{"id":785,"date":"2023-06-07T01:30:13","date_gmt":"2023-06-07T01:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stageraw.com\/remake\/?p=785"},"modified":"2023-06-12T00:10:23","modified_gmt":"2023-06-12T00:10:23","slug":"snowhite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stageraw.com\/remake\/snowhite\/","title":{"rendered":"Snowhite"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Snowhite<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Reviewed by Lara J. Altunian<\/strong>
\nSanta Monica Playhouse<\/em><\/strong>
\nThrough April 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

RECOMMENDED<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

When it comes to classic fairy tales, there\u2019s always room for updated adaptations \u2014 particularly when it comes to introducing one with antiquated values to a new generation of audiences. Santa Monica Playhouse\u2019s rendition of the Brothers Grimm\u2019s\u00a0Snow White<\/em>\u00a0spins the narrative of a helpless young girl into a tender mother-daughter story that stresses family and personal growth over knights in shining armor. The well-designed musical is an entertaining introduction to theater for small children that preserves the protagonist\u2019s innocent essence while completely revamping the plot.<\/p>\n

Snowhite (Julia Masterson) is a happy-go-lucky girl living in the forest with her Seven Silly Companions (Krit Gough, Margot Leach, and Michala Peltz \u2014 who play twins Dizzy\/Mopey, Cheerful\/Grouchy, and Snappy\/Nosey respectively; and Meghan Nealon \u2014 who plays JEM, the unofficial leader of the bunch). Upon her birthday and coming of age, the companions (a preferable alternative to the original 1812 and subsequent versions\u2019 jab at dwarfism) gift her a magical mirror, which is able to guide her in her destiny, as long as she asks it the right question. Little does Snowhite know that her mother, the Queen Regnant (Bethany Dream), is facing similar inquiries regarding her future. Both feel that something is missing and hope to discover the answer in finding one another. But not everyone is eager for their reunion. The queen\u2019s royal advisor Graylock (a double-cast Nealon) has his own agenda that threatens to interfere with the queen\u2019s desire to see her daughter again. Meanwhile, Snowhite is ready to risk it all by going on what could be a dangerous quest to find her mother, her past, and herself despite the companions\u2019 advice against venturing out alone. Our heroine must overcome adversity and question right from wrong in order to achieve her aspirations and discover the true meaning of love.<\/p>\n

Co-artistic directors\/writers Evelyn Rudie and Chris DeCarlo create a charming world for\u00a0Snowhite<\/em>\u00a0despite the restrictions that come with producing it in such a small space. The choice to exclusively feature a maximum of four companions on stage at once and the limited amount of props prevents crowding and confusion. By having young spectators only concentrate on a few talking heads at a time, the play is able to retain the viewers\u2019 attention without oversimplifying the dialogue. Many moments in the script even acknowledge some of the double-casting with jokes that people of all ages may pick up on and enjoy, but definitely throw older theatergoers a much-appreciated bone.<\/p>\n

Between cute (though less adult-friendly) moments of song and call-and-response audience participation, the play has a tendency to be a bit too exposition-heavy. However, the greatest visual asset comes by way of James Cooper\u2019s impressive projections, which double as the set. Inspired by the 1854\u00a0Grimms\u2019 Fairy Tales<\/em>\u00a0illustrations, these dynamic images of Snowhite\u2019s forest home and the inside of the queen\u2019s castle conjure the most magic. Similarly, the sentient mirror easily establishes itself as an additional character. The special effects alone are worth seeing the play.<\/p>\n

Also aesthetically appealing are Ashley Hayes\u2019s modern take on Medieval costumes. Her designs match the set\u2019s color palette, create visual threads between connected characters, and include a few key accessories that actors playing more than one part are able to change in and out of in a flash during fast-moving scenes.<\/p>\n

On a more traditional note, Masterson is the quintessential Snow White. She is able to capture the heroine\u2019s gentle na\u00efvet\u00e9, but with a bit more gumption and determination than one would expect. The companions are also wonderfully portrayed by the all-female cast. Nealon is the clear standout as both JEM and Graylock with her varied performances of the contradictory roles. Throughout the evening, there were a few occasional fumbles when the actors recited their lines. There were also moments when the singing was sometimes overpowered by the music, otherwise the vocal harmonies during the mother-daughter duets in particular were melodically beautiful.<\/p>\n

Snowhite<\/em>\u00a0is a bit better-suited for youngsters and toddlers than it is for families of all ages, but as evidenced by the fascinated soft gasps I heard around me, the show is a must-see for little ones. Los Angeles may have a large theater community, but there never seem to be enough options when it comes to children\u2019s theater outside of very local, often less-publicized community efforts. If you and your kiddos happen to find yourselves in Downtown Santa Monica sometime within the next few weekends, there\u2019s really no excuse not to go.<\/p>\n

Santa Monica Playhouse \u2013 The Other Space, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica; Sat., 2 pm; Sun., 12:30 pm; extended through Apr. 2. (310) 394-9779 or\u00a0https:\/\/www.santamonicaplayhouse.com\/snowhite.html<\/a>. Running time: one hour and 15 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.<\/em><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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