VOICE CHOICE

"Whimsical! Imaginative! Creative! This 'Playground' becomes delightful for children. Wholeheartedly recommend!"

Even as I approach 65 years of age (a senior), I couldn't help but leave PLAYGROUND, a new Family Musical, with a big ol' smile on my face.  Watching the enthralled young children with their families also earns this show a VOICE CHOICE (Reviewer's Pick).

We have entered the world of Grade 3.  Precocious new kid Eliot (an engaging and endearing Misha Sharivker) arrives at school. He's introduced to the other children in the class: Bea (Yunike Soedarmasto), Charlie (Lizzie Song), Jojo (Ian Kowalski), Meredith Shedden and Cayne Kitagawa, who genuinely become young children in their physical stances. These young performers are ones I'd like to keep an eye on in future work. Teacher Miss Singer (Olivia Daniels) takes pride in allowing children to discover and fully utilize their imaginations.  However, Eliot ends up in Principal Grey's (Joe Matheson) office. Eliot and two of his friends ended up huddled outside, taking cover during a raging thunderstorm after playing a game outside when they should have gone into the school building.

'Playground' is based on the songs of four-time Juno Award-winning children's singer-songwriter, Jack Grunsky, who plays guitar in the band at stage right.

Throughout the 60-minute running time, 'Playground' bills itself as exploring a variety of musical genres, including sounds and rhythms from a colourful palette of global musical instruments.

Creators Elly Barlin Daniels, Olivia Daniels and Amanda Freedman capture the innocence of childhood and the loving spirit of Grunsky's music with great aplomb and an open, joyful heart.

Olivia Daniels directs with a strong sense of whimsy and imagination. It's refreshing to see a children's show that doesn't heavily rely on theatrical tricks. The show asks the audience to use their imagination. When that occurs, the world of make-believe magically opens up in the Garland Cabaret in the Distillery District's Young Centre for the Performing Arts.

Quynh Diep's simple set design allows for ease and flow of traffic and action. Niall Durcan's lighting design brightly focuses attention where needed. Jason Dauvin selects clothing styles that wonderfully evoke what young children might wear in the school playground. As Music Director, Grunsky dutifully ensures there's a smooth balance between the voices and the band so that the latter doesn't overpower the former. Sarah Schryburt's choreography is simple yet magnetically captures the attention span of the young folk.

The cast is terrific.  Each becomes a believable child, whether it's through pulling on her dress or fidgeting at the desk while listening to the teacher.  As Miss Singer, Olivia Daniels believably becomes the teacher all parents wish they had for their children. She knows how to engage children, whether it's with a wink, a glance, or even a quick smile. Joe Matheson's Principal Grey is all business as he tries to determine why Eliot would keep his friends outside during a thunderstorm.  Matheson also becomes caught up in the whimsy of the story. He appropriately lets his guard down as the leader of the school to remember why he got into education in the first place – to make a difference in the lives of children. He too joyfully joins in at the end, and it's terrific to watch him as well sing with a smile on his face.

Final Comments: Most enjoyable.  Please get to see PLAYGROUND.
Running time: approximately 60 minutes.

The performance runs July 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13 in the Soulpepper Theatre's Garland Cabaret. For tickets, visit www.fringetoronto.com.

CATCHY TUNES PRODUCTIONS presents
PLAYGROUND, A New Family Musical
Based on the music of 4 four-time Juno Award-winning children's singer-songwriter, Jack Grunsky
Music and Lyrics by Jack Grunsky
Created by Elly Barlin-Daniels, Olivia Daniels and Amanda Freedman
Directed by Olivia Daniels
Musical Director: Jack Grunsky
Choreographer: Sarah Schryburt
Set Design: Quynh Diep
Costume Design: Jason Dauvin
Lighting Design: Diall Durcan
Stage Manager: Bella Szpala
Producers: Elly Barlin-Daniels and Olivia Daniels
Performers: Misha Sharivker, Yunike Soedarmasto, Lizzie Song, Zoe Virola, Ian Kowolski, Olivia Daniels, W. Joseph Matheson, Meredith Shedden, Cayne Kitigawa

Band: Jack Grunsky, Cosima Grunsky, Henry Heillig