A Lesson Learned About Kindness

Last Stop on Market Street – Chicago Childrens Theatre

 

A little boy named CJ travels to one of Chicago’s inner city neighborhoods to spend a week with his grandmother. Nana is a force of nature, a vivacious, gleeful woman who always sees the positive side of life. However, this affirmative, optimistic lady has her work cut out for her in trying to teach her entitled young grandson a lesson about kindness. 

Nana lives simply in her tiny urban apartment, comfortably adorned with her treasured tchotchkes, and close to a CTA bus stop. Very different from the affluence CJ knows back in the suburbs, this is the humble dwelling where his mother grew up. For his visit the boy is given Mom’s old bedroom. He’s brought with him all his comforts from home: his cell phone, his computer tablet and a stuffed animal, that his mother gave him. CJ’s reluctant to give up his mind-numbing electronic devices; but Nana is determined to show her grandson real life, instead of letting him escape in computerized fantasy games. 

She takes him on a walk in the rain and then on a bus ride, whereupon he encounters a bevy of exciting, very colorful city characters. When CJ and Nana reach their destination, Grandma introduces her grandson to an elderly lady and her grandchild, both of whom are homeless. At a soup kitchen, Nana shows CJ how he can help give back to those less fortunate. It’s there that CJ finally understands what it means to befriend and empathize with others.

This charming theatrical adaptation of Matt De La Pena’s 2015 Newbery Award-winning picture book is by Cheryl L. West. It features a catchy score and lyrics by Lamont and Paris Ray Dozier. Directed with animation and ardor by acclaimed Goodman Artistic Associate Henry Godinez, musically directed by Andra Velis Simon, and choreographed with spunk and spirit by Stephanie Paul, the story leaps from the page to the stage. It’s an infectious, colorful, heartwarming story with an important lesson for everyone. John Musial’s scenic design pays homage to Christian Robinson’s original illustrations. His set is flashy, chromatic and versatile, easily transforming from location to location in the blink of an eye. Izumi Inaba and Eleanor Kahn continue this kaleidoscopic brilliance in their flashy costumes and properties; and Alexander Ridgers lights the stage with equal brilliance.    

Nana is portrayed with zesty exuberance by the incomparable E. Faye Butler. This multi-gifted actress/singer, one of the treasures of the Chicago stage, brings a larger-than-life presence to this wise, down-to-earth woman. She’s like sunshine and fireworks all rolled into one. Ms. Butler creates such a caring person that audiences will find her Nana to be the grandmother we’d all love to have. She sings with power, passion and conviction, as her Nana selflessly puts everyone else before her own needs She teaches an important lesson for everybody. This includes her young grandson, CJ, played with innocence and candor by Kei Rawlins (Alejandro Medina alternates in this role).

The supporting cast, each of whom sport impressive theatrical resumes, all play multiple roles. They’re each sensational in every part they play. Breon Arzell, who opens the musical as the DJ, is magnetic as Mr. Dennis, the affable city bus driver. As Vernon and Mr. Chow, Jess Bhamrah is as  likable as anyone you’d ever care to meet. The always brilliant and effervescent  Melanie Brezill is delightfully sassy and energetic as Butterfly and Posey, among other characters. Brian Keys is great as the kindly Tat Man, among other roles; and Kirra Silver brings it all home as heartbreaking, homeless JoJo, in addition to many other characters. 

Henry Godinez’s spirited musical production, adapted from Matt De La Pena’s multi-award winning picture book, is eye-popping and engaging. It’s a story of about what’s important in life and the things that are mere fleeting fancies. It’s a beautiful tale of cross-generational bonding and demonstrates that material poverty doesn’t necessarily mean emotional and creative barrenness. As it entertains, the story reminds audiences, of all ages, the important lesson found in the Golden Rule. During a fast-paced hour, a little boy named CJ comes to understand how satisfying it is to help others and the importance of releasing a jar of butterflies to freedom with a newfound friend.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas    

   

Presented April 24-May 27 by Chicago Children’s Theatre at The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available by calling 312-374-8835 or by going to www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.