On Theater: OC’s ‘other mouse’ coming to Laguna Playhouse

While Laguna Beach’s neighbor to the north, Anaheim, may be the home of the world’s most famous mouse, there’s another rodent who’s become pretty popular with the younger set, and he’ll take up residence in Laguna for two weeks in November.

“Stuart Little: A Musical Fantasy” will headline the Laguna Playhouse’s three-show Youth Theater season, one of two shows geared toward elementary and middle school children. A third, the Theater for a New Generation Production, is aimed at teens and their parents.

The musical version of E.B. White’s classic — ticketed for Nov. 6 to 15 at the playhouse — follows the story of a little mouse, Stuart, born into the Frederick C. Little family in New York.

“He’s just 2 inches tall, but has the stature of a giant and accordingly goes on some big adventures,” says the playhouse’s youth theater director, Donna Inglima, who will stage the production.

“The charming story is of a determined underdog trying to survive in a real people’s world,” Inglima points out, noting that the original White book was adapted by Joseph Robinette and Ronna Frank, who also wrote the music and lyrics.

“Stuart Little: A Musical Fantasy” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 and 13 2 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 and 14 and 1 and 5 p.m. Nov. 8 and 15. Special student matinees are planned for 10 a.m. Nov. 12 and 13.

The other Youth Theater production will be “The Boxcar Children,” which will be on the playhouse stage one weekend only, April 23 to 25, with Kelly Herman directing.

This is the story of four orphan siblings, in danger of being sent to different foster homes, who run away and make their home in an abandoned railroad boxcar. The novel by Gertrude Chandler Warner was adapted for the stage by Barbara Field.

“Pursued by the authorities and a mysterious stranger, the children discover the rewards and perils of life on the run, as well as the joy of keeping their family together,” Herman says.

“The Secret Life of Girls,” scheduled for March 9 to 11, is the playhouse’s Theater for a New Generation production. Written by Linda Daugherty, it will be directed by Inglima, who describes it as “an honest, unflinching dramatization of teen-girl angst and the tumultuous, destructive world of girls’ bullying.

“Based on interviews with girls on the giving and receiving end of bullying, the play highlights the impact of ’cyberbullying,’ the fascination of mean-spirited behaviors through the use of cell phones, instant messaging, e-mail and chat rooms,” Inglima explains.

Single tickets are $18 to $20 for Youth Theater performances and $12.50 for Theater for a New Generation performances. More information and reservations may be obtained by calling the playhouse at (949) 497-2787 or visit www.LagunaPlayhouse.com.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Coastline Pilot.