Infinity Theatre Company is in its sixth season brightening Anne Arundel's summer entertainment scene, and part of its mission includes providing educational theater for budding audiences age 5 and older.
This season, the Infinity children's theater show, "Jack vs. Rapunzel: The Musical," on stage through Aug. 1 at Anne Arundel Community College, combines a clever plot, lively music, constant action and gentle humor with an upbeat message.
The show features music by Clayton Colwell, with book and lyrics by Alan Ostroff, co-founding artistic director of Infinity. The clever premise links a televised competition to the historical "Aarne-Thompson Tale Type Index" of fairy tales — a real multivolume publication developed by Antti Aarne and published in 1928, and translated and enlarged by Stith Thompson in 1961.
In Ostroff's story, the Aarne-Thompson index becomes the Aarne Thompson Fairy Tale Competition, pitting two fairy tale characters against each other.
Jack, of beanstalk fame, who traded his mother's cow for a handful of magic beans, competes with Rapunzel, the girl who let her long blond hair down from the heights of a tower where she was kept by her protective mother.
Infinity's set design depicts the competition as a TV game show, with contestant Jack appearing with his beanstalk and contestant Rapunzel standing before her tower.
The contest comes in four rounds: "Archery," where the two compete with fun results; "Don't Snap," in which Jack and Rapunzel must maintain their cool while being badgered by the other; "Freeze," where both must freeze instantly on cue and resume action on counter-cue; and "The Interview Game," where each reveals insightful clues that gain the other's appreciation.
Director and choreographer Tommy Lafrate smartly directs the one-act, one-hour show's frantic action. The talented cast includes of emcee Sam Smiley, played by Sam Hood Adrain, who skillfully interacts with children in the audience while giving an animated explanation of what will occur.
His partner, Shelly, who assists in warming up the audience, is played with equal verve by Alex Smith, who shows excellent singing ability as well.
As Jack, Jacob Shipley has boundless energy, fine dance skills and an impressive singing voice. He also brings abundant boyish charm to the role, and a fine sense of comedy.
Ana Marcu defines this feminist Rapunzel, delivering Ostroff's clever lyrics describing how she doesn't wish to waste her life hanging around the tower waiting to be rescued but instead will determine her own destiny — she starts by chopping off her ridiculously long hair.
A fabulous dancer capable of high athleticism and a singer who can belt out show-stoppers, Marcu is convincing in rage or fierce competition, and is equally credible as sympathetic girl imprisoned in a tower.
Jack and Rapunzel prove to be well-matched dancers who uncover layers of charm beneath flippant super-confident images.
Action peaks when Rapunzel and Jack race full speed from the stage to the back of the theater to the other side and down — to the delight of children (and the amazement of adults in the audience). The feat underscores the production crew's brilliant use of on- and off-stage space at the community college's Humanities Building, Room 112 venue.
The show's self-described secondary character, Jack's mother — expertly played by Emily Freeman — communicates her life goal: to recognize and promote Jack's talent, and protect him from danger including what may arise in competition with Rapunzel. Freeman also displays adroit comic skills along with a singing voice that delights intergenerational audiences.
The score is a major element in this show's success. Colwell has weaved together elements of traditional 1940s show tunes, '60s blues-rock, an '80s rock montage with what he calls "screaming guitars and crazy synthesizers" and a rock gospel section.
Serving to propel the story forward, Ostroff's clever lyrics should delight adult audience members as well.
Every year, Infinity raises the bar in its main-stage productions at the CTA Complex. Here, the troupe has done the same for the children's production, establishing a benchmark in interactive entertainment for children. The swift-paced activity on stage captivates the youngest audience members, while evoking childhood memories in their grandparents.
Most important "Jack vs. Rapunzel: The Musical" delivers a philosophical message urging children to "be yourself, not just a number" — a lesson for all engaged in daily competitive pursuits.
This show for the whole family continues weekends through Aug. 1. For tickets call the box office at 877-501-8499 or buy online.
'Camp Rock'
Another children's show is being readied for a July 17 opening. The Talent Machine Company will presents "Camp Rock: The Musical" based on Disney's production.
Show dates are July 17-19 and July 23-26 at St. John's College's Key Auditorium in Annapolis. For more information, go to talentmachine.com.