[NEohioPAL] Children's Letters to God (review)

[Edward Kuntzman]

Youthful talent abounds in Harmony Spot production
  By Tom Wachunas
  Observer-Reporter
   
   
        An interesting tension is at work in “Children’s Letters To God,” the current musical theatre offering by the Harmony Players at the Harmony Spot Café and Conservatory in North Canton. While the title might lead one to expect a cute recital of juvenile wish lists, there are other things afoot. Deeper, bittersweet things. Adult things.
        The musical is directed by Edward L. Kuntzman and based on the book by Stuart Hample and Eric Marshall, with music by David Evans and lyrics by Douglas J. Cohen.  The proceedings are peppered throughout with the questions – some humorous and naive, others more theologically challenging - that the cast of 11 children, ages 6-11, has addressed to God. “Dear God, What does ‘begat’ mean? No one will tell me
How come you did all the miracles in the old days and you don’t do any now?...If we live after we die, why do we have to die then?...Instead of letting people die and having to make new ones, why don’t you just keep the ones you’ve got now?”
       The questions form a loosely thematic backdrop for the story line which on its own is a replay of narratives acted out for decades in television sitcoms: childhood crushes, bickering siblings, the death of a pet, and longing for peer acceptance. The story handily rises above such clichés as it relates the predicament of Brett, a 13 year-old caught in the throes of his parents’ divorce.
       Dominic Martello plays that role, at first, with an awkward, tentative energy that in the end actually serves the character well. By the time he sings “Silly Old Hat” to his wannabe girlfriend Joanna in the second act, he’s become poignantly convincing as the wounded child struggling with denial.
       Sam Warro is well cast as the geeky Theo, calling himself “king of the spastics”. He sings gleefully in “Kicker Brown” that he’s grateful to God that Kicker (Joanna’s brother) was picked last to be on Brett’s baseball team. As Kicker, Michael Rasicci is endearing as he undergoes an epiphany of sorts when singing “Ants.” He begins by extolling the virtues of crushing the insignificant creatures. After being humbled by Brett, he changes his tune and vows sheepishly never to abuse the bugs again.
       Kailey Weisel in the role of Joanna’s friend, Iris, is nothing short of adorable as she negotiates the meaning of the death of her pet turtle. At one point she dons a hilariously mature black hat and black turtleneck shirt, announcing proudly that she’s in mourning.
       Madison Hayes is magnetic, even startling in her role of Joanna. Both her vocal talent and stage presence exude professionalism well beyond her ten years. Her considerable strengths never upstage the rest of the cast so much as complement it, and that points to director Kuntzman’s success at inspiring a remarkably effective ensemble chemistry among such young actors.
       The dinner theater at Harmony Spot Café includes a few simple spotlights and a small, unpretentious platform stage visible from all angles. The food and service are excellent, the portions generous, and the desserts, like this show, sweet and delectable.
       Such a warm setting is certainly an appropriate one for a production that probes intimate questions and, ultimately, life-affirming answers. A considerable number of our cultural catchphrases come from the Bible, and a particularly apropos one comes to mind here. To paraphrase the psalmist, “Out of the mouths of babes
”
   
  The Harmony Players present “Children’s Letters To God” at the Harmony Spot Café and Conservatory/ 1227 North Main Street, North Canton/ April 11-13, 18-20/ Performance times: Friday and Saturday at 8p.m., Sunday at 2:30p.m./ Dinner served Friday and Saturday at 6:30, Sunday at 1:00/ Dinner and show $22.95, show only $17.95 (includes desert buffet and drinks)/ For reservations call (330) 305-1466
     


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