Known for its out-of-this world physical theatre, Vancouver’s Axis Theatre is returning to Vernon with its latest production for children.
The purveyors of the bus behemoth known as The Number 14 as well as popular children’s productions, The Emperor’s New Threads and King Arthur’s Kitchen, Axis has been riding as of late on an adventure tale that includes singing and dancing rats.
Written by Leslie Mildiner, Hamelin: A New Fable, on stage at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Sunday, March 13 at 2 p.m., is a musical-adventure live-action play focused on the importance of “keeping your word.”
It features a cast of five professional actor/musicians who use masks and puppets in Axis’ unique physical theatre style.
“Our version is loosely adapted from the fable of The Pied Piper of Hamelin. The performers triple as musicians, actors and puppeteers in a theatrical tour-de-force that is capturing the hearts and minds of elementary school and family audiences across B.C.,” reads a press release from Axis Theatre.
In the play, medieval town Hamelin is governed by a spoiled mayor and his mommy, who have taxed the hardworking townsfolk into poverty.
The heroes of the story, 10-year-old twins Celeste and Ralph, devise a plan when it seems that no one, other than their Opa Johannes, ever keeps their word.
They come up with a way to make the grown-ups wake up and smell the strudel.
After the ridiculous new taxes render this tight-knit family homeless, desperate for help, the twins encounter a hapless minstrel, a flute, that has seen better days and of course, lots and lots of rats.
“With surprising plot twists, our Hamelin is an engaging revisit to one of the world’s most endearing tales,” reads the release.
The play was recognized with a 2015 Jessie Richardson Theatre Award for Outstanding Design Concept, which went to its set, props and masks designer Shizuka Kai and costumer Jessica Oostergo.
Actor Eric Gow was also nominated for a Jessie for outstanding performance.
Running 50 minutes in length, the play is suitable for elementary school and family audiences.
Tickets for Hamelin: A New Fable are $12 for all ages. Call the Ticket Seller box office at 250-549-SHOW (7469) or log online to www.ticketseller.ca for tickets and more information.