Photo Source: Luis Escobar
Cleverly inspired by the life of Denmark's beloved author of fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen (1805–75), the motif dreamed up by conceiver Flemming Enevold skillfully incorporates lyrical imagery and resonant allusions to Andersen's most-familiar stories, which serve as psychological underpinnings for the saga of one young man's journey to creative inspiration. Elements of "The Ugly Duckling," "The Little Mermaid," "The Princess and the Pea," and other tales come to life courtesy of a poetic and intelligent book by Philip LaZebnik (with Enevold, Stephen Schwartz, Adam Price & Pierre Westerdahl). For this new version amazing puppetry, designed by Emily DeCola, results in awe-inspiring visual effects, also attributable to the dazzling designs of Alejo Vietti (costumes), Jennifer Zornow (lighting), and Tom Buderwitz (sets). Among the most-impressive visual wonders is a dance of the swans that concludes the first act, one of many triumphant sequences staged by choreographer Michael Jenkinson.
The odyssey begins when brash but determined young Andersen (the spirited Kevin Cahoon) attempts to convince the powers that be at the Royal Theatre in Denmark that he's the perfect candidate to write the latest opera for renowned diva Jenny Lind (Lesley McKinnell). In the lad's trunk of surprises are figurines and dolls to represent various characters. The theater personnel scoff at Andersen and leave him alone. He's then suddenly whisked away to a fairy-tale world where he becomes a participant in the many stories germinating in his psyche. He overcomes many obstacles while discovering the creative imagination that will lead to the realization of his career dreams.
The multitalented ensemble cast aces a wide range of characters. Standouts include Erik Stein as Andersen's assertive Shadow, Marisa Dinsmoor as a little orphan boy whose true identity has symbolic significance, and McKinnell as the glamorous opera singer and the primary female characters in the dream-world fantasies.
Schwartz's sumptuous melodies and lyrics, accompanied by a terrific three-piece band, smoothly blend with recorded orchestrations from the Danish production. Music director Callum Morris warrants kudos for helming this lovely effort.
Though the book could be revised in spots to achieve more narrative lucidity, the overall effect of this aural and visual feast imparts a magical and memorable experience. Expect this classy endeavor to have a rosy future.
Presented by PCPA Theaterfest at the Solvang Festival Theater, 420 Second St., Solvang. Aug. 27-Sept. 25. Tue.-Sun., 8 p.m. (805) 922-8313. www.pcpa.org.
