Showmag.com

Suppose a giant lived in a castle, located in a cloud. Further, what if that giant had plenty of food, but the people in the town below had had little to eat? Could the two "factions" somehow work out an equitable agreement? This is the question that is begged in the Storybook Theatre of Los Angeles' delightfully revisionist staging of Jack and the Beanstalk, continuing through February 26, in Hollywood (near Universal City).

This Beanstalk is a frolicking, interactive musical aimed at young children (with occasional shout-outs for kids of all ages to enjoy). While there are no big folk fatally falling from high-flying plant fiber in this melodic iteration of the old fairytale, there is plenty of climbing, tumbling, running, and funning here.

At one-hour in length - including a short intermission - Beanstalk delivers a half dozen tunes, each equal in quality to anything we might witness on Sesame Street.The opening number, "Five Magic Beans," sets the pace (and plants the seeds) for the fast moving sixty-minute musical. A bag of beans wind up being given to a child in the audience. Children are invited on to the stage to play various supporting roles, and everyone, of course, is called on to sing.

Lloyd J. Schwartz scripted and put to lyric this hoary tale, as well as directing it. It's as if new life has been breathed into an old body. Composed by Ben Lanzarone and choreographed by Nikki D'Amico, Beanstalk has the energy of a starburst--four starbursts, to be exact. They are the quartet of performers who constitute the uber-pleasing ensemble in this unique Beanstalk.

No players work harder than the dedicated actors of children's theater. This extraordinary troupe exemplifies this truth, setting the bar most high. Melanie Wahla as Puck (alternating with Caitlin Gallogly), Jason Galloway as Jack (alternating with Adam Conger), Barbara Mallory Schwartz as Jack's mother, and Anthony Gruppuso as Giant all give portrayals that exude joy and élan.

"Jack and the Beanstalk" is a tall theatrical order. Storybook Theatre of Los Angeles takes that order and towers in its achievement. The show plays at 1 p.m. Saturdays and continues through February 26 at Theatre West--3333Cahuenga Boulevard, Hollywood. It is also available for birthday party bookings, school field trips, and other occasions and celebrations. For reservations, dial (818) 761 - 2203. For more information, visit www.theatrewest.org.