A triad of local kids’ theater

Laguna’s best student actors will grace the stage nearly simultaneously this month, with productions of “Our Town,” “Can’t Believe It” and “The Sleeping Beauty.”

 

Our Town

Twelve years ago, longtime Laguna Playhouse Artistic and Executive Director Doug Rowe directed Amanda Hastings in the Laguna Beach High School production of Thornton Wilder’s classic “Our Town.”

Now, Hastings will direct the high school production, with Rowe appearing as the play’s stage manager, who guides the cast in creating the town of Grover’s Corners and the town’s happenings from the early 20th century.

The play will be performed nightly at 7:30 p.m. from Wednesday to May 17 in the Artists’ Theatre, 625 Park Ave. For tickets, call (949) 497-7769.

In the lobby during the show, historical and modern photos of Laguna will depict our own “Our Town,” while cast photos float between past and present.

“That way, the play will have meaning beyond 1914 Grover’s Corners, N.H.,” Hastings said.

Brendan McGrady plays George Gibbs, a doctor’s son, and Erica Jones plays Emily Webb, the daughter of a newspaper editor.

The play is meant to be performed with only chairs, tables and ladders, forcing the actors to be the main focus of the play at all times.

At rehearsals this week, Hastings guided her students on how to relate to their characters, and pointed out volume levels and operative words in lines.

Rowe also offered his own advice on staging and acting.

 

Can’t Believe It

The Laguna Playhouse’s Theatre for a New Generation will debut R.N. Sandberg’s “Can’t Believe It” at 7:30 p.m. nightly from Tuesday to Thursday.

Tickets are $5 for students or $10 for adults, available at the door, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, or at (949) 497-2787, ext. 1.

In the play, directed by Donna Inglima, shy Teresa develops a crush on Ron, who appears perfect on the outside. Each is caught doing something they shouldn’t, offering lessons on personal responsibility and consequences.

The show stars Nicole Christman, James Harris, Marissa Lowry, Jackie Melbon, Jordan Sandfer, Matt Stoner, Sophia Tupy and Margaret Vandenberghe.

The actors often speak and interact with the audience, engaging youth and developing personal interest in the show.

Its ambiguous ending is followed by a discussion period, during which the audience talks about what might happen with the company and experts in the field.

The show, rated PG for suggested situations including underage drinking and party behavior, delves into issues including stealing, Machiavellian parents and cheating, without having any questionable content: There is no foul language, and much of the behavior is alluded to offstage.

“‘Can’t Believe It’ is a very real high school experience, I think, about cheating and lying and morals,” Tupy said.

Rehearsals inspired side discussions about the issues presented in the play, cast members said.

Inglima told the actors she didn’t want to see any “acting” in the show — rather, they should be as natural as possible.

Students in the playhouse’s Conservatory and Repertory program learn to do everything from light design to acting.

“They like to give us the whole experience, not just what’s onstage,” actress Lowry said.

 

The Sleeping Beauty

The Playhouse’s youth theatre also will present “The Sleeping Beauty” tonight through May 18.

Tickets are $16 for children and $20 for adults; performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays.

The adaptation by Charlotte B. Chorpenning from the 17th century book by Charles Perrault is directed by Kelly Herman.

The playhouse’s youth productions are given the same attention as its regular shows, with elaborate sets and costumes.

When Princess Beauty is born, all the fairies in the kingdom are invited to her christening to bring her gifts.

But evil fairy Frytania, feeling slighted, curses Beauty to fall asleep on her 16th birthday and await the kiss of a prince to awaken her.

But the Laguna Playhouse’s production of “The Sleeping Beauty” is as far from Disney as you can get.

Indeed, far from fighting dragons, the story’s prince faces his own fear, and the titular character learns the meaning of unconditional love, not how to be rescued.

The play is suitable for ages 5 and older.

In one of the most riveting scenes, Beauty, clad in lavender velvet, weaves and dances as the evil fairy Frytania seduces her with a song about her spindle, which will prick Beauty’s finger and cause her to sleep.

“Open the door; climb to the tower; this is your hour,” she sings.

“This is my hour,” Beauty quietly repeats to herself.

The Art Nouveau-styled production was inspired by the works of Mucha and Parrish. Swirling, faux-stone elements climb to form a bower-like space.

The Renaissance-style costumes are as delightful as the set. Royalty wears sumptuous, dark colors, while the production’s many fairies wear dip-dyed, floaty gowns made of dozens of yards of silk and wild, Pre-Raphaelite hair.

“There’s a sensuality that we were all going for,” Herman said.

CANDICE BAKER can be reached at (949) 494-5480 or at [email protected].