Review: Snow White (Emerald City Theatre)

  
  
Snow White 

Written and Directed by Ernie Nolan  
at Apollo Theater, 2450 N. Lincoln (map)
thru May 20  |  tickets: $13-$16   |  more info
  
Check for half-price tickets 
  
  
   Read entire review
  

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Snow White done right

Emerald City Theatre presents

Snow White as Performed
   by Professor TJ Barker’s Troupe of Theatricals

Review by Lauren Whalen 

The story of Snow White is a very adaptable one, with interpretations more numerous than the apples that play a pivotal role in the narrative. Acclaimed children’s playhouse Emerald City Theatre puts a new spin on the classic tale, using a play-within-a-play structure to maximize the delight of its youngest viewers while keeping the elder folk entertained. Snow White as Performed by Professor TJ Barker’s Troupe of Theatricals is an exuberant treat of a fairy tale, not to be missed.

Emerald City Artistic Director Ernie Nolan re-imagines Snow White as a traveling theater piece. In what appears to be the turn of the century, Professor TJ Barker and his enthusiastic, bumbling group of players have journeyed far and wide to bring the story of Snow White to Chicago audiences. Only there are a few problems: the orchestra missed the train, and five of the seven brothers portraying the dwarves caught food poisoning at the hotel restaurant. Never fear: several of the actors can double as musicians, and puppets (plus a doll named Harlan) take the parts of the remaining five dwarves. Determined to make it an unforgettable day for all, the troupe plays the tale to the melodramatic hilt, involving the spectators with relish as they go.

As with each Emerald City show, Snow White carries a lesson for families and classrooms: the skill of problem solving. The education doesn’t detract from the entertainment, however: there’s always something to see, to laugh at, to wonder. Writer and director Nolan makes the most of the Apollo Theater aisles, transforming the space into a playground for the eager actors to run, jump and engage. Excellent production values elevate Snow White to an even more professional level: Nathan Rohrer’s sweet and simple costumes give an old-timey feel while still allowing for copious physical movement. DJ Reed’s whimsical props (most notably a stuffed cat named Luciano) enhance the production’s sense of fun, while Ken Sprouls’ puppets conjure the wacky, lovable spirit of Jim Henson.

With their wide eyes, game faces and unbridled enthusiasm, the cast of Snow White are in a class by themselves. Playing multiple roles, expertly wielding puppets and tinkling away on musical instruments, they don’t miss a line, a step or a note. What’s lovely about Snow White is its easy way with children: the characters interact with the young audience without alienating the parents (or theater critics who might prefer not to be involved). They teach without preaching and emote without screeching, and most kid-oriented entertainment could learn a thing or two.

Emerald City prides itself not only on top-quality productions but also passing their artistic gifts to the next generation of actors, directors and theater enthusiasts. Snow White successfully achieves these goals: with every trilling sing-along and chirpy delivery, TJ Barker’s Troupe of Theatricals leave kids and grown-ups alike with genuine smiles and (hopefully) a newfound or renewed passion for the arts. To paraphrase the brutally honest mirror owned by the wicked queen of a stepmother, Emerald City Theatre’s Snow White is truly the fairest of them all.

Rating: ★★★½

Snow White as Performed by Professor TJ Barker’s Troupe of Theatricals continues through May 20th at Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln (map). Tickets start at $16 for adults and $13 for children, and are available by phone (773-935-6100) or online at TicketMaster.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information, and a complete performance schedule, at EmeraldCityTheatre.com.  (Running time: 1 hour with no intermission)

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