Digga, Digga, Digga

Fantastic Mr. Fox–by Emerald City Theatre

Digga, Digga, Digga

Roald Dahl’s beloved 1970 children’s novel about a family of foxes was adapted for the stage by David Wood and first presented in England about eighteen years ago. Emerald City Theatre, continuing their partnership with Victory Gardens, opens a new, 22nd season with this play at the Biograph Theatre. Although there’s already a musical version, this version features a few simple, original songs by John Kirkpatrick and Peter Pontzen, sung and accompanied by the actors themselves. The overall effect is feast filled with frolic and fun.

The story is pretty simple and quite appealing to young audiences. Mr. Fox lives underground in his cozy home with his wife and two children. Like the other burrowing animals, the weasels, rabbits, moles and badgers, the foxes enjoy the bounty of food they steal from the three nasty farmers who live above ground. The cruel, dimwitted farmers are named Boggis, Bunce and Bean. Tired of being outsmarted by Mr. Fox and continually having their livestock taken by the tricky thief, the three farmers try to ambush him. The only success they achieve is shooting off Mr. Fox’s bushy tail.

Next, the three formidable farmers decide to dig up the Foxes’ burrow. First they try using shovels and spades, but, when that doesn’t work, they turn to bulldozers and other mechanical excavators. In order to survive, Mr. Fox encourages his wife and two children to “Digga, digga, digga” to relocate their burrow safely deeper in the ground. The farmers surround the entrance hole and refuse to leave, thereby starving the Fox family. But Mr. Fox proves that he’s truly fantastic. He apologizes to his fellow underground friends for creating this survival problem. Then he devises a great plan that involves the Foxes working together with their neighboring, underground animals. The story ends in a jubilant feast and celebration of unity, friendship and, of course, good food and fun.

Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone has directed her freewheeling fantasy with lots of energy and style. She’s staged her production utilizing every inch of the theatre. Her actors run all around the audience, as well as above, below and inside Michelle Lilly’s intricate, multilevel set. She’s cast her production with nine multitalented actors. These gifted folks not only portray all the characters in Roald Dahl’s classic story, but they sing and play a multitude of instruments, as well. 

Jeanne T. Arrigo, remembered for her exquisite performance in Paramount Theatre’s production of “Once,” and Elleon Dobias, a recent standout in Victory Gardens’ presentation of “Indecent,” are the foundation of this production. They’re the main instrumentalists, although the other actors join in, as well. Together, these two extremely talented actresses sing and provide accompaniment on accordion, banjo, violin, mandolin, guitar and several other instruments.

Mario Aivazian is a wonderful Mr Fox, and he IS, indeed, fantastic. Accompanying himself on guitar, Mario delights with his wonderfully trained voice and wily, whimsical characterization. Previously performing with Chicago Children’s Theatre, Strawdog and Pride Films & Plays, Mr. Aivazian continues to build a solid name for himself around the Windy City. He’s matched by beautiful Brianna Buckley, as Badger. She most recently took the Raven stage hostage with her bold, brassy portrayal of Lily Anne Green in “Crumbs From the Table of Joy.” Here, she’s a generous, but feisty friend to Mr. Fox, and ably helps him with his survival plan.

The three villains of this story are delicious doofuses. The trio of furious farmers is led by Isa Arcineigas, as Bunce, Jeffrey Hoge, as Bean and, especially, Aaron Lawson, as a delightfully incompetent and bungling Boggis. Together they form a triumvirate of terror for all the animals who live below the ground. In addition, Tia Pinson, Rebecca Keeshin and Adhana Reid all nicely add to the story, portraying Mrs. Fox and the two fox children.

This exhilarating production is one more feather in Emerald City Theatre’s cap of literary-inspired productions, aimed primarily at children. Bringing Roald Dahl’s classic to life, Director Jacqueline Stone, working closely with Music Director Julia Schade Armstrong and Choreographer Jamal Howard, has beautifully energized Dahl’s bucolic story with spirit and vigor. Inventively costumed by Alison Siple, this wonderful, timely tale illustrates how working together with others is the key to success. 

From the moment that the audience enters the theatre it’s pure magic. Everywhere there are instruments being played, songs being sung, bubbles being blown, finger games being shared and beachballs being tossed around the audience. It’s guaranteed that even the shyest child will instantly become involved and ready for the story to unfold before their widening eyes. Fun? Yes sir! Frantic? Of course! Fantastic? Indeed!.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas          

Presented December 13-January 12 by Emerald City Theatre at the Victory Gardens Theatre-Biograph Theatre, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-871-3000 or by going to www.emeraldcitytheatre.com.

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