This world premiere production of
“A Little Princess” has a strong cast that out weighs its
material.
This world premiere production of “A Little Princess” has a strong cast that out weighs its material. The old lovable Burnett Victorian 1905 children’s classic has been revamped to Africa from India and Sara the spirited, ever-enduring heroine is a young girl instead of a small child.
Director Susan H. Schulman, of “The Secret Garden” fame, ably led her very capable actors and dancers through the maze of this very predictable, syrupy plot with the help of some really appealing choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and colorful, well-designed costumes by Catherine Zuber. Sets by Heidi Ettingere and lighting by Paul Gallo are first rate.
With Broadway in mind the show will need some tuning and moulding from its present form if it is going to reach that destination.
From a swirling kaleidoscopic of an African wharf to the drab Victorian boarding school in England, the drama moves at a fast pace with music that is pleasant to listen to but not to hum as you leave the theater. At one point I thought I was in the midst of a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, which can be a little confusing.
Fifteen-year-old Mackenzie Mauzy as Sara Crewe and Will Chase, who plays her dashing, handsome father Captain Crewe, are delightful and charming in their scenes together. Mauzy who is in about every scene, has the voice and talent that handles the lead with a professional, believable ability beyond her years.
Kimberly King as the Victorian school mistress you love to hate gives Dickens’-dark characters a run for their money. She immerses herself in the melodramatic character of Miss Minchin to a point the audience almost gets to a booing and hissing state.
“A Little Princess” is a tad bit long considering it is geared for children but there is a comfortable, curl up with a good book feel to the overall production. With all its bumps and curves it has an enjoyable ambiance with a touch of class.
Camille Bounds is the Theatre and Arts Editor for Sunrise Publications
