Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes

Last Stop on Market Street

Change isn’t easy for anyone, particularly children. Leaving the familiar comforts of a home that a kid takes for granted, and then being dropped off at an entirely different environment populated by new people and filled with unexpected situations, can be somewhat traumatic. So when a little boy named CJ has to travel to an unfamiliar inner city neighborhood, and spend a week with his grandmother, the child is in for some surprises. Nana is a real force of nature, a vivacious, gleeful woman who always sees the positive side of life. However, this optimistic lady has her work cut out for her with CJ.

Nana is very happy living a simple life in her tiny urban apartment. It’s comfortably adorned with treasures she’s collected over the years, and it’s close to the city bus stop. This is also the humble dwelling where his mother grew up. It’s a very different world from the affluent suburb that CJ calls home. To comfort him, Cj has brought along some of his “toys” from home: his cell phone, his computer tablet and a stuffed animal pillow that his mother gave him. The child is reluctant to give up his mind-numbing electronic devices; but Nana is determined to introduce her grandson to real life, instead of letting him escape in his computerized fantasy games. 

She takes him on a walk in the rain and then on a ride on the bus, where the last stop is, indeed, Market Street. Along the way, CJ encounters a number of strange, exciting and colorful city characters. When the two travelers finally reach their destination, Grandma introduces her grandson to an elderly lady and her grandchild, both of whom are homeless. At the soup kitchen on Market Street, Nana shows CJ how he can help give back to those less fortunate. It’s there that CJ finally learns about empathy and what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes. The young man comes to understand what it means to be a friend and truly care about others. 

Playwright Cheryl L. West’s charming musical was adapted from Matt De La Pena’s 2015 Newbery Medal-winning picture book, of the same name. The show features an upbeat, catchy score, with music and lyrics by Motown’s Lamont and Paris Ray Dozier. Co-directed by talented Artistic Director, Randy White, and Director/Choreographer Tuesdai B. Perry, the production sparkles with love and unbridled enthusiasm. The production was Musically Directed by Cameron Tragesser and is filled with spunk and spirit. Matt De La Pena’s heartwarming story leaps from the page to the stage. It’s a colorful, infectious and heartwarming story with an important lesson for everyone. Shayna Patel’s versatile scenic design pays homage to Christian Robinson’s original illustrations. Her set is flashy, chromatic and easily transforms from location to location in the blink of an eye. Janelle Smith and Nicolas Bartleson continue this brilliance with their flashy costumes and properties; and Kevin Rechner lights the story with just the right brilliance.    

Nana is portrayed with zesty exuberance by the incomparable Jenece Upton. This gifted actress/singer brings a larger-than-life presence to this wise, down-to-earth little woman. Ms. Upton is like a bundle of sunshine and fireworks, all rolled into one lovable and loving character. The actress creates such a wonderfully caring grandmother that some audience members might wish that she was their own Nana. Putting everyone else before her own needs, Nana teaches an important lesson for everybody. This includes her young grandson, CJ, played with spunk, wide-eyed innocence and unedited candor by the wonderfully multitalented Aja Singletary.

The supporting cast, each of whom sport impressive theatrical resumes, all play multiple roles. They’re each sensational in every part they play. Fabian Guerrero is magnetic as the happy and rhyming Mr. Dennis, the affable city bus driver. He returns later in a wheelchair as Mr. Chow, a young adult with a Chinese father. Richaun Stewart is a little eccentric, but kindly and likable, as the Tatted Man on the bus; but later he comes across as the very likable Vernon. The always brilliant and effervescent  Ania Martin is delightfully sassy and full of energy as Mme. Butterfly. On the bus ride she also plays one of two Softball Player Girls. Then later in the play she completely transforms into the homeless older woman, Grandma Posey. And Maya Lou Hlava brings it all home as the heartbreaking, homeless young JoJo, along with many other characters. 

This outstanding, spirited little musical production, adapted from Matt De La Pena’s multi-award winning picture book, is thoroughly entertaining and totally engaging. The story’s young hero journeys through this story and eventually comes to understand what’s really important in life. It’s a beautiful tale of cross-generational and multicultural bonding, that demonstrates that different isn’t always bad, and the word “poverty” doesn’t necessarily denote emotional, intellectual or creative barrenness. 

As this charming and funny little musical entertains audiences of all ages, we’re reminded of how good life can be. We can enjoy this simple story while rediscovering how important it is learning to walk in someone else’s shoes. During this fast-paced, hour-long production, we see the world through the eyes of a 7-year-old little boy named CJ, who finds out how satisfying it can be to help others, and to enjoy the fun of freeing a jar of butterflies with a new friend.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented May 11-June 2 by Young People’s Theatre of Chicago at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the Greenhouse box office, by calling 773-404-7336 or by going to boxoffice@greenhousetheater.org 

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