Kabuki a Fun Romp—Physical Comedy Gives Walden Opera Punch
May 28, 2003By CLAIRE MARTIN
Denver Post
LAKEWOOD - The comedy is as broad as a samurai's sword in the Walden Family Playhouse's "Kabuki Gift", a lively alloy that blends "The Mikado" with The "Emperor's New Clothes", and a little vaudeville. The Japanese word "kabuki" translates literally as 'song, dance and technique,' and director Gretta Assaly is nothing if not literal in her interpretation here.
The story involves Meimi and Ichiro, a pair of con artists (Lori Hansen and Brad Evans) accustomed to entering towns with great fanfare, and exiting 'at midnight, and on tiptoe.'
When they learn that an emperor (Frank Oden) is looking for singers to perform at his daughter's wedding, they present themselves as celebrated minstrels. Upon discovering that the vain emperor is also seeking a tailor, they disguise themselves and apply for that job, too.
Among the plot complications: Minstrel/tailor Ichiro falls in love with Kiku, the emperor's daughter (Natalie I. Collins). She's quite the drama queen, spending most of her time in tears because she doesn't love Taro, the simpleton (Eric Mather) to whom she's promised in an arranged marriage.
The story is slender as silk, but the actors surround their words with so much physical comedy that the play feels heftier than it really is. As the emperor, Oden fills the stage with his self- important presence. He's got the kabuki mannerisms down cold—those frozen karate-chop moves, and the larger-than-life gestures.
Hansen's cunning Meimi is more than a match for Oden's pompous emperor. She is shrewd, and as nakedly avaricious as the emperor is vain.
The rest of the cast, given roles light as meringue, invest their parts with gymnastics, muscular voices and sly comedy. When they plunge into song, they are full-throated and fun to hear, especially in the Gilbert and Sullivan tunes "Here's a How-de-Do" and "I've Got a Little List."
It's a good introduction to light opera—just enough songs to perk up the slight book—and another welcome addition to Denver's expanding children's theater scene.
