James Karas
The Lorax, Dr.
Seuss’s engaging story about the environment, has been turned into an even more
engaging, entertaining, boisterous and simply marvelous musical. It was first produced
in London two years ago and is now making its North American premiere at the
Royal Alexandra Theatre. It is a Christmas gift for everyone.
The Lorax, as most children may know, is a short fable
about a small creature with a huge yellow mustache that speaks for the trees. A
long time ago, we are told, the grass was green, the clouds were clear and
Truffula Trees with their brightly coloured tufts stretched for miles and
miles.
Photo by Manuel Harlan
Then came the greedy Once-ler who cut down the trees to make Thneed, a
multi-use product that everyone wanted. Once-ler cut down all the Truffula
Trees, despoiled nature and all the living things in what
used to be a paradise.
David Greig adapted the story and Charlie Fink composed some wonderful
songs to create a delightful piece for the theatre.
The Lorax is represented by a small puppet with a big mustache and it is
handled by three puppeteers. David-Ricardo Pearce is the voice of The Lorax in
addition to being a puppeteer and he is joined by Laura Caldow and Ben Thompson
who do superb work.
Simon Paisley Pearce plays Once-ler who is not so much evil as a
practical businessman who sees an opportunity to make money and takes advantage
of it. All we need to do is look around us and we can point to any number of
industries that are destroying the environment in the name of good business.
(The hardwood floor manufacturers were so upset by Dr. Seuss’s story, they had
their own story written as an antidote.)
Greig has expanded the short original story by adding a number of characters
and Fink has helped with his songs to provide about two hours of entertainment.
The major character after Lorax and Once-ler is Small Ed played with
verve and energy by Michael Ajao. There was a delay in raising the curtain for
the second act and Ajao came out and seemed to improvise rhyming couplets to
keep the audience entertained. His performance is just as inventive and
entertaining.
Laura Caldow, David
Ricardo-Pearce, Ben Thompson and Simon Paisley Day.
Photo by Manuel Harlan
Once-ler has a large family and there are inspectors, storytellers and
musicians to sing and provide humour. The production directed by Max Webber,
designed by Bob Howell and choreographed by Drew McOnie is colourful,
fast-paced, inventive and brilliantly told.
I was accompanied by Emma, my Associate Reviewer. She is fourteen going
on twenty and expressed her views very succinctly. She gave praise for the
smooth transition from one scene to the next, admired the costumes and props
and gave high marks to Wendy Mae Brown who sang vibrantly when she appeared in
a barrister’s gown and wig. She praised David Ricardo-Pearce’s singing but was
less enthusiastic about Day’s vocal ability.
After delivering the above critique in a single breath, I asked her what
courses she was taking in Grade nine. Drama, she answered and added that
another reason she liked The Lorax was because it was suitable for young and
old. Speaking of young and old, I asked her if her mother was acting maturely
by never saying “no” to her. Yes she does.
There you go. You have the word of two mature reviewers and I would rely
on my Assistant and go see The Lorax.
The Lorax, adapted by David Greig with music and lyrics by
Charlie Fink from the story by Dr. Seuss will run until January 21, 2018 at the
Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King St. W. Toronto, Ont. www.mirvish.com
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