REVIEW: Piwacket Theatre for Children Continue Season with Debut of SNOW WHITE AND THE 8TH DWARF

Piwacket Theatre for Children celebrates their 18th year in existence with the charming debut of their 18th original production Snow White and the 8th Dwarf (playing through January 30, 2010 at the Black Cat Theatre). This particular take on the famous fairy tale attempts to communicate the importance of having confidence in oneself, while also delivering a timely environmental message as well.

In this version Snow White is a shy sort of girl who finds herself doing battle with an evil CEO who's trying to cut off the water supply to her town in an attempt to extract an elixir from it that will provide her with something akin to a fountain of youth. In order to succeed she has to muster up the confidence necessary to confront this villainous and vain figure. She's aided by her friends Redbird, a helpful feathered friend, and Oliver, an oversized dwarf who's desperate to impress his absent brethren. Together, and with the proper fortitude, they're able to overcome their problem and return the town lake to its original state.

Christina Rios is well cast as Snow White, and the part affords her the opportunity to sing her way through a number of playful tunes, as well as giving her the chance to interact with the audience in amusing fashion. She's matched by Edie Avioli as the evil CEO, who hams it up grandly in her role as the villainous CEO. Youngsters Sophie Sears and Mason Hunt contribute nicely as Redbird and Oliver, respectively, and display a certain measure of confidence themselves in the process. Ellie Schwetye and Erin Roberts offer additional support portraying the water itself through dance movements and song.

Composer Chris Sears offers up some cute, engaging material for the cast, and arranger Mike Silverman and musician/engineer Steve Marshall provide solid backing tracks. A large impressionist backdrop in the style of the artist Monet adds additional visual appeal.

My little boy enjoyed the show, and I think Snow White and the 8th Dwarf is certainly a fine addition to the Piwacket repertoire.

Piwacket Theatre for Children's next production, Golidlocks and the Three Bears,will be performed Thursday February 4th (10:30am) and Saturday February 6th (11am) at the Black Cat Theatre in Maplewood.

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