Life on the Mississippi at The Coterie Winter 2010

    It is rare that I watch a performance designed for youth and enjoy the show as much, or more, than the children in the audience. Life on the Mississippi was a definite exception.

    Having attended Coterie's productions for years, this was by far my favorite show yet! I would venture to say it was Coterie's best casting and best set design, both perfect for the story they had to tell.

    The cast for Life on the Mississippi was absolutely outstanding with Price Messick in the lead role as Samuel Clemens, KC Comeaux as Henry (his brother), Logan Ernstthal as the Steamboat Pilot (as well as other roles), and the entire ensemble delivering a heartfelt musical production.

    The story tells of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain as a youth) and his journey to become a steamboat pilot. The audience learns about the rigorous discipline, perseverance and risks of steamboating, while not missing out on vivid personalities and adventures. One of the most beautiful and poignant elements in the plot is the fantastic relationship between the brothers, Sam and Henry, and how that relationship evolves as they vie for the attention of the same girl, defend one another, work together, and... we'll leave the rest for you to discover.

    This particular show is recommended for students ages 10 and up. This is due to one scene depicting an emotional death of one character in the story and the harsh training Clemens endured from some of the steamboat pilots who weren't above name calling and one physical fight. It is interesting to see in this autobiographical tale by Twain that the first steamboat pilot to take him under his tutelage, at first seemed to be gruff and strict, but came to be Clemens' mentor and someone he held in great respect.

    Students learn about the importance of the river in American History and in Missouri History and the life of Mark Twain through the stories of the steamboat. Fans of Twain's book will recognize several anecdotes and references to his most famous books, with Sam constantly writing and noting that he should, "Write that down."

   While the story, music and cast are all fantastic... I would be remiss if I failed to mention the most inventive set construction yet to be seen at the Coterie. The Pilot's House is built on a swiveling platform and it's used to creatively change scenes and settings in the story with very simple props. The larger than life set that plays its part well in depicting Twain's love for steamboats and the river.

    Life on the Mississippi is showing through February 28th at the Coterie.