Fable presented as part of Hot Dog Theatre
By Joanne Fox Journal staff writer | Posted: Friday, July 14, 2006
Brady VanPatten, Alissa Walker and Steven Linden rehearse a scene from "Jack & the Beanstalk," the Hot Dog Theatre for kids show at Lamb Productions. (Staff photo by Jerry Mennenga)
One of Aesop's most captivating and magical fables will be brought to life this weekend at Lamb Productions as part of its annual Hot Dog Theatre for Kids.
"Jack & the Beanstalk" is a musical adaptation created by Kevin M. Reese, a playwright and composer who has spent over a decade creating lively and fun-loving musical plays.
"It's a children's classic, but told in a very unusual way," explained Diana Wooley, director of the production.
Kids in particular will empathize with poor Jack (Steven Linden) who can't seem to do anything right. The well-intentioned lad sells his beloved family Cow (Emily Dorsett) to a less-than-honest Peddler (Reed Saunders) for a handful of magic beans and incurs the wrath of his more practical mother (Katie Goebel). Things take an enchanting and at times daunting turn when the beans sprout into a giant stalk, leading Jack into a fairy-tale kingdom with a Giant (Brady VanPatten) and his housekeeper (Alissa Walker). Here are riches to solve the family's poverty, including a Goose (Aubrey) which lays golden eggs.
But as fate would have it Jack gets caught trying to steal the giant's golden goose and has trouble finding his way back home. Ultimately, the giant teaches Jack a valuable lesson about dealing with others.
Aesop's fables are a collection of short stories attributed to a Greek slave who lived about 600 B.C. Each, such as "The Tortoise and The Hare" (last year's Hot Dog Theatre) and "Jack & the Beanstalk" teaches a moral and offers useful advice. Many of the tales include animal characters that talk and act like people to illustrate the failings of human nature.
Aesop's tale of "Jack & the Beanstalk " focuses on natural justice prevailing -- in as much as the riches found in the Giant's kingdom actually belong to Jack's deceased father. Taking what is rightfully his allows Jack to avenge his father's death, instead of portraying him as the adventurer and pilferer he appears to be in the story.
"This adaptation is far more Jack's 'journey' than it is a moralistic tale," Wooley said. "Jack is very fun-loving, but a bit simple-minded; he has trouble interacting with others and the giant is the one who shows Jack how to change his behavior to be a better person."
Wooley gave credit to author Reese for taking a familiar tale and modifying it without preaching, patronizing or insulting the intelligence of an audience. The playwright has been commissioned by the Wichita Children's Theatre to write a new Kansas History musical production that will tour the State of Kansas during the 2006-2007 school year.
"Possibly 'Jack & the Beanstalk' could be more fun for adults than for the kids," Wooley mused. "It brings back a lot of memories and Reese presents the material in a way both adults and kids would like."
As with previous Hot Dog Theatres (since the mid-1980s), the production is short, about 40 minutes and includes a buffet prior to the show of hot dogs, buns, potato chips, condiments, relish and beverage. Wooley felt the material would be entertaining for children as young as 2-years-old.
"We've done these shows in the past with adult actors, but this time we are using high school students," she said. "It's been a lot of fun for the kids to be bigger than life and they have been just loving it."
"Jack & the Beanstalk" will be presented at Lamb Productions, 417 Market St., through Sunday. Curtain time is 6 p.m. for evening shows and noon for Saturday and Sunday. Adults and children 11 and over are $9; children 10 and under are $7. Tickets are available at the door or by calling the box office from 1 to 5 p.m. at 255-9536.
"Jack & the Beanstalk" is a musical adaptation created by Kevin M. Reese, a playwright and composer who has spent over a decade creating lively and fun-loving musical plays.
"It's a children's classic, but told in a very unusual way," explained Diana Wooley, director of the production.
Kids in particular will empathize with poor Jack (Steven Linden) who can't seem to do anything right. The well-intentioned lad sells his beloved family Cow (Emily Dorsett) to a less-than-honest Peddler (Reed Saunders) for a handful of magic beans and incurs the wrath of his more practical mother (Katie Goebel). Things take an enchanting and at times daunting turn when the beans sprout into a giant stalk, leading Jack into a fairy-tale kingdom with a Giant (Brady VanPatten) and his housekeeper (Alissa Walker). Here are riches to solve the family's poverty, including a Goose (Aubrey) which lays golden eggs.
But as fate would have it Jack gets caught trying to steal the giant's golden goose and has trouble finding his way back home. Ultimately, the giant teaches Jack a valuable lesson about dealing with others.
Aesop's fables are a collection of short stories attributed to a Greek slave who lived about 600 B.C. Each, such as "The Tortoise and The Hare" (last year's Hot Dog Theatre) and "Jack & the Beanstalk" teaches a moral and offers useful advice. Many of the tales include animal characters that talk and act like people to illustrate the failings of human nature.
Aesop's tale of "Jack & the Beanstalk " focuses on natural justice prevailing -- in as much as the riches found in the Giant's kingdom actually belong to Jack's deceased father. Taking what is rightfully his allows Jack to avenge his father's death, instead of portraying him as the adventurer and pilferer he appears to be in the story.
"This adaptation is far more Jack's 'journey' than it is a moralistic tale," Wooley said. "Jack is very fun-loving, but a bit simple-minded; he has trouble interacting with others and the giant is the one who shows Jack how to change his behavior to be a better person."
Wooley gave credit to author Reese for taking a familiar tale and modifying it without preaching, patronizing or insulting the intelligence of an audience. The playwright has been commissioned by the Wichita Children's Theatre to write a new Kansas History musical production that will tour the State of Kansas during the 2006-2007 school year.
"Possibly 'Jack & the Beanstalk' could be more fun for adults than for the kids," Wooley mused. "It brings back a lot of memories and Reese presents the material in a way both adults and kids would like."
As with previous Hot Dog Theatres (since the mid-1980s), the production is short, about 40 minutes and includes a buffet prior to the show of hot dogs, buns, potato chips, condiments, relish and beverage. Wooley felt the material would be entertaining for children as young as 2-years-old.
"We've done these shows in the past with adult actors, but this time we are using high school students," she said. "It's been a lot of fun for the kids to be bigger than life and they have been just loving it."
"Jack & the Beanstalk" will be presented at Lamb Productions, 417 Market St., through Sunday. Curtain time is 6 p.m. for evening shows and noon for Saturday and Sunday. Adults and children 11 and over are $9; children 10 and under are $7. Tickets are available at the door or by calling the box office from 1 to 5 p.m. at 255-9536.
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 0 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
