A Fable to Reflect On
“A Wonderfully Flat Thing" Directed by David Winitsky 14th Street Y LABA Theatre 344 East 14th Street between 1st and 2nd avenues Tickets: $15; (646) 395-4322 or www.14StreetY.org Closes Jan. 16, 2011 Reviewed by Paulanne Simmons Jan. 9, 2011 Mark Twain, best known for his twin novels of childhood, Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, was also a writer of fables. One of his fables, “A Wonderfully Flat Thing," has been adapted for children’s theater by Valerie Work, Manju Shandler and Basmat Hazan, and is currently playing a return engagement at 14th Street Y LABA theatre. The show, created by Shandler and Hazan, directed by David Winitsky and choreographed by Jesse Zaritt, features a talented group of actor/puppeteers who tell the story of self-discovery through music, dance, spoken word, and video projections. The “wonderfully flat thing" of the title is, of course, a mirror, which reveals our image in unexpected ways. In “A Wonderfully Flat Thing," the Ostrich Sarae Garcia), the Cat Emily Hartford), the Donkey (Jake Goodman), the Elephant (Shawn Shafner) and the Snake (Sarah Painter) all see the image of themselves in the mirror and come to the conclusion that their image is an intrinsic part of the mirror. They may be pleased or alarmed by what they see. This egocentric interpretation is one that is quite understandable to the innocent minds of children. But whether or not children get Twain’s moral and philosophical message, they will be intrigued and delighted by the wonderful costumes and masks worn by the actors and the spirited antics of the animals. Shandler’s set, which includes Twain’s bedroom and the realm of the animals, is also an entertaining adventure into fantasy. And Shandler’s puppets, manipulated both by string and by hand are funny and whimsical. With its small scale and congenial audience interaction, “A Wonderfully Flat Thing" is a perfect first-time theater experience for very young children and their adult companions. [Simmons]
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Events & Happenings in New York City! A Wonderfully Flat Thing When:Sunday January 16, 2011 11:30 and 2:30pm Where:14th Street Y Theater 344 E. 14th Street New York, NY 10003 Full Venue Info, Map It Cover:$15 Join Mark Twain and his animal friends on a fun journey of self discovery and magic. With puppets, dance, music, and interactive video projections kids ages 4 & up will be delighted by this visual feast. Based on Mark Twain’s short story, A Fable, our talented cast discovers a mysterious “flat thing,” a mirror, and each sees something different. Is it magic? Only Mark Twain has the answer! A Wonderfully Flat Thing is a innovative children’s theater production your kids will love! Photo Exhibit, Theatre on Tap at Railroad Playhouse Published On Wednesday, January 12, 2011 By Newburgh Editor. Under: News. A photo by Stevie Ray Soloway from an exhibit this month at the Railroad Playhouse Gallery. The Railroad Playhouse is moving full steam into the new year with an art show, theater performance and workshop at their new space in the West Shore Train Station in Newburgh. Check out the landscape photography of Stevie Ray Soloway in a grand Gallery Opening this Saturday, January 15, from 7 to 9 pm and see how his photos present an ethereal tone to untouched areas of Staten Island. Stevie Ray is the father of Railroad Playhouse artist director Seth Soloway and all sales will benefit the theater. The following weekend, January 21-22, the public is invited to a performance of a chilling tale of a real life serial killer in England. Cabot Parsons directs Howard Brenton’s Christie in Love, a play that gives viewers a window into the motivation and psychology of the killer. The piece will be performed by Kyle Bosch, David H. Cohen and Jeffrey Foley. The next day, if you want to polish up your audition monologue and learn audition tips and techniques, artistic director Seth Soloway is offering a three-hour audition Monologue Master Class at the theater. With over 12 years of professional directing experience, Seth will work with you to fine-tune your audition monologue while providing insider tips and techniques to help you land your next gig! For times and ticket information for all of these events, visit the Railroad Playhouse online atwww.rrplayhouse.org. |
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