Community Theatre Review: A great time for children and adults with Freckleface Strawberry
Looking for a way to get the kids out of the house one last time before school starts again? The Player’s Club of Swarthmore is just the place to be! Go see the final production in the Children’s Theatre series, Freckleface Strawberry!
Freckleface Strawberry, based on the children’s book written by Julianne Moore, tells the story of a young girl, Freckleface Strawberry, and her struggle to deal with her unique freckles. After being bullied by her classmates for her freckles, Freckleface Strawberry attempts to get rid of her freckles every way possible. To no avail, Freckleface hides her face with a mask, only to later finds out that, although she is teased for her freckles, her friends love her for who she is on the inside.
The Players Club of Swarthmore has always been a great source of theatre in the community for over 101 seasons now. Freckleface Strawberry was actually my first experience with The Player Club’s Children’s Series and even though the production was aimed at a child audience, it still had the entertaining and professional appeal of a mainstage show.
Freckleface Strawberry, executed under the direction of Alexandra Greene and Josh Yoder, was without a doubt an entertaining show for all ages. The fun songs and audience participation made the experience enjoyable for not just the children, but the adults in the audience as well. The wonderful set up of the theatre truly enhanced the story and allowed for the children to sit up close in the very front row where they would not miss any of the onstage action.
Freckleface Strawberry was gracefully led by Player’s Club vet, Amelia SanFilippo. SanFilippo portrayed young Freckleface Strawberry with ease and had no issues retaining the attention of the young children throughout the show, something that can be no easy task when it comes to children’s theatre. Adding to the performance were the seven ensemble members. Playing up to four characters each, the ensemble members brought great energy and personalities to their roles. Although sometimes hard to follow, they made each scene more memorable and enjoyable in the audience’s eyes. The ensemble excelled at creating funny moments with each role they were given. As a whole, the entire cast worked very well together and had great chemistry on stage. Group numbers such as “Creative Mind” and “Be Yourself” were enjoyable to watch and creatively executed.
Despite not having microphones, the cast did a great job of projecting their voices. All solo line were easily heard and communicated to the younger audience.
The Freckleface experience did not end with the just cast members, the world of young Freckleface Strawberry was easily brought to life by Tony Waterer’s colorful scenic design that, although minimal, was able to transport audience members right into the lives of Freckleface and her friends. Adding to the technical aspects of the show was Ryan Stone’s lighting design that seamlessly transitioned the story from scene to scene and location to location.
Don’t miss your chance to see Freckleface and her friends this summer at the Players Club of Swarthmore! Embrace yourself and all your unique traits with Freckleface Strawberry, now running till Thursday, August 24th!
Freckleface Strawberry runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through August 25th.
All Performances at 7pm.
Playwright / Book by Gary Kupper & Rose Caiola
Music & Lyrics by Gary Kupper
The Players Club of Swarthmore
614 Fairview Rd, Swarthmore PA
http://vincentdiangelus.com/
