Toy Story Tempest
Reviewed by Emily Hawkins
The Actors’ Gang
Through August 25
Playtime takes on a whole new meaning in the Actors’ Gang’s animated take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest at the Media Park in Culver City. Inspired by Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story, Toy Story Tempest, adapted and directed by Will Thomas McFadden, casts Andy’s beloved toys in the Bard’s epic tale of magic, love and revenge.
This playful reimagining offers a sense of a child’s imagination at work. Woody (Adam J. Jefferies) has been trapped on the “Isle of Lost Toys” with his daughter Jessie (Lee Margaret Hanson) for 12 years, along with mystical island residents Duke Caboom (Kenny Palmer) and Forky (Ethan Corn). Hoping to be reunited with Andy, Woody summons the other toys with a great “tempest.” The toys, including Bo Peep (Paulette Zubata), Rex (Julia Finch), and Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head (Steve Porter and Lynde Houck), are launched into an adventure that requires them to find their way back home. In doing so, they discover what it means to be true to themselves, along with the importance of being forgiving and kind to others.
The production cleverly weaves some of Shakespeare’s classic text with asides that reference contemporary issues. At one point, Forky breaks his soliloquy about cleaning our oceans with his own rendition of Rainbow Connection. The show incorporates other elements of pop culture as well, including fun dance numbers to the music of Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X and Justin Bieber, which are designed to keep the young audiences engaged. And when Woody tells Buzz he may take Jessie as his “worthily purchased wife,” he takes time to explain that people should only marry if they so desire, and that women are independent people, capable of making their own decisions.
As a whole, the production is thoroughly entertaining and a great way for patrons, both young and old, to be introduced to Shakespeare if they’re unfamiliar with his work. For those who do know The Tempest, it’s probably best not to try too hard to connect certain plot points and characters within this playroom world.
Rynn Vogel’s costumes perfectly encapsulate the iconic toys from the film, while the set (Jefferis) is simple yet effective. Forty-five minutes long, the production ends with an amusing hoedown number and popsicles galore.
The Actors’ Gang Theater, Media Park, adjacent to The Ivy Substation, Culver City; Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.; through Aug. 25. www.TheActorsGang.com or (310) 838-4264. Running time: 45 minutes with no intermission.
