Circus Saga
Toby and the Big Top comes aliveJuly 1, 2003
By SUSAN FROYD and JONELLE WILKINSON SEITZ
Denver Westword
For children, the life-sized elephant puppet may be the highlight of Walden Family Playhouse's "Toby and the Big Top". But adults will be amazed by the sense of nostalgia for an old-time circus re-created by internationally accomplished artists. "We're kind of re-creating the turn-of-the-century circus that stopped a rural town in its tracks," says Walden Artistic Director Douglas Love. "It's a real celebration of what a circus is."
In the musical production, young Toby runs away from his uncle's Nebraska farm to join the traveling circus. While there, he meets the Apeman, the Lizard Lady and their daughter; an evil ringmaster; and a father and son who perform a strong-man act. As Toby goes from cleaning up after horses to cleaning up after elephants, he realizes that circus life is less than glamorous. In addition to a nearly authentic circus performance, the audience gets an insider's view of life under the big top.
The elaborate, larger-than-life set was designed by the theater faculty from the University of Northern Colorado for the sixty-foot-wide Playhouse stage. Edwin Gerard is the director; the script is by New York City playwright Julia Jordan, who adapted it from James Otis's classic Toby Tyler; and music is by Erik Della Penna, who has worked on songs for Joan Osborne and Natalie Merchant.
"Toby and the Big Top" opens at noon today and has daytime shows through July 27. Walden Family Playhouse is at 14500 West Colfax Avenue at Colorado Mills in Lakewood. For tickets ($14 to $16) and a complete performance schedule, call 303-590-1475. -- Jonelle Wilkinson Seitz.
