“Curtain Up” is a weekly performing arts review column exploring the vast and dynamic theater world in Atlanta.
Theatrical Outfit has taken “A Wrinkle in Time” from book to stage and has done it splendidly. You probably remember Madeleine L’Engle’s novel from your childhood: the teenage lovers, time warping, and strange, creepy characters that take over your mind. It’s movie magic in terms of potential special effects but adapting this tale to stage could have been disastrous. Luckily, for Theatrical Outfit, it was anything but.
John Glore’s adaptation, directed by Justin Anderson, was the perfect mixture of stage simplicity and quirky, film-like props like the floating brain and the ever-so-tall Aunt Beast. With most of the special effects and scenery changes being dictated by smart lighting choices, it was easy to follow the ensemble cast through the story. As far as larger theaters are concerned, the set was very barebones, but it kept the focus where it was supposed to be – on the actors.
I never have felt more exhausted for a cast than I have at the end of “A Wrinkle in Time”. For the most part, all actors were on stage all of the time. And not only were they playing one role, but some were playing up to three, switching mid scene and then back again to their original state. And never allowing the audience to miss a beat and fall under the confusion of who was playing who. Emma Jackson (Meg) danced and ran around the stage in the midst of mimicking time travel and was on stage from beginning to end with no intermission. Yet, she kept the stakes high and the emotions full as she reached the happy ending of love conquering all.
The lovable younger brother, Charles Wallace, played by Andrew Crigler, was on point whether playing the role of silly, yet genius, little brother or the evil brainwashed version that takes over the stage with a chilling laugh. Mrs. Who (Kate Donadio, who always plays Mother), Mrs. Which (Mark Cabus, also plays Father) and Mrs. Whatsit (Marianne Fraulo) add to the family friendly feel of the show with their moments of humor. They are the driving force that brings the Murry family back together again, with an addition of Calvin (Lowrey Brown), the romantic love interest of Meg, that stands the test of time.
It all culminates into a weepy moment (yes lady next to me, I heard you audibly crying) of family members returned to their rightful place, lovers holding strong, Charles Wallace with his proper mind and the helpful guides shining their light down on the ones who saved their world. It’s the kind of play you can take your parents, grandparents or younger siblings to and not feel icky. All will enjoy this classic tale on stage and come away with that warm fuzzy feeling.
Theatrical Outfit’s production of “A Wrinkle in Time” is running till May 6 at the Balzer Theater at Herren’s (84 Luckie St. NW). For more information or to reserve your tickets, visit www.theatricaloutfit.org.
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