Archive: Arts & Entertainment

The classic children's story "Wind in the Willows" comes to life in Running to Places' production, running Feb. 23-25 in the Beverly J. Martin (BJM) Elementary School library theatre. The family-friendly show is the perfect antidote to the winter doldrums, a ray of sunshine and fun for children of all ages.

"February is wearing on and we're getting eager for spring: this is a story that will get you through," says Joey Steinhagen, artistic director of Running to Places (R2P). "It's sweet and hopeful, with not an ounce of cynicism. There's a beautifully light touch in the story telling."

The story is based on Kenneth Grahame's novel and centers on Toad's (Kayla Markwardt) obsession with motorcars upending a peaceful summer on the River. After crashing several cars and then stealing one, Toad ends up in jail, leaving Toad Hall empty. Despite the best efforts of his friends Mole (Carys Banford), Badger (Jorin Clougherty), and Rat (Ana Luisa Brady McCullough) to protect Toad Hall, they're driven out by the Weasels of the Wild Wood. Can Toad escape jail and recapture Toad Hall? Will he learn humility along the way?

The show is witty and fun, Steinhagen says. "Toad is pure Id in a way that is an absolute delight. He will make 6-year-olds squirm with glee about the mischief he gets up to."

But, adds Steinhagen, "The story also has a lot of substance to it, on the complex nature of friendship, the passage of time and what that does to relationships."

While the show is not a musical, resident music director Jeremy Pletter will direct a trio of piano, guitar and flute to create a lyrical atmosphere for the show.

For Steinhagen, performing a beloved classic of children's literature in the BJM library has a delightful resonance.

"The design of the classic theatre within the library feels like a time capsule," he said. "I love it."

The costumes, by Liz Woods, will show the quintessential Britishness of the writing and convey the personification of the characters, like the weasels being described as gangsters.

"It will be more about commenting on polite society than animalness," says Steinhagen. Other members of the design team include scenic designer Deborah Drew, lighting designer Natty Simson and sound designer Jordan Fearon.

"Wind in the Willows" runs one weekend only: Feb 23-25, Friday and Saturday at 7 PM, Sunday at 2 PM.
v14i7