University of Virginia Library

Much Movement

Sounds like a huge bore, doesn't
it? That's what I thought until I saw
the simplicity and verve and subtle
humor with which the tales are
presented. Mr. Sills has wisely
blocked much movement and many
entrances and exits into the show
to keep it from merely being a
reading of stories. He has also
smartly arranged for a folk-rock
group called The True Brethren to
enhance portions' of the evening
with music.

The actors — Peter "Joe" Boyle,
Linda Lavin, Hamid Hamilton
Camp, and Melinda Dillon among
them — are a joy, and, restricted to a
short sub-two hour length, "Story
Theatre" has its rewards—abundant
for children, considerable for
adults.

One of the most significant
aspects of both "A Midsummer
Night's Dream" and "Story
Theatre" is their appeal to the
youth market. I saw both at
matinees at which there were
hoards of youngsters, most of
whom seemed to be having a great
time. Remarks such as "This is
cool!" were easily overheard from
the younger set. And, when we
consider the future of the theatre,
their enthusiasm is more important
than any critic's.