BWW Reviews: JASON AND THE GOLDEN FLEECE at Nashville Children's Theatre

Eric D. Pasto-Crosby gives such a startlingly confident portrayal of the heroic Jason in Nashville Children's Theatre's production of John Olive's adaptation of Jason and the Golden Fleece that you cannot help but be caught up in all the stage magic created by the coterie of extraordinary artisans who make NCT such a consistent - and constant - source of inspiration.

Telling us in a thoroughly engaging theatrical manner the tale of Jason's pursuit of the golden fleece, NCT artisans present a production that is completely involving. And as with each NCT production, wisdom is imparted and lessons learned: as we watch Jason overcome obstacles in his path, deflecting the troublesome conflicts foisted upon him, we learn much about the strength of his character. Jason's efforts to reclaim his father's throne are difficult tests, to be certain, but he manages to retain his sense of self - and his place in the world - with grace and fortitude.

But Jason and the Golden Fleece is never preachy or didactic. Instead, it's fresh and vibrant, funny and captivating, providing the perfect blend to tell the story effectively.

Under artistic director Scot Copeland's superb direction, Pasto-Crosby leads the fine ensemble of five actors who bring the myriad of characters so vividly to life in Olive's version of the epic poem (written by Apollonis of Rhodes), including the charming duo of Joseph Robinson (playing the often arrogant Hercules, who wastes no time ensuring that everyone knows exactly who the strongest man in the world is) and Peter Vann (as the poet Orpheus, who doesn't suffer fools easily yet has a ready wit to unleash) as his mates upon the Argo. Robinson and Vann offer strong support to Pasto-Crosby, much to the audience's collective delight.

The estimable pair of Jamie Farmer and Bobby Wyckoff each play a variety of roles in the stunning production, helping to tell the story in such mesmerizing detail. Both Farmer and Wyckoff are capable of astounding versatility, showing their impressive range with each new characterization.

Pasto-Crosby's Jason is both awe-inspiring and accessible and the actor is somewhat revelatory in his performance, somehow bringing Jason to life in such a way that he is able to be both legendary and down-to-earth in the same breath. With confidence - and more than a little chutzpah - he makes Jason a compellingly impressive leading man while showing us his insecurities and vulnerabilities.

Copeland's stunning vision for the piece, which makes its so appealing to contemporary audiences, is borne out through Erica Edmonson's effective set design (she uses scaffolding, a giant expanse of cloth and sheer imagination to bring the settings to life visually), Patricia Taber's terrific costumes (somehow she always manages to perfectly clothe the actors in ideal character fashion), Scott Leathers' evocative lighting (is there a finer lighting designer working in Tennessee - or anywhere, for that matter?) and Daniel Brewer's impressive sound design (which is felt even more strongly in this outstanding production). NCT productions are always outfitted with the best theatrical design around, but in Jason and the Golden Fleece, the creative team definitely ups the ante.

- Jason and the Golden Fleece. By John Olive. Based on the Greek epic poem by Apollonius of Rhodes. Directed by Scot Copeland. Presented by Nashville Children's Theatre, through February 6. For details, visit the company's website at www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org.

Pictured: Eric D. Pasto-Crosby (top) and Peter Vann in Nashville Children's Theatre production of Jason and the Golden Fleece

To post a comment, you must register and login.