BWW Reviews: Orlando Rep's Season Ends with Mischief and THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER
By: Kimberly Moy May. 26, 2013
The Orlando Rep rounds up its 10th anniversary season with THE ADVENTURES OF Tom Sawyer. This family friendly production was filled with adventure and songs with a country twang. Based off the novel by Mark Twain and adapted by Ken Ludwig, we find Tom Sawyer longing for adventure in his seemingly dull life.
It is a simpler time, without the buzz of cell phones or any real technology. Tom and his friends have to find ways to entertain themselves. Tom is a simple-minded, smart-alec typical teenage boy. Of course, there is the famous fence that Tom must paint as punishment for misbehaving. The humdrum of the Mississippi River lifestyle is broken when Tom meets the new girl, Becky Thatcher. He and Huck witness a murder and have to make mature choices.
The set was most impressive in this production and combined with lighting, set the scene for an old-time Midwestern feel. There were set pieces that opened up and bridges that lead to various parts of the stage are like an elaborate jungle gym, which allowed all parts of the stage to be utilized. There is even in a pit front and center that doubles as river and cave. The Rep spared no expense when it came to set design.
The cast had solid performances with believable Midwestern accents. The choreography and fight scenes had the little ones at the edge of the seats. The songs weren't memorable, but apropos given the young audience.
THE ADVENTURES OF Tom Sawyer stars Spencer Morrow as Tom Sawyer, Mark Chandler as Huckleberry Finn, Lee Karlinsky as Narrator. They are also joined by MIchelle Boroughs, Rod Cathey, Adam DelMedico, Justin DeLoach, Lori McCaskill, Alexander Mrazek, Bella Muller, Stephen Pugh, Frank Siano, and Benjamin Smith.
The Orlando Rep is set to kickoff the summer season shortly, then begin its full season in September. For more information visit http://www.orlandorep.com/.
Photo Credit: Orlando Repertory Theater
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