We the People: America Rocks!Theatreworks USA at the Lucille Lortel Theatre
Reviewed by
David Sheward
July 14, 2010
That's a tall order for an audience with a short attention span—even I still don't get that Electoral College thing—but book writer Joe Iconis (“Bloodsong of Love”) finds plenty of clever ways to make this potentially difficult subject palatable for the small-fry set. Like the old “Schoolhouse Rock” cartoons, “We the People” breaks down complicated concepts in ways that kids can easily comprehend. The Bill of Rights becomes a fast-paced dance routine. The legislative process morphs into a raucous wrestling match, with the president, congressmen, and Supreme Court justices clad in foam-rubber muscle suits (kudos to costume designer Lora LaVon for these outfits combining WWE grunge with D.C. chic). Iconis wraps these grown-up concepts around an adolescent-friendly storyline. Overachieving middle-schooler Dawn Shapiro is running for student-council president but is having trouble with her campaign speech. She receives advice from the Founding Fathers, a rock quartet made up of the ghosts of our first three chief executives and Ben Franklin. When asked their age, John Adams demurs, “Two hundred and seventy-five is the new 40. I read it in Cosmo.” Director Gordon Greenberg and choreographer Michele Lynch keep the action moving and wisely prevent the proceedings from getting too broad. The five-member cast is full of energy and never condescends to the underage crowd. Badia Farha's Dawn is the show's sparkplug, providing the main power source and a character with whom kids can identify. Colin Campbell McAdoo, F. Michael Haynie, Jamie LaVerdiere, and Abe Goldfarb make the Founding Fathers a bunch of amiable clowns, donning wigs and eagle costumes, yet they maintain a pinch of historical dignity. If there's a youngster in your life, “We the People” is a great introduction to understanding American history and government, as well as to how much fun theater can be. Presented by Theatreworks USA at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher St., NYC. July 14–Aug. 13. Mon.–Wed., Fri., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Thu., 10:30 a.m., 1 and 6 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Tickets are free and available the day of the show only at the theater's box office. For more info, go to www.theatreworksusa.org. |
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