Now on stage at Toronto’s Red Sandcastle Theatre,
“The seasonal holidays always come with exciting new entertainment, especially for youngsters.”
‘Unbelievably Believable,’ a world premiere by Catherine Maleikova, is no exception. This short but mighty production fires up the imaginations of six-year-olds and six-year-olds at heart.
Produced by Twisted Dog Theatre and hosted by Red Sandcastle Theatre, this play tells the story of two mice and their wild imaginations through a variety of theatrical forms. Puppetry, magic, music, dance, digital projections, and special effects swirl together and happily remind children (and adults) that there is more to creativity than screen time.
A trio of energetic actors relate the puppet mice’s imaginations. The three versatile characters run through dance, song, drama, and humour, portraying a variety of dream-like sequences. Having their sleep disrupted on a December evening, we encounter fire dragons, strange ocean, singing birds, and strange puppets. Friendships are made or reinforced.
Direct references to local Toronto communities address the playwright’s wish “to celebrate my city.” Again, she suggests this is “a love letter to Toronto, to the magic of the city at Christmastime.” A final large set piece, an over-sized traffic light, symbolizes the mainstay of a busy city community.
Beginning and ending with some questionable choreography, the six-year-olds were undaunted as they danced on their chairs while their parents tried to stave broken limbs.
Gregory Katsenelson begins the play with a creative routine, balancing a book, a drink and a pillow. The sequence gets wilder as he tries to juggle props and sit down simultaneously. With round black glasses, he has a Buster Keaton style that entertains throughout the program.
Katie Crompton dazzles with much of the main puppetry sequences. An Oscar-the-Grouch-style garbage can is produced, and a seagull-like character emerges. He is in full operatic song voiced with vigour by Crompton. He might be part stork, as there is a reference to a baby delivery, but dreams have that ability to blend reality. A smaller chicken-like puppet is voiced by Crompton with the cutest chicken sound, and the six-year-olds giggle.
Sophie St. Jean rounds out the cast, leading a vibrant and entertaining rap number. She also doubled as choreographer.
Many special effects, simplistic but effective, included the falling of paper snow and the heart-warming clip-clop of horses on the Toronto streets. The program lists several designers, from puppets to lighting to projections, but director and writer Maleikova seems to be the leading force.
Toronto theatre (especially during the holidays) can be pricey for parents and overwhelming for youngsters. The intimacy of Red Sandcastle and the simple fun of this script are refreshing alternatives. This writer had as much fun with the pint-sized audience as with the play.
I asked one young gentleman what his favourite part was. He puffed out his chest and answered, “The scary part—but I’m not scared!”
God bless his little soul.
‘Unbelievably Believable’ by Catherine Maleikova Presented by Twisted Dog Theatre
Performers – Katie Crompton, Gregory Katsenelson, Sophie St. Jean
Director – Catherine Maleikova
Puppet designers – Natalie Bakulev, Denis Gonobolin
Choreographer – Sophie St. Jean
Runs through December 15, 2024.
Tickets – twisteddog.ca
