"A WRINKLE IN TIME" BECOMES AN ONSTAGE FANTASY IN THE SCOUNDREL & SCAMP'S PRODUCTION

By Chuck Graham, TucsonStage.com

 

photo by Tim Fuller

From left, Calvin (Evan Taylor) with siblings Charles Wallace (Merik Brown) and Meg (Allison Akmajian) defy distant galaxies and time itself to rescue the siblings' Father (Daniel Burton).

Adapted to the stage by James Sie from the much loved, award-winning book by Madeleine L'Engle, “A Wrinkle in Time” is creating its own stage magic in the Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre production directed by Dawn McMillan.

Swirls of billowing draperies and stage lighting effects, heightened by ominous overhead sounds and unseen voices, carry the momentum of young Meg (Allison Akmajian), her younger brother Charles Wallace (Merik Brown) and older teen friend Calvin (Evan Taylor) across mysterious worlds, universes, galaxies and great gobs of time – the “wrinkles,” as they are called – in trying to first locate and then save the siblings' father (Daniel Burton), who went missing while participating in a top secret CIA experiment.

Scoundrel & Scamp is recommending its production for ages 7+, although much of the space and time travel is more implied than it is explained. However, anyone who knows the book should be able to keep up with Meg, Charles Wallace and Calvin.

The show is strongest in creating an atmosphere of wonder where this intrepid trio will meet all manner of otherworldly forces. No idea ever seems too fanciful to occur.

The most memorable of these is Mrs. Whatsit (Samantha Severson), a creature both ominous and humorous. With a costume designed by Gretchen Wirges she becomes an unforgettable force of nature with a very impressive wingspan.

Akmajian and Brown do all the heavy lifting as the two kids who are frequently in over their heads, facing one fear after another. They love their father and will do anything to bring him back home, but will they have the courage to keep going?

“A Wrinkle in Time” plays through Nov. 12, with performances on Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., in the Historic Y theater, 738 N. Fifth Ave., just off University Boulevard.

Tickets are $32 general admission, $30 seniors, $20 teachers and students. There is a $2 discount for tickets purchased in advance. For details and reservations, 520-448-3300, or visit scoundrelandscamp.org