Set designer Robin Fisher’s fantastically colourful, oversized three-dimensional world of the young Mortimer, Love You Forever and More Munsch is a respectful and heartfelt tribute to children’s author Robert Munsch and five of his storybooks: ‘The Paperbag Princess’, ‘Love You Forever’, ‘Murmel, Murmel, Murmel’, ‘Zoom’ and ‘Mortimer’.
I know only three: ‘The Paper Bag Princess’, ‘Love You Forever’ and ‘Mortimer’. The delighted youngsters around me, with their raucous reactions to what’s unfolding in front of them, fill me in on the other two.
That’s okay. Seeing and hearing these delightful moppets remains one of the evening’s highlights. The theatre has clearly spoken to the children during the show and in the brief question-and-answer session after. We need to do more of that.
It’s madcap chaos and absolute joy for the first ten minutes. Not a word is spoken. Instead, the audience is treated to terrific onstage physical comedy, akin to watching the silent Keystone Cops from old black-and-white films at the turn of the twentieth century.
Dressed in colourful pyjamas, Mortimer (David Andrew Reid) appears to be getting ready for bed. Like any adventurous youngster, he’s going through his nightly routine, but sleep is the furthest thing from his mind. He dilly-dallies with tasks such as brushing his teeth. Mortimer’s exhausted Mother (Amy Lee), already dressed in a frowsy-looking housecoat with a towel wrapped around her hair as if she has just washed it, is trying to get her son settled down. Mortimer’s teenage Sister (Megan Murphy) is on the phone with one of her friends and also becomes involved in trying to get her younger brother to settle down.
It’s great fun watching Mortimer not fall asleep. Instead, he’s interested in making noise of all kinds. He’s up and down, opening the door to his closet, hitting the railing of his bed or banging on his drum to make loud, raucous ‘music’ so that not one goes to sleep. At one point, a little voice from behind me calls out: “Mortimer, Be Quiet!” (straight from Mortimer)
Stephen Colella and Karen Gilodo co-direct with a fond affection for young children. The two clearly see things from a youthful perspective. It’s a lovely retrospective for the adults present and a wistful reminder that childhood is not forever.
The production clips along at a pace that never drags or stalls. It’s lively and animated, nicely accentuated by Lighting Designer Jareth Li. Olivia Wheeler’s sound design highlights many dramatic moments of intensity from a child’s perspective.
As the precocious Mortimer, the amazingly agile David Andrew Reid plays the young role with a committed childlike kinetic energy. Reid either remembers what it’s like to be a kid or he has kids in his life. His Mortimer flops on the top bunk with a thud. He uses his lithe frame to swivel down the pole next to the bed without fear or care.
Amy Lee and Megan Murphy play a multitude of roles in bringing Mortimer’s imaginary and creative world to life. The former is excellent as the dragon in The Paper Bag Princess. Lee looks terrific in designer Jung A Im’s fiery red costume. The latter is a hoot as the snooty Paper Bag Princess.
What touches my heart about the production is the involvement of all three performers in bringing the cherished Love You Forever to life. It’s an absolute treat and a sentimental reminder that kids grow up so dang quickly. Yes, I could feel a tear in the corner of my eye. I looked around to see if there were other adults in the room doing the same thing, and they were.
Final Thoughts: Although born in the US, Munsch proudly claims Canada as his country. With respect for the much-loved writer, I’m pleased to call him one of our own – he’s Canadian.
Thankfully, I did get the chance to see Robert read some of his stories at Convocation Hall on the U of T campus many years ago. Friends had taken me along with their young children at the time, who are now grown adults or near to it.
My God, life goes by so quickly.
But don’t let the time go by without you seeing Love You Forever and More Munsch.
Please see it.
If you have little ones in your life, seeing this production is an opportunity to introduce them to the joy of the theatre.
Running time: approximately 45 minutes.
The production runs to March 21 on the Ada Slaight Stage at Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front Street East, Toronto. For tickets: call the Box Office (416) 862-2222 x1 or visit youngpeoplestheatre.org.
YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE presents
Love You Forever and More Munsch Based on the stories of Robert Munsch
Co-Adapter and Co-Director: Stephen Colella
Co-Adapter: Sue Miner
Co-Director: Karen Gilodo
Set Designer: Robin Fisher
Costume Designer: Jung A Im
Lighting Designer: Jareth Li
Sound Designer: Olivia Wheeler
Stage Manager: Sandi Becker
Performers: Amy Lee as Mother, Megan Murphy as Sister, David Andrew Reid as Mortimer
