Button!!!

Corduroy

A cuddly little Teddy Bear wearing green bib-top overalls has two goals in his department store world of toys: to find a friend to take him home and to find a Button!!! And that’s the entire plot of Don Freeman’s 1968 picture book. The story’s always been so popular that this picture book’s never gone out of print and libraries can’t keep it on their shelves. It’s rated by the National Education Association among the Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children. The author followed his book with four sequels, but the original story remains the most popular. 

This 60-minute production is Barry Kornhauser’s delightful theatrical adaption of Freeman’s book, which kicks off Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s Summer of spectacular productions for all ages (LORD OF THE RINGS, A Musical Tale, opens July 19). The play is a beautiful reminder that every one of us has value, just as we are. It demonstrates in very basic terms that we are all worthy of love and appreciation, and that our family and true friends accept us, even with our flaws—or with a button missing.

Looking a bit tattered, a cuddly little teddy bear, dressed in green corduroy overalls, sits on the shelf in the toy department of Freeman’s Department Store. More than anything, Corduroy wants a friend. He thinks that he’s been passed over by shoppers because he looks shop-worn and his bib-tops are missing a button. One afternoon, just before closing time, a sweet little girl named Lisa sees Corduroy on the shelf and immediately falls in love with him. She tries to convince her mother that, more than anything in the world, she wants to buy him. But Mother explains that money’s tight right now; however maybe, if Lisa would take on more of the household chores, she might increase her daughter’s allowance.

Corduroy doesn’t understand the money issue that has kept Lisa from buying him and taking him home. He thinks it’s because he’s missing a button. So, with the help of two talented, acrobatic, child-like narrators, Corduroy sets off on a journey all over the department store to locate a button and ultimately win over Lisa. To further complicate matters, a diligent Night Watchman, proud of her ability to always keep Freeman’s in apple pie order, starts to suspect that something’s wrong. When she begins to notice toys out of place, merchandise not on its shelves and household appliances running amuck, it becomes clear that something mysterious is afoot.

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s production is a highly-polished professional play for all ages. It’s especially ideal for preschoolers and other young elementary school children. The production is guided by the very capable and creative hands of Amber Mak. This gifted theatre artist has directed and choreographed so many other family-friendly productions around Chicagoland, such as Chicago Shakespeare’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the recent Drury Lane musical production of CINDERELLA, as well as many excellent musical productions at Paramount Theatre.

This production’s creative team includes an ever-changing Scenic Design by Award-winner, Jeffrey D. Kmiec. His versatile stage setting is enhanced by Mike Tutaj’s colorful and animated Projection Design, Greg Hofmann’s brilliant Lighting Design and Satya Chavez’s sensational Sound Design and Musical Compositions. And Christine Pascual’s contemporary Costume Designs truly complete each character.

Every performer in this production is a top notch professional Equity actor. Demetra Dee, who portrays Lisa, is a gifted young actress who I’ve enjoyed in so many Goodman, Steppenwolf and TimeLine productions, among others. She truly captures the innocence and ups-and-downs of a being a little girl. Celeste M. Cooper honestly and lovingly portrays Lisa’s Mother. This is another talented Chicago actress with an impressive resume, not only from CST, but from every top Chicago theatre. As the hilarious Night Guard, Danielle Davis is terrific. She’s another familiar face from many Chicago theatres, a versatile actress equally at home in classical comedies and dramas and contemporary plays and musicals. Here she easily demonstrates her broad comedic talents as the department store sentinel perplexed by who’s wreaking havoc all over Freeman’s. Kat Harvey and Ryan Huemmer, two versatile performers trained at the esteemed Actor’s Gymnasium, are the Clowns. As the narrators and ensemble of the play, this pair of performers soar across the stage, up and down the aisles and seem to fly through the air at times. Both talented artists keep this comedy moving and provoke lots of laughs.      

As Corduroy, Jean Claudio is, of course, the star of this production. A gifted Latino actor, Mr. Claudio is an accomplished acrobatic talent with a myriad of well-honed circus skills. He consummately creates the lovable, cuddly little character adored by Lisa, as well as all the children in the audience. Jean Claudio summersaults, flips, boogies, balances on a balcony high above the audience and seems to defy gravity. He brings Don Freeman’s fluffy Teddy Bear to life.

Every time sweet little Corduroy cries out his plea for a “Button!!!,” all the children in the audience can be heard mimicking him. And, under Amber Mak’s superb direction, Mr. Claudio and his fellow actors not only entertain, but also teach their young audience a positive message about friendship. Freeman’s book and toys are available for purchase in the lobby, as well as photo opportunities and a meet-and-greet with the cast. This warm, wonderful Summer treat is not to be missed, and makes a perfect introduction to the theatre for young audiences.   

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented June 22-July 14 by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in the Courtyard Venue on Navy Pier.

Tickets are available in person at the theater box office, by calling 312-595-5600 or by going to www.chicagoshakes.com.

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