Sophia Hoffman

‘Gold’en opportunity for kids as audience guides the adventure

PWJW_Indy Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By Wendy Carson

Constellation Stage and Screen of Bloomington presents the very child-friendly family production, “Alex Gold: Stuck on Repeat,” by Sarah Ziegler Blair and Kellen Blair, directed by Jack McCarthy.

Alex (Jo Moran) has a very active and often distracting imagination. In fact, it caused him to fail the sixth grade so he must repeat the year. When he tries to tell his best friend Morgan (Carolyn Stouder) the news, he chickens out and tells her he’s going to study in France next year. What could possibly go wrong?

Luckily, Alex has a large team of brain cells (the audience) to assist him in dealing with his situation. We provide some guidance throughout the show by way of words given pre-show (much akin to Mad Libs) and polls throughout. Depending on the outcome of these prompts, the story line is transformed.

While his second trip through sixth grade starts well, a chance encounter with Morgan leads him to pose as Luc, the French exchange student taking Alex’s place. His schemes for success are even further hampered by his overly adoring wannabe bestie Thad Mazinsky (Tucker Ransom). Add to this the presence of Mr. McCurdle (Paul Daily), the Middle School principal, who loathes “wackiness” but has his own secret indulgences. It’s easy to see that Alex really needs all our help to make it through the year.

Rounding out the cast are Kenny Hertling and Sophia Hoffman who portray various students and characters, as well as representing the changes in seasons by throwing leaves, snowflakes, flowers, and at one point “money” throughout the audience.

While the show is funny and silly, it also teaches children about parts of speech (those words provided earlier were nouns, verbs and adjectives); how to carry oneself in times of struggle; the importance of truthfulness; and the difference between being friendly and actually being a friend. Judging by the response of all the kids in our audience this interactive experience, inspired in part by games like “Minecraft,” is perfect for grades K-5.

Performances, at Waldron Auditorium, 122 S. Walnut St. in downtown Bloomington, are 6:30 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (May 3-5); 6:30 p.m. Friday, 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (May 10-12).

The very last performance, 4 p.m. Sunday, May 12, will be Sensory Friendly, accommodating those on the autism spectrum or with similar conditions. It will feature lower sound, lights on with no strobe or flashing, more room in the seats and the freedom for patrons to talk and move as needed. Resource materials are available, and tickets for this particular show are Pay-What-You-Will (minimum $5).

For details and tickets, contact Constellation at 812-336-9300 or visit seeconstellation.org.

Constellation: Fun international adventure for kids, by George

PWJW_Indy Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By John Lyle Belden

For so many of us, whether children or kids-at-heart, a little monkey called Curious George has been part of our lives. But a lot has happened since the mini-ape encountered the Man in the Yellow Hat decades ago, and through adventures penned by original authors Margret and H.A. Rey and their successors, he has become a rather clever primate.

Inspired by his antics on the PBS Kids animated series, “Curious George: The Golden Meatball” brings the characters to life, presented by Constellation Stage and Screen in Bloomington. The live-action musical features young Juna Sparks as George, with Tucker Ransom as the Man in the Yellow Hat. The remaining cast play various characters, chorus, and delivery personnel essential to the plot. In their feature roles, Maggie Lynn Held is the Doorman to George’s apartment building, Gabriel Armstrong is famous Italian Chef Pisghetti, assisted by Sophia Hoffman as Netti, and Marco Molldrem is the sly inventor, Phinneas. Nicholas Ranauro choreographed and directs.

We open, after some song and dance about the title character, on All You Can Eat Meatball Day, which is Pisghetti’s way of saying thanks to all his customers – who aren’t showing up because Phinneas has built a machine that quickly makes rival meatballs (that are more like meat-cubes, but they seem to be a hit). Discouraged, the Chef closes shop – for good, he says.

George, who had just learned how to make the meaty treats, wants to help. To this end, his curiosity will take him, and the others, all the way to the The Golden Meatball contest in Rome.

This show is squarely aimed at the 10-and-under demographic, with several moments that directly engage the audience. This is a perfect way to introduce a child to the wonder of live theatre, done in a professional manner that grownups can appreciate.

Ransom looks like he stepped right out of the book’s pages, and perfectly personifies the monkey’s patient and caring guardian. Sparks lithely makes use of her dance training to tumble and communicate with gestures as George only speaks in vague chatter. Armstrong manages to work that thin line of Italian caricature to charm the kids without looking objectionable to their parents (for those my age, he reminded me a bit of Father Guido Sarducci from SNL).

Performances of “Curious George: The Golden Meatball” are 6:30 p.m. Fridays and 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 5 at Waldron Auditorium, 122 S. Walnut St., Bloomington. For info and tickets, visit seeconstellation.org.