Wallace describes a setting in which children can work together to present a play to an audience that does not involve the need for actors to memorize their scripts. Being in such a production requires much rehearsing and attention to the important elements of production, plus it is a lot of fun to work as a team. The original script here presented is a creative version of the “Rapunzel” fairy tale. Actors wear costumes appropriate for a modern version of the old tale. Makeup and some props will be additions to the play. Any movement will be minor and planned by the director. Actors will either carry a script, or sit and hold scripts, and look up often to direct lines to the audience. A section labelled “Teacher’s Guides” provides notes for adapting the scripts. There is much information to be shared about this creative theatre style, and this book is a good beginning. It is well-organized and does not overwhelm the beginning thespian. Brightly colored drawings depict characters in costume and display new stage terms, as well as stage directions for cast and stage crew to learn. Wallace offers minimum definitions as this form of theater is as creative and imaginative as any director wishes. The same idea is true of the presence or absence of different movements that can be added. Looking at the page titled “Stage Directions” will help young actors visualize what is often suggested by movement and action by reading the words. The object of this type of theatre is to enable an audience to use their imagination to fill in details suggested on stage. Working together, the director and cast of players can create a lot of ideas to make the words come alive. The play consists of short scenes filled with easy references and humorous characters that can be easily recognized by audiences familiar with children’s literature. Reviewer: Enid Portnoy; Ages 9 to 12.
