Tsing
Pe - by C. Snodgrass (Emperor's Nightingale)
On
December 9th and 10th the Lois M. Nelson Theatre was a buzz with bright-eyed
kids clamoring to see their fellow classmates perform. Normally quite
shy, “Ms. Smith” can’t wait to see her favorite student
make her acting debut. Finally, the house-lights faded and after a brief
introduction, The Emperor’s Nightingale by Dan Totheroh began.
Finally, it was time for our youngest stars to shine.
Through
the darkness, orchestral strings set the atmosphere. During which, the
Chorus, clad in all black, scurried on “tippy-toes” to their
positions onstage. There, the story was set and the “great gong
of China” could be heard introducing the royal court and his majesty,
the Emperor of China.
Members
of the court were beautifully dressed in vibrant reds, hues of blue
and regal gold. The costumes paired by dramatic hair and make-up helped
to transport us to the emperor’s palace. It was here when we discovered
the Lord in Waiting was in search for the famed nightingale and her
beautiful music. Led by Plum Leaf, the kitchen maid, they set off to
find the homely looking bird and brought her to the palace.
The
remainder of the story involved all the lessons, villains, and delightful
surprises of a true fairytale. All of which the Main Company delivered
with great energy and charm – moving the audience from bellows
of laughter to true sentiment. And though the nightingale could not
be seen, it wasn’t missed. The cast did an excellent job of supporting
her “absence” and truly making us believe.
Kudos
to director Dottie Zimmerman for adding a heart-warming twist to the
Hans Christian Anderson classic. It was well received. Special thanks
also go to Erica Renzhofer, student director, for unexpectedly having
to perform the character of First Courtier … you nailed it. Finally,
congratulations, again, to Casts A and B for great performances. We
look forward to your spring production.
