“Let us start at the beginning, for when we have come to the end we will know more than we do now,” states the deep voice of a narrator.
As the first of seven stories that form this complete tale unfolds, echoed exclamations of “Once upon a time!” propel an ensemble cast into a flurry of activity. Portland Stage Company’s “ The Snow Queen” springs to life.
The work, adapted from the Hans Christian Anderson story by PSC Artistic Director Anita Stewart, follows young Gerda (Lauren Orkus) as she travels through distant lands and all four seasons in search of her best friend Kai (Ian Carlsen), who has fallen under the entrancing spell of the intelligent but controlling Snow Queen (Patricia Buckley).
Shadow puppets, original music, an abundance of jewel-tone color, and gleeful humor all work in harmony with the players (including a collection of notably talented local young people) to form a tight-knit whole.
The overall tone of the piece is conveyed from the very beginning in the form of live music. To the strain of a single mandolin (performed by the show’s composer and musical director, Hans Indigo Spector) simple vocals pronounce that “ hope is the thing with feathers;” this production is whimsical, lightly philosophical and earnestly open-hearted.
Carlsen and Orkus both present a youthful jubilance with ease and delight. Orkus and the tender determination driving her provides a lovely foil to the eerie detachment Carlsen offers as Kai stays longer and longer in the Snow Queen’s icy home.
In a regal turn as the title character, Buckley exudes an understated coolness that is commanding — and often haunting. Her portrayals of several other widely different characters, from crone to crow, are equally enjoyable.
Tom Ford’s extraordinary versatility, most acutely showcased locally in the two-man, multi- character “ The Mystery Irma Vep,” returns to Portland Stage this time as myriad characters, most notably the mad inventor whose quest for renown sets the story into motion and as a friendly male crow who birdwalks his way ( with commendable and hilarious consistency) alongside much of Gerda’s journey.
PSC affiliate Artist Sally Wood is charming as a foreign princess and excellently deranged as a demanding bandit, with no shortage of adept comedic timing for both. She is particularly engaging in the latter role, whooping awkward battle cries and demanding affection at knife point to laughout loud effect.
Known for his compelling performance in “The Drawer Boy” among others, fellow affiliate artist Daniel Noel is featured as both the keystone narrator — well-supported by rapid-fire interjections from all fellow cast members — and a lovable reindeer named Ba. His steady, lowing baritone only furthers his surprising knack for presenting assuming naivety.
Unabashedly silly yet still well situated in the stylized elegance that frames this production, the work is further complimented by well- conceived sets and exquisite costumes. Thanks to both, “The Snow Queen” is also arguably the most visually vibrant offerings on area stages this winter — from the purest white; to the brightest amber, emerald and turquoise; to the richest red.
Costume designer Susan Thomas also deserves particular praise for several stunning pieces, including the navy velvet and gold-embroidered cape draping Sally Wood’s Princess in Act II.
The fun the company enjoys during the fifth and sixth stories in particular, “The Princess and The Price” and “The Little Robber Girl,” is infectious. A slight though perhaps inevitable dip in momentum in the show’s final and more contemplative story was short-lived
While it enjoys the slot in PSC’s season most commonly occupied by holiday staple “A Christmas Carol,” this production is more than worthy as an alternative. The investment, and risk, in developing this piece pays off — and it’s audiences who reap the rewards.
“The Snow Queen” is a tribute to love and celebration of storytelling straight from the heart. It lends color and warmth not only to winter, but to all four seasons.
THEATER REVIEW
¦ “THE SNOW QUEEN” Portland Stage Company 25A Forest Ave., Portland 774-0465 www.por tlandstage.org Show times: 7 p.m. today, Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Friday; noon Sunday and Dec. 24; and 5 p.m. Sunday.
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