Nothing I can say could ever diminish the impact of this joyful production from Imagine Theatre, built for children ages 5 and up, that I saw recently with an audience of first and second graders. The story, written by June Carryl, is taken from the South African Khoison tribe’s fable that explains the creation of the Milky Way. Reminscent of the Wizard of Oz, this fable features Little Sister (Stakiah Lynne Washington) who must undertake a long journey in search of her father, with helpful characters, including Lion (Carter Michael) and Hare (Edward Hong), who join the safari before encountering a number of fanciful creatures, including Mantis (Makha Mthembu), all of whom are built to help or harm the travelors through a series of trials that must be overcome before they reach the sky.
The Imagine Theatre production, helmed by artistic director Armina LaManna, features a bold, colorful setting, (designed by the prolific Tom Buderwitz), imaginative costumes (by Dianne Graebner), wildly creative projections (from Gabrieal Griego), at times overwhelming sound (courtesy of Rebecca Kessin),
and Gavan Wyrick’s thrilling lighting effects (about that, more later). Although there is only the front of the stage to traverse, LaManna makes full use of the Colony’s steep auditorium to simulate climbing a mountain to the stars, as the characters march up the stairs, and through the audience, much to the children’s delight. The highlight of the show, however, must be the twinkling night sky that envelops the entire auditorium, causing a hush of wonder to fall over the children in attendance.
Happily, through thick and thin, the quest resolves itself, with Little Sister reuniting with her father at last. The more important aspect of the play has been the kaleidoscope of sights and sounds the children experience. At the matinee I attended, their squeals of delight reminded me how important it is to continue to provide the wonder of live theatre for kids of whatever age, be it 5 or 50!
The Girl Who Made the Milky Way ended performances on November 22nd, nine of which were student matinees. The Imagine Theatre’s world premiere was co-produced with the Colony Theatre at the Burbank Town Center at 555 N 3rd St. Burbank, CA 91502. For more information, call (818) 649-9474 or go to imaginetheatreca.org
