Theater-goers, young and old! Go see Bradley Greenwald, currently holding forth in The 500 Hats Of Bartholomew Cubbins
Braxton Baker (Bartholomew Cubbins) and Bradley Greenwald in Children’s Theatre Company’s production of Dr. Seuss’ The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins. Photo by Dan Norman.
(Childrens Theatre Co., 2400 Third Ave., Minneapolis, through Oct 30, childrensheatre.org) before an evil Broadway producer swoops down and snatches him away from us. This guy is seriously good. His gorgeous singing voice is combined with outstanding acting ability. Tall and regal, his charismatic stage presence balanced by an impish smile, he’s one of the best around.
Also excellent, and much younger, is Braxton Baker in the title role of Bartholomew Cubbins, the boy who, try as he may, cannot remove his hat in the austere presence of King Derwid (Greenwald). With his slightly dorky stage persona, his wide grin and his excellent singing, Baker charms utterly, and easily carries the play. It’s a good show, but these two make it a must-see.
500 Hats, the first in this CTC season of Big Titles, is an adaptation of Dr. Suess‘s beloved children’s book. CTC has done it 7 (!) times: 5 mainstage and 2 touring productions. The plot is simplicity itself: Bartholomew can’t take off his hat. Another magically takes its place (“hat magic consultant”, Wendy Marie Lund, does fabulous work). The King dithers, sends for various aides (e.g., the Yeoman of the Bowmen, the Dad of the Dad of the Nadd of Didd), then reluctantly dispatches Bartholomew down to the Executioner – whom Bartholomew naturally charms. Timothy Mason‘s adaptation works nicely and ditto Hiram Titus‘s tuneful music. I wish the producers would turn down the mics, though, just a touch.
Peter Brosius directs with his usual broad, presentational style: every line is delivered at level 10, with oversized gestures, and a slow(ish) pace. The approach may lack subtlety but it creates terrific energy – and the young audience eats it up. As always at CTC, the design is first rate (though the set designer, Joseph Stanley, employs a scary-steep rake). In particular costume designer Judith Cooper should be singled out for her luscious clothing.
At the end of the opening night performance a screen was lowered and a slide show celebrating actor Gerald Drake‘s 40th season at CTC was shown. 40 seasons! In the peripatetic world of professional theater, where actors routinely move from theater to theater, from city to city, this is a marvelous achievement.
Recommended.
For more information about John, check out his website.