Zoe Sommers Haas as the Learning Fairy at Open Eye.
This is the kind of stuff that makes an old man hopeful about the future of theater. Open Eye Figure Theatre was packed Sunday afternoon with little kids and parents for "The Learning Fairy," a musically thumping show that feels like a modern-day version of "The Electric Company."
The show was created by Zoe Sommers Haas, daughter of co-artistic directors Michael Sommers and Susan Haas. Noah Sommers Haas and Max Specktor kick in tunes with bass and keyboard, and actors Julian McFaul and Carly Wicks help Zoe in keeping the action manic and constant. Old papa Sommers pounds the drums and contributes puppetry. Plus, his hand clearly designed the colorful, gadgety set. Michael Murnane's lights get almost psychedelic as "The Learning Fairy" slides through a portal and takes human form to sing and dance and teach.
Seeing Michael and Susan's kids on stage, along with the other youngsters, engenders a comfort that there are youngsters dedicated to keeping the Open Eye spirit alive for years to come.
I was reminded again Sunday that when I venture into Open Eye for a children's show (and often for "adult shows"), it feels I've gone through a time portal to the old Children's Theatre Company, circa 1968, with its Bohemian and creative spirit. The atmosphere is unlike any other theater in the Twin Cities. "The Learning Fairy," a slim little confection at 50 minutes, has been extended for another week. It's well worth the trip.
(7:30 p.m. Fri., 11 & 7:30 p.m. Sat.; 506 E. 24th St., Mpls.; $8-$15, 612-874-6338 or www.openeyetheatre.org)
Check out:
