'Rapunzel' sure to delight children

As retold by Southeast Missouri State University's department of theater and dance, "Rapunzel" blends the familiar Grimm fairy tale with a dose of English pantomime to create a production that is sure to entertain young children.

Parents may not be as entertained by the child-orientated fare but should find amusement, and maybe a part of their inner child, during the hourlong production.

Dance and theater professor Dennis Sayer has done an admirable job adapting the classic story into a short, cute children's production.

The plot remains the same. A witch (played by Cari VanAmburg) lives next to a couple expecting their first child. When the soon-to-be father (Lucas Walker) is caught stealing from the witch's garden, he is forced to promise to give his child to the witch.

When born, Rapunzel (Meagan Edmonds) is taken by the witch and locked up in a tower until a prince (Nicholas Cutelli) comes and saves her.

In addition to directing, Seyer is behind the great set designs.

The first act of "Rapunzel" takes place in the enchanted forest of Bavaria. Enchanted is a good word for the set, which is made up of the gingerbread-like house of Rapunzel's parents and the dark, ivy-ridden home of witch Baba Yaga.

Even the lettuce that causes all the problems looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. The sparkly green rows look magical on stage.

The cast has fun with the light material, especially VanAmburg as the witch. As Rapunzel, Meagan Edmonds conveys a sweetness and reveals a lovely singing voice.

While this production does not lend itself to reality, the questionable accents of Rapunzel's parents (Walker and Cristy Beckham) can be a little off-putting, at least for adults in the audience.

Similarly, the two clowns that serve as narrators and a chorus may annoy anybody over the age of 11, but provide an explanation of the fairy tale to those too young to be familiar with it.

Then again, this production is mainly meant for children, and it succeeds in retelling a classic story in a way that will grab their attention.

kalfisi@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182Want to go?

What: "Rapunzel"

When: 10 a.m. today, 1 p.m. Thursday, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Rose Theatre