漢斯與格蕾特

Hansel & Gretel, the well-known Grim Brothers tale, marked the last production of this season’s CTC young audience performance series. Watching the story unfold on stage tonight conjured up warm images from seemingly distant childhood story times. The rare nightmares I experienced back then could mostly be attributed to the old wicked witch living in the gingerbread cottage that supposedly loves to gobble up young children. As I aged, the nightmares eventually faded and over time I even managed to get a good laugh out of the witch’s silly death in her own oven.

CTC’s adaptation of this classic story had a wonderful twist that I particularly enjoyed. The addition of the sweet troll like character named “gerwood” definitely helped lighten the air when Hansel & Gretel stood helplessly abandoned in the dark forest. In fact, this forest spirit brought so much laughter out of the young audiences that in my opinion almost stole the show. Mimi immediately recognized the actress as Holly the elf in “The Elves and the Shoe Maker” we watched last Christmas season and the unpopular counterfeit princess in “The Princess and the Pea”. The fact that Mimi remembers the actress’ past roles speaks volumes about her acting skills.

I found it interesting that “gerwood” was portrayed as a timid, somewhat silly but definitely warm-hearted creature that embraces friendship from human beings. Traditionally, trolls do not befriend human and are sometimes even considered dangerous. But in recent literatures and adaptions of classic tales, trolls are often given supernatural power that helps the protagonists overcome obstacles and therefore plays an integral role in the plot. CTC’s adaption was probably inspired by the same trend.

As Hansel sat lifelessly in the witch’s cage, Gretel called for laughter from the audience to break the spell, at which point Mimi whispered into my ears that Gretel, though younger, is much smarter than her older brother Hansel, and that she knows to not trust strangers. I smiled. Male characters in most fairy tales, excluding the brave and handsome princes, are often cast under a not so attractive light. Fathers, in particular, are weak and indecisive men deprived of good judgment by their evil second wives. Hansel and Gretel’s father is no exception. The hero, or should I say heroine, of the story was indisputable – young Gretel was never despondent in the dire situation but instead used her cleverness to prevail against the evil. Wit, courage and a loving heart that refuses to abandon her brother as they struggle for survival, Gretel’s got the whole package.

Of all the shows and concerts we take Mimi to, CTC shows hold a special place in our heart. Its intimate family theater setting allows children to experience the magic of theater up close and the talented cast never failed to amaze us with their passion. I do hope there will be more supporters of this local theater that year after year produces so many wonderful performances for children. In this fast paced and material world, CTC’s existence is a true blessing.