The Wetumpka Depot is currently showcasing a new play for children by Jean Webb, inspired by the Kenneth Grahame novel The Wind in the Willows.
Ms. Webb's Once Upon a Christmas has all the familiar characters -- Rat, Badger, Mole, Toad, Otters, Weasels -- who join forces at Christmas to help some of them in distress. It seems that Mrs. Otter is missing, Mr. Otter is injured, the three Little Otters are thrust upon four bachelors to help them through the holidays, and the suspicious Weasels are on the loose.
Director Kristy Meanor has two separate casts of actors at her disposal [I saw Cast A] in an ensemble hour-long production with plenty off music and delightful costumes and sets. -- Plus, the script contains several lessons for children and adults alike, both at the holidays or any time of the year.
Individual and ensemble acting is spot on, and presented at a level to engage the youngsters with brightly exaggerated movement and heightened vocal dexterity.
Numerous new and traditional songs [some with new lyrics] advance the plot and encourage us to sing along at times.
The lessons mentioned above are introduced gently, reminding us not to judge a book by its cover [the Weasels are the unexpected heroes of the story], that discipline for children can be done effectively by accentuating the positive, that everyone can afford to be generous to friends and strangers who need our help, that collaborating by utilizing the strengths of each individual gets results, and that Christmas is about more than just the presents.
Ms. Webb's script is well-focused, tells a clear story, and could benefit from a few minor edits [the scene in which the Little Otters play pranks goes on a bit too long].
All in all, Once Upon a Christmas adds another welcome dimension to River Region Holiday fare.
