***** People ask me why I try to attend every production geared for little kids. I tell them “It is because these plays are what nurture our young ones toward theater”. For many years, it was my kids, then my grandkids, but they have all “aged up” and are too old for these productions. Those who follow me regularly know that I have recruited some youngsters to assist me in reviewing so that you the reader get a better idea as to if your child or grandchild will be right for the production at hand.Today, as I entered The Greenhouse Theater Center, I was informed that the youngster that was assigned was unable to get to the production of “Last Stop on Market Street” based on the book by Matt LaPensa. Luckily for me, the young lady sitting in front of me was hugging her copy of the book, so I knew that this was going to be someone who would know if the playwright/adaptor (Cheryl L. West) followed the story. I asked her mom, who asked Isla, who said yes, she would “share with me”. Her name is Isla and she is 4 years old. She recently went to the production of “Bluey’s Big Play” ( she had Bluey shoes and a water bottle as well), so I knew that the theater “bug” had gotten to her.
I watched her reaction to the story and spoke with her afterward. Isla loved the musical numbers and the dancing and tumbling ( Choreography and co-director Tuesdai B. Perry). Randy White was the other director. She liked the set and how it moved around and of course, she loved the bus. I must say that the set was quite creative ( Shayna Patel) and the props ( Nicholas Bartleson) were wonderful. Kids notice a lot that adults miss, so when doing a children’s show, they have to be “right on”. The costumes (Janelle Smith), lighting (Kevin Rechner) and sound (Kurt Ottinger) were all perfect and the cast was as energetic as the show needed ( and then some!).
The story is about a 6 years old, CJ ( a wonderful character brought to life by Aja Singletary) who is sent to spend some time with Nana ( her grandmother played to perfection by Jenese Upton). CJ has no friends and seems to be lacking in social skills. Nana will take no guff and shows CJ the way to lead life like he has never imagined. Going to church! Leaving his phone and tablet in a bag, working at shelter and meeting people who are less fortunate starting with an amazing bus ride where they meet all types of people.
The ensemble, composed of four sterling actors ,take on all the other roles in this one hour story. Fabian Guerrerro handles several roles, but is most notably the Bus Driver. Maya Lou Hlava portrays several characters but the most important one is JoJo, a homeless girl from whom CJ learns a great deal. Ania Martin plays JoJo’s grandma and Madame Butterfly , and Richaun Stewart , who is a large man ,plays a number of roles where he dances up a storm and is able to toss some of the other cast members around ( dance routines, of course).
There are lots of great musical numbers written by Lamont Dozier and Paris Ray Dozier. They are sort of a combination of “hip-hop”, “Rock & Roll” and some “rap”. The show is a wonderful learning experience ( for adults as well as kids). There is a lot to talk about at lunch or on the way home.
“Last Stop On Market Street” will continue thru June 2nd with performances as follows:
Sun, May 12:1:30pmSat, May 18:11:00am & 1:30pm
Sun, May 19:1:30pm
Sat, May 25:11:00am & 1:30pm
Sun, May 26:1:30pm
Sat, Jun 1:11:00am & 1:30pm
Sun, Jun 2:1:30pm
The Greenhouse Theater Center is located at 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue
Show Type: Childrens
Box Office: 773-404-7336
Tickets are $25/ $19 for 12 and under
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Last Stop On Market Street”
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