Quote of the Day: There is hope if people will begin to awaken that spiritual part of themselves, that heartfelt knowledge that we are caretakers of this planet. Brooke Medicine Eagle
The Scarecrow and his Servant is based on the book by Philip Pullman, adapted for the stage at The Children’s Theatre Company by Jeffrey Hatcher, and directed by Peter C. Brosius. Once again, the creative team at CTC has brought a new production to its stage. While the classic, recognizable titles do draw people in, sometimes, they start to feel like you’re eating leftovers for the fifth time in one week, and you’re ready for something fresh. The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN is not afraid to serve up fresh ideas. I believe they take well calculated risks to bring important stories to life. One of the best plays I’ve ever seen was Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, also an original play to theatre that was done first at CTC, Spring 2012. With Philip Pullman’s story, they use all of their tried and true elements of children’s theatre: physical action, zany characters, fast-paced action, and bringing out what’s really important in this life – relationships and, in this case, taking care of the earth.
Autumn Ness, Gerald Drake, Reed Sigmund, Lauren Davis
Photo by Dan Norman, CTC
What happens when a corrupt landlord tries to take over? How is he persuading the earth people to do his dirty work?
Brandon Brooks (servant) and his master Dean Holt (the Scarecrow)
in CTC’s The Scarecrow and his Servant.
Dean Holt and Gerald Drake (Cercorelli) in an explosive moment on stage at CTC.
How can a pieced together Scarecrow and a hungry boy save their land? They have to forge ahead despite all the attempts to keep them from their goal. This is a story about knowing who you’re following and why. It shows you that a good leader lays down his life for his good and faithful servant, and that a good will that is placed in your heart saves the day.
I brought my three teenage boys to this show. They said they’d recommend it to 3rd-7th graders. Some of the scenes are dark and loud and it has an anti-war message. The overall feeling of the show is that choices you make have consequences, and even someone who seems to have nothing can make a difference.
Here’s a fun behind the scenes clip of getting ready for the show.
The Scarecrow and His Servant Teaser from Children’s Theatre Company on Vimeo.
The Scarecrow and His Servant is playing at The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN, March11-April 6, 2014. Click on their link for tickets and show times. If you call or stop in the box office on Sundays at noon, you have a chance to get a limited amount of $10 tickets for shows in the upcoming week. This one will get you thinking.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: What theatres or media in your area offer fresh ideas and a chance for new artists to showcase their creations?
Wow, that sounds like a cool play. I know what you mean about wanting to see something fresh too!