ears for crew. Lilly's performance not as strong as ensemble, Wilson, and Chester, who shine. Fun, compelling show, interesting for both children and parents.

Salad Days

Oregon Children's Theatre
Young Professionals Performance
November 30 - December 9, 2007

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

Oregon Children's Theatre
October 21, 27, 28, November 3, 2007

The Red Badge of Courage

Oregon Children's Theatre
Posted by Frenchglen May 12, 2007; closes May 20, 2007

The real thing. Outstanding ensemble of Andres Alcala, Jono Eiland, Chase Fulton and John San Nicolas brings adaptation of Crane’s Civil War classic to powerful, painful life. Not a wasted moment in 65 minute tour of internal and external battlefields. Recitation of war wounded names hits hard. Scorching. Relevant. Compelling.

Oregon Children's Theatre 2007-2008 Season

Oregon Children's Theatre

Tales of Fourth Grade Nothing
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
The Ghosts of Treasure Island
Einstein is a Dummy

January's Fill

On the chance we can’t cover these …

Junie B. Jones - Northwest Children's
Froggy Went A’Courtin’ – Ladybug Theatre
Miss Nelson is Missing! – Oregon Children’s Theatre
Where’s Charley? – Lakewood Theatre
The Yellow Boat – Insight Out Theatre Collective
If You Take One Elf Off the Shelf – The Twelve 14 Group

Comments, anyone?

Alexander, Who’s Not, Not, Not, Not, Not, Not Going to Move!

Oregon Children’s Theatre
April 30, 2006; closes May 14, 2006

A bit of manic mug-fest, even for third-grade set, but family audience seemed to find low-tech musical cute, at least until rippling with fidgetiness at downbeat of denouement (why is lessons-learned song always a muted ballad?). Notable was appealing Ellora Vilkin’s natural poise and instinctively talented boy band “Still Pending.”

The Giver

Oregon Children’s Theatre
March 5, 2006; closes March 12, 2006

Excellent work all around, especially Ryan Stathos’ Jonas. A sensitive production introducing some hard-hitting issues at an age when ideas can still be explored with open eyes. Never’ve I seen so many kids paying so close attention, and as we exited, already discussing what it all meant. That’s pretty magical.

Ferdinand the Bull

Oregon Children’s Theatre
November 6, 2005; closes December 4, 2005

An hour-long ¡Olé! filled with mucho singing, dancing and wonderfully frenetic interactive fun, not to mention a timeless, relevant story with great message for kids and parents alike. Goofy bilingual cast led family-friendly mania with big-brother/big-sister good nature. My only wish was for songs with at least a memorable refrain.

Winnie-the-Pooh

Oregon Children’s Theatre
May 21, 2005

The animated Lucas Welsh shined in the title role of this friendly adventure; he’s got a sure future as a successful character actor. The script was refreshingly straightforward with exception that final 10-15 minute plot resolution pushed patience of kids around me. Not to mention that we all missed Tigger.

The BFG (Big Friendly Giant)

Oregon Children’s Theatre
January 23, 2005

Marvelous visual elements, especially well-blended scenic and lighting designs by Glenn Gauer and Gene Dent, respectively. Sound, however, was loud and distorted, sometimes muddying speech of otherwise clear-cut performances. Greg Tamblyn’s crisp direction kept all things moving except, oddly enough, the other giants. Madeleine Rogers as Sophie was a natural.