Review: The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley
Starlight Children's Theatre brings two delightful shows to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts stage this year, the first being The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley (Jan. 16 - 20). Flat Stanley, the character from Jeff Brown's children's book series, is sweeping the country in popularity. The books take children on an adventure in geography and have inspired Flat Stanley photography contests in classrooms across American as children create their own "Flat Stanley" to mail to friends and family who photograph the likeness at favorite tourist attractions and landmarks.
The story goes that Stanley Lambchop wished upon a falling star to go to amazing places and do amazing things. His wish was granted in the form of flattening him so that he could be folded up and mailed from one place to another where, as a flat person, he is able to star in movies, solve crimes, and enjoy adventure.... essentially he is now a flat cardboard cutout of his former self.
And now, Starlight brings the show to stage!
I have to admit, I was eager to see how a flat character appears on stage, but with clever costuming and props, Starlight did an excellent job of transforming Alex Herrara (as Stanley), into a flat character with a great costume and a gigantic envelope. His brother, played Phillip Russell Newman (who also appeared in many parts through the story), stole the show in laughs with his realism... what would you do if your brother was FLAT and you were tempted by the "cool kids" and his frenatic worry. His father, played by TJ Lancaster (his father, and many parts) and his mother, plyaed by Cathy Barnett (his mother, and many parts) were typical storybook parents, and Katie Karel (the postal worker and many parts) keeps the story moving.
The show is fast-paced (it's only an hour long) and fun, holding the attention of kids (recommended for 4 and up), with great musical numbers and fun scenes as Stanley travels from Kansas City to Hollywood, Paris, and Hawaii.
The costuming is clever, the story had the audience laughing - truly can you imagine your friends using you as a kite? And the production is very well done. Phillip Russell Newman was my favorite with his great scenes as the worried brother, the hard-of-hearing doctor, and the flashy Hollywood Agent.
What we love most about children's theatre is the way great stories are told with simple props, sets, and songs that encourage and inspire the imagination without razzle dazzle movie special effects.
The show is at the Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts through Jan. 20 and you can still buy tickets online at The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley. If you haven't been yet, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the new performing arts center and the great city skyline view!