PicksInSix Review: THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS
“FORGOTTEN TOYS” LEARN LESSON THROUGH TEAMWORK
When was the last time you were given something only to find out much later how truly valuable that gift is?
For Grace (Bre Jacobs), there is no future in toiling away in the SheTOYgon toy store her parents left to her under the imposing eye of her malevolent Aunt Charlotte (Liz Norton) until she turns 18. That birthday is around the corner, and so is Christmas, when the story begins in “The Land of Forgotten Toys,” the charming new musical co-production of CPA Theatricals—a non-profit organization committed to musical theatre and creating opportunities for young people to experience musical theatre through workshops and performance—LCG Entertainment and the Greenhouse Theater Center.
Guided by Polaris, the North Star, an unending fascination with science and astronomy, and her perky shop-mate Nikki (Mary-Margaret Roberts), Grace dreams about what adventure—and greater purpose—may lay ahead (“Far Away from Home”). And when their retail world is turned upside-down by a mix-up in ordering the hottest new toy of the season—Cassiopeia, Queen of the Northern Sky—one thing leads to another, and the adventure shifts to Forgotten Mountain, a place where forgotten toys—a ragtag group of misfits that cleverly recalls the days of Easy-Bake Ovens and Gameboys (“Like Me”)—are facing a crisis with the real Cassiopeia (Katie Reid).
Thus begins the journey across the Northern Sea on floating icebergs and through the Ginger Root Forest to rescue Santa (Randolph Johnson) and save Christmas from the clutches of Santa’s ruthlessly diabolical sister Charlotta (Norton), who wants to turn the holiday into a profit-making venture (“Green Christmas”). She schemes with her pint-sized “Henchkid Elves”—crafty and spirited performances by Joe Scott and Maya Keane and sometimes Liliana Martens—to manipulate chief development and fix-it-up elf Schmedrick (Quinn Kelch) to do her bidding.
The magical Larry Little story–with music by Dylan MarcAurele, book and lyrics by Jaclyn Enchin and Jennifer Enchin, and additional lyrics by Mike Ross–is under the direction of Nicholas Reinhart, with associate director/choreographer Dina DiCostanzo and musical director/conductor/keyboardist Stephen Coakley, with Kyra Leigh (keyboards), Jeff Smith (bass) and Mark Linley (percussion). A cyclorama scenic design (Evan Frank) serves as Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the North Pole and all points in-between, with outer-worldly projections (Kevan Loney), lighting (G. “Max” Maxin IV), sound (Robert Hornbostel) and costumes (Christina Leinicke).
Jacobs captivates as the courageous Grace, whose warm and beautifully tender voice leads an ensemble loaded with youthful talent. With the fine comedic support of Roberts and Kelch—including a touching performance by the two in “I’ve Never Done That Before”—Johnson’s sturdy Santa and a few clever twists, there is proof at the heart of “The Land of Forgotten Toys” that even though we may be challenged in one way or another, if we work together, anything can happen.
PHOTOS|Zeke Dolezalek
CPA THEATRICALS
LCG ENTERTAINMENT
GREENHOUSE THEATER CENTER
Present
THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS
through December 29
GREENHOUSE THEATER CENTER
2257 N Lincoln Ave
773-404-7336
WEBSITE
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