Review: AESOP'S FABLES at Adventure Theatre MTC

I honestly think there is something in the water at Glen Echo Park because Adventure Theatre MTC is now four for four this season with their latest production Aesop’s Fables. This show is fast paced, well-acted, well- directed, and most importantly, educates as well as entertains.

A troupe of travelling actors tell each fable with the help of a trunk full of props and costumes. The four member ensemble is made up of the boss Wolfie (Susan Marie Rhea), Harriett (Ariel Friendly), Syd (Carl L. Williams), and Wolfie’s new to the troupe nephew Syd (Noah Mutterperl).

The five fables as dramatized for the stage by Mike Kenny represented are “The Tortoise and the Hare”, “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”, “The Wind and the Sun”, “The Lion and the Mouse”, and “The Wolf and the Jackdaw” (Crane in the show.) Each are told in a fun and entertaining way while getting the lesson in each story across to the audience.

Director Ray Ficca makes each fable pocketsize so even the youngest audience member’s attention will be held from beginning to end. There is no exposition, just good old fashioned story telling with enough to keep the adults interested as well. That does not always happen in a Theatre for Young Audiences show. I particularly appreciated the kazoo renditions of music from West Side Story and the theme to Chariots of Fire.

Ther cast is full of top notch talent to be sure.

Keegan Theatre’s Artistic Director Susan Marie Rhea’s performance as Wolfie and more makes you wonder why she isn’t working in every big theatre in town. Her characterizations throughout are truly memorable. A standout is definitely her Wolf (typecasting) in “The Wolf and the Jackdaw/Crane.”

Ariel Friendly as Harriett and more exudes pure spunk and energy. I particularly enjoyed her Hare in “The Tortoise and the Hare.” The character is so sure of herself and Friendly really conveys that in her performance.

Carl L. Williams also excels as Syd and more. His Jackdaw/Crane opposite Rhea is definitely a highlight.

Noah Mutterperl as Barry and more takes his slow and steady pace as the Tortoise in “The Tortoise and The Hare” to a new extreme and has you rooting for him every step of the way.

Megan Holden’s set represents a travelling stage complete with banners announcing each fable’s title. It’s one of the most inventive looking sets I’ve seen on Adventure Theatre MTC’s stage in a while. It makes extremely good use of the space and really grabs your attention.

Lynn Joslin’s lighting is fun and colorful, complete with some snazzy looking effects.

Paris Francesca’s costumes are vibrant in color and very inventive for each of the fable’s characters.

Andrea “Dre” Moore’s props feature a very lifelike chicken bone and other fun items.

I highly urge you to grab some tickets to Aesop’s Fables at Adventure Theatre MTC and see for yourself why Artistic Director Kurt Boehm and his team are putting together some of the best theatre for all ages in the area. The carousel at Glen Echo Park is now open for the season so you have an added bonus for your family day out experience. Just go and enjoy!!

Running Time: 35 minutes with no intermission.

Aesop’s Fables runs through May 24th, 2026, at Adventure Theatre MTC which is located at 7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD.

Lead photo credit: L-R Carl L. Williams, Susan Marie Rhea, Noah Mutterperl and Ariel Friendly in Adventure Theatre MTC's production of Aesop's Fables.

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