Deborah Martin
San Antonio Express-News
The questions come fast and furious in the musical "Children's Letters to God."
"Is there such a thing as a turtle heaven?"
"Why do the Swiss make better cheese?"
"How do you feel about people who don't believe in you?"
The queries form the spine of the show, a charmer currently gracing the stage of the Steven Stoli Playhouse.
The show's gently funny sketches and songs dip into a lot of concerns youngsters have, including romantic crushes, the brevity of pets' lives, being picked last for baseball, sibling rivalry and moving away.
There's also a wisp of a plot in the budding relationship between sweet-natured Joanna (Stephanie Pacheco) and Brett (Paul Koudouris), a 15-year-old whose parents' divorce has churned up some emotional turmoil.
Stuart Hample, who wrote the book, and lyricist Douglas J. Cohen have a knack for writing for kids, giving the material authenticity. None of it sounds like it was written by adults.
The all-kid cast is tremendously likable and handles the show's demands well. Pacheco and Koudouris have a lot of stage presence and strong vocal skills. Dylan Visvikis shows some genuine comic spark as geeky Theo; Jackson Cravens is a scene-stealer in the making; and Bobbie Radla gives a spunky, frequently funny turn as turtle-loving Iris.
Jessie Rose, who teaches children's theater classes for the Stoli Playhouse, directs the show well, getting entertaining performances from her gifted cast.
"Children's Letters to God" can be seen at 8 p.m. Fridays, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays through July 9 at the Steven Stoli Playhouse, 11838 Wurzbach at Lockhill Selma roads. Tickets cost $12.50 to $23.50. Call (210) 408-0116 for reservations. |