***** There is nothing like a morning watching kids ( and their parents) have an experience like “live theater”. Over the years I have tried very hard ( and with great success) to bring a youngster with me in order to not only give my thoughts about the story and production, but also to have you see a child’s point of view. My grandkids aged out years ago, and since, I have been fortunate enough to find parents who are more than willing to join me on a Saturday or Sunday morning to see live theater. Today was not one of those days as my junior reviewers all had either sports or school activities, leaving me to go to The Greenhouse Theatre alone. The play they are doing is one that I truly wanted to see as it is produced by Young People’s Theatre of Chicago, and I have truly enjoyed each and every play they have done since “DAY 1”!

Once again, they did not fail me. I am unfamiliar with Thelma Lynne Godin’s book, “The Hula Hoopin’ Queen”, but based on what a few of the moms sitting around me said, this adaptation by Gloria Bond Clunie was right on, and certainly made it easy for young people to understand. Sharply directed by Randy White on a great set designed by Annie Smith, this story , while it appears to be about hula hooping and one-upmanship, is truly about making ( and keeping) friends, being part of a community, and caring for others.

There are three young girls, who from the very start appear to be the best of friends. They all live on the same street and they all love hula hooping. Portia ( Sol Fuller is a delight), while one of the trio, has her desire ( and her dreams) on being a famous violin player. Her “besties” Jamara (Livia Robin) and Kameeka ( Aja Singletary) are both in want of being “The Queen” on their street. If one listens to what they say, one would think that this could tear their friendship apart.

Meanwhile, there are other characters involved on the story. The block they live on is one of great friendship, and one of the neighbors is about to become 80 ( Ah, yes, I remember it well). There is going to be a huge birthday  party on Saturday for  Miz Adeline ( an incredible performance by Melanie Hubbard) who we leater learn was, in her youth, quite the hula hooper herself, along with Miss Evelyn (played to perfection by Michelle Bester), who was her competition back in the day. The last character in this adaptation/story is Mama ( Kameeka’s mother) played by Jazzma Pryor.

When the girls decide to have a contest for the crown, and they opt for Saturday, the day of Miz Adeline’s birthday party, all hell breaks loose. Mama wants her daughter to help prepare for the party, but  Keneeka feels if she doesn’t show up, her friend will claim the crown and despite the fact that she is better, she will lose the title. What happens during this one hour of theater is a great lesson for the children to learn ( from). First of all, we don’t always get what we want in life, and there are times we must make sacrifices in order to learn. Also, we learn that life is not always about winning, but rather doing one’s best and accepting that  friendship is far more important than winning!

On the tech side. the movement direction is by Tuesdai B. Perry, the costumes by Marquecia Jordan, the lighting by Kevin Rechner, sound by Zach Stinnett and props by Nick Bartleson. Great work by all concerned and a smooth sailing show that will hold your kids’ ( and even yours) interest.

This is a very high energy show with a very high energy cast. Being able to do the hooping as well as these ladies do it is in itself a feat that I could never handle. They have this magnificent contests and I was thinking, what if one of them loses their rhythm? How can they get back into the story? They never lost it and the birthday party will also be great fun for all. Be prepared to join the party, but don’t expect to be served a piece of  “double chocolate cake with strawberries and real whipped cream”- wow! Wouldn’t that be nice!

 

“The Hula Hoopin’ Queen” will continue ‘Thru – May 31st with performances as follows: