With ‘Spirit,’ Children’s Musical Theaterworks skips the musical and goes for the comedy
Children’s Musical Theaterworks is known for its big, ambitious shows in downtown Fresno. (Think “Les Miserables,” “Oliver,” etc.) But the company also dabbles in smaller and more minimalist productions. That’s the case with Peg Kehret’s “Spirit,” set in the Happy Hollow Rest Home, which features a cast of amiable older characters, some of them decidedly feisty. (Having kids portray them adds to the comedy.) The plot focuses on 83 year-old Clara, who begins taking hula lessons, holding seances and sending out for pepperoni pizza, all to the consternation of the flustered manager. It will be held one weekend only at CMT’s rehearsal space in the Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 21; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22; and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 23. You can find tickets and more details here.
I feature director Randall Kohlruss and the cast of “Spirit” on the latest episode of “The Munro Review on CMAC,” my monthly arts talk show. I think we actually set a TMR record for this episode in terms of number of people on set at the same time. I think we got the whole cast up there! Our coverage includes an interview and a performance of a scene. Lots of fun!
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