The Lexington Children’s theater takes us “Glamping” for their rendition of The Ugly Duckling. Rather than being a direct telling of this children’s classic we are transported to a mid-20^th century campsite of a traveling band of story tellers, experiencing their tale through cleaver use of lighting and props. My 10, 9 and 7 year olds all enjoyed the production, watching and listening intently as the characters wove their tale.

Our storytellers are few, Adrea, played by Janemarie Erickson; Christian, played by John McDonald; and Hans, played by Mark Andrew Tucker. With just a 3-person storytelling cast the characters flow together but are identifiable by small costume changes, voice alterations and props. All in all this is a very creative way to tell a multi character story to a medium sized audience.  We found “glamping” with them to be an enjoyable adventure.

After our campsite is introduced our characters bring in their most important storytelling prop – an overhead projector. This tool allows the characters to manipulate an everchanging stage for their tale as part of the story. Add in well appointed wooden hand puppets for our ducklings and the traditional story of The Ugly Duckling comes to life!

Most will know this story as a coming into yourself story – outward appearance is temporary, true worth is found when you believe in yourself, this is definitely a takeaway in this story, but we get to go even a step further delving into inward ugliness and how our words and actions affect others. Our true beauty isn’t in our appearance but in how we persevere when the winter is the coldest knowing that after the winter comes the spring.

In addition to this engaging take on a timeless children’s tale the theatre included a list of great thinking and talking points to keep the conversation going long after the play finishes under “A Director Notes” section in the PlayBill. My children especially enjoyed “Do you ever feel like an Ugly Duckling… Out of sorts, lost and alone?” My 7-year-old vividly remembers being “lost” at Gattitown, my 9-year-old brought up feeling left out between her siblings and my 10-year-old reflected on feeling unheard and unwelcome during a school project – all ages can benefit from these after the story more thought questions, opening lines of communication that I tend to find difficult to tap into on a regular basis.

The Children’s Theater is an excellent experience for young audiences. Introducing theatre in a smaller environment makes it feel less intimidating yet draws everyone in fully with the more intimate atmosphere. This performance is geared mostly toward older preschool/elementary aged audiences, but the characters and set are engaging providing a complete theatre experience for all age groups.

Important Tips:

• Doors open 30 minutes prior to the show. I’d recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early to use the restrooms and find your seats. On the positive side you reserve your seats when you book so you won’t have trouble finding seats together.
• The 2pm show started at 2:04 so plan to be in your seats on time!
• The show lasts about an hour.
• Merchandise is available in the lobby as you enter. It’s a small booth but it’s centered past the ticket takers. The prices are reasonable if you feel like treating your little ones to a memento.

-Lea, Lex Fun 4 Kids Writer