REVIEW: Adam Theater’s whimsical ‘Library Lion’ sings and wonderfully inspires
“A book’s cover is like a big door.”
As an avid bibliophile, this significant quote from Library Lion could not ring more true. Extraordinary things do happen when you read.
One of the big doors that unleash a limitless imagination is the library. Unlike streaming, movies or television, a book is a movie for your mind and Library Lion, one of Time Magazine’s top 100 Children’s books, highlights the joys of reading and what to expect at the library until someone unexpected arrives.
Wisely directed by Ran Bechor with impactful music by Yoni Rechtor and dynamic music direction by Tomer Sne, Adam Theater continues Michelle Knudsen’s Library Lion live and in person at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, January 25. This enchanting, semi-interactive, and family-friendly musical play is not limited to the stage and runs approximately one hour and 10 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
The commotion is electric among this youthful crowd anticipating what is about to take place onstage. Whether young or old, this charming musical production does not disappoint. Books and other set pieces come to life in subtle, yet charming special effects refreshingly crafted with limited use of CGI or sophisticated digital screens.
Unveiling Cameron Anderson’s stunning multicolor and vibrant, multilayered rolling set, Library Lion features an exuberant cast which includes a realistic lion puppet created by Jim Hensen’s Creature Shop waltzing to Irene Wang’s mischievous and playful sound design. In striped garments, a puppetry trio which includes Sophie Kauffman, Sydney Grant and Sarah Nolen directed by Kate Brehm, operate and deliver a beautifully stylized lion portrayal from its powerful roars to its intricately blinking big blue eyes adorned with a multi-toned mane.
Eli Bijaoui’s clever and occasionally rhyming dialogue and simple, yet catchy songs by an intimate, three piece orchestra are well paced and mostly jovial as Jayden Declet as precocious Michelle and Aaron Mancaniello as reserved Kevin discover the wonders and virtues of the library with the help of Janis Hudson as charismatic and practical Ms. Merriweather, Robert Saoud as moody yet endearing Mr. McBee, and Clara Hevia as a lively yet frenzied storyteller.
Declet and Mancaniello share an easy rapport and start some minor chaos as they venture through the library’s doors as a clock is perpetually set to when the library opens at 9AM. In a distinctive velvet coat and bowtie, Saoud is wonderful as Mr. McBee in a sympathetic depiction of a librarian who sticks by the rules but longs for something more. In a flowing floral dress, a pleasant voiced Janis Hudson depicts Ms. Merriweather with a breezy practicality and in this performance, more than a passing resemblance to Laura Linney. It is amazing how Hudson slips into characters with such finesse. Hevia rounds out the cast with quirky style and unique energy as the library’s storyteller.
You don’t need to be familiar with the pop culture references or books to enjoy this production, but you may wish to revisit or read them for the first time when they are introduced into the story.
The library is a treasured sanctuary for many reasons and the Library Lion sings its well deserved praises where you can occasionally sing-along. Library Lion offers much more than life lessons, but delivers a compassionate and imaginative storyline that does not come off as preachy or condescending. It offers humor, silliness and heart that will keep children engaged and at one point, brings the audience right into the story. I say that is time well spent.
Adam Theater continues Library Lion live and in person at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, January 25. Click here for more information and for tickets.
