BWW Reviews: The Ensemble Theatre's DJEMBE AND THE FOREST OF CHRISTMAS FORGOTTEN is Entertaining, Feel-Good Musical Fairy Tale

Just in time for the holiday season, The Ensemble Theatre is presenting the World Premiere of DJEMBE AND THE FOREST OF CHRISTMAS FORGOTTEN. The fairy tale features book, music, and lyrics by Carlton Leake and is directed and choreographed by Patdro Harris, the same team that brought us last season's smash hit CINDERELLA. This year's fairy tale is a parable about dropping egotism and coming to appreciate the interdependence between all humans to better the world for everyone. It offers catchy music, quality performances, and just enough spectacle to entertain audiences of all ages.

The show's largest hurdle is Carlton Leake's multi-faceted book. Especially in the first act, the show drags from time to time as Carlton Leake carefully and fully develops every character. In his writing, secondary characters are given as much priority in development as the leads, making the show feel like it lacks focus from time to time. The outcome is that each character is gifted with a beautiful arc, but sometimes those arcs get in the way of allowing the plot to progress.

Patdro Harris' direction and choreography is ebullient and full of whimsy. He coaches his cast to dance with precision and radiance while embodying cartoonish personas that pop off the stage with charm and charisma. With him at the reigns, the stage is filled with tangible energy, joy, and excitement.

Leading the production are Lauren Chanel Bogany as Nika and Taylor Nelson as Binah. Both actresses do impressive jobs with their youthful roles, warming the hearts of the audience and making us root for them along the way. Nika and Binah are both gifted children, and when they combine their gifts they learn that anything is possible. Lauren Chanel Bogany and Taylor Nelson's performances of numbers like "My Christmas Miracle" and "Sisters" bring a smile to the faces of the audience and completely win us over.

The adult characters are well played and sung. Christina Alfred's Nia is both a beautiful and spirited nurturing figure. Anthony Boggess-Glover's T-Baum is a witty denizen of the forest that helps people discover their own gifts. Timothy Eric's Aga pulls on our heartstrings as he overcomes his own sorrows to become the man he is meant to be. Ron Johnson's Danso is a plucky side-kick to the villain, but he also has a heart of gold. Roenia Thompson's Chiomah is the perfect mix of funny and awkward, allowing her to create a memorable and zany character. Detria Marie Ward's Kalisha is a delectable villainess that mesmerizes more than frightens.

Supporting the cast is a lively chorus that dances with fascinating and laudable skill. Larry D. Cooper Jr., Sara Gray, Silvanus Latoison, Crystal Sharadin, and Tranice Desiree Shelton earnestly work to fill the stage with enthralling dance movements and stage pictures. Additionally, Shaka Sulaiman as the Djembe Drummer adds a nice flavor to the production by playing the Djembe with an enchanting and hypnotic authenticity. He is a true master of the instrument, with 26 years of training and experience.

The technical elements of the production all work fantastically to create the fictional kingdom of Abahu on The Ensemble Theatre's stage. James V. Thomas' Scenic Design brings a beautiful and versatile forest to stunning life on the stage. He cleverly utilizes the fly rigging above the stage to allow for quick and seamless set changes, and the crew times them to be magical and resplendent in performance. Reggie Ray's costume design blends modern American clothing with iconic pieces that suggest tribal life in Africa while blending in patterns, colors, and select items that are reminiscent of more traditional Hindi clothing choices too. In this amalgamation, Reggie Ray creates a visual palette that is timeless and placeless, giving the fairy tale a beautiful visual aesthetic that is wholly original. Furthermore, Eric Marsh's Lighting Design is playful, colorful, and vibrant.

The Ensemble Theatre's World Premiere production of DJEMBE AND THE FOREST OF CHRISTMAS FORGOTTEN, despite a book that needs to be tightened up some, is an entertaining, feel-good musical fairy tale that is sure to delight audiences young and old. If you're wanting to break away from the traditional holiday shows and see something new, visit the kingdom of Abahu and get swept away by the hypnotic beating of the Djembe.

DJEMBE AND THE FOREST OF CHRISTMAS FORGOTTEN, produced by The Ensemble Theatre, plays The Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main Street, Houston, 77002 now through Decmeber 22, 2013. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.ensemblehouston.com or call (713) 520-0055.

All photos courtesy of The Ensemble Theatre.

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