children's theatre Archives - Capital Critics' Circle / Le cercle des critiques de la capitale

Lucid Dreams: A beautiful, whimsical performance full of warmth

By Rajka Stefanovska | June 5, 2018

Image courtesy of Once Upon a Kingdom Theatre

Lucid Dreams
Production: Once Upon a Kingdom Theatre, Ottawa
Director: Ekaterina Vetrov

What an exciting piece of news for the Ottawa theatre community: Once Upon a Kingdom Theatre will be representing North America at the 15th World Festival of Children’s Theatre in Lingen, Germany in June 2018. As over 80 theatres all over the world competed for a chance to participate and only 18 were selected, this surely calls for a celebration! Let me introduce you to this extraordinary children’s theatre group.

Founded by director Ekaterina Vetrov in 2008, they have been producing highly imaginative and artistic programs which attract children and adults alike. It combines diverse cultural backgrounds and artistic experiences into unique performances. Of course, such a success is not possible without hard work and a cohesive vision. These young and talented artists are truly hard workers, and Ms. Vetrov, the artistic director, manages to bring her very ambitious vision to life through educating young talents in all aspects of theatre: kids learn acting, dance, music, set design, costume design, make-up design, lighting design, stage management and theatre criticism. The results are nothing short of miraculous, which is also the best word to describe their latest show, “Lucid Dreams,” which is the one that will represent North America in Europe. …

Be a Friend, the Musical: Orpheus Musical Theatre Society has produced a playful packaging of serious content that works for young children.

By Alvina Ruprecht | December 22, 2013

Photo: Barbara Boston. Sammy Skunk (Fabian Santos) and Mommy skunk (Donna St.Jean).

Iris Winston’s award winning play for children, based on the trials and tribulations of Sammy Skunk whose physical difference turns him into a pariah of the Squirrel community, takes on some very serious issues about bullying, racism, prejudice and all the things that young people confront in schools and on the streets of our urban society. The audience of 3 to 10 years olds seemed to be listening intently to this musical adaptation as poor Sammy, (an excellent Fabian Santos who had all our sympathy with his fluffy white tail and oily black nose) sung about wanting so much to fit in after he and his mom (an upbeat and wise momma skunk, played with much warmth by Donna St. Jean) had to move to a new neighbourhood.

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Be a Friend: A Charming Family Musical

By Jamie Portman | December 22, 2013

Photo. Andrew Simon . Squirrel with Thompson.

Be A Friend, the delightful children’s mini-musical that is Orpheus Theatre’s Yuletide gift to the community, knows how to communicate with its young audiences. It doesn’t talk down to them as it tells the story of a lonely skunk named Sammy and his search for a friend. Without being the least bit preachy, it delivers an effective message against prejudice and for accepting people who are “different.” The opportunity for audience participation is built into Iris Winston’s lively and imaginative book, which is based on her award-winning play, Let’s Be Friends. And a further trump card comes from the songs with their nifty lyrics by Gord Carruth and engaging melodies from Carruth and Bart Nameth.

Same little fellow discovers the set..Photo: Andrew Simon

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