A fairy tale with a supernatural sheen is being planted for youthful consumption at Munster’s Theatre at the Center.
The venue’s Theatre for Young Audiences raises up “Jack and the Beanstalk” for an engagement that features performances for both schools and the public.
The four shows for schools taking place Oct. 6 and 7 are being followed by 10 a.m. and noon performances on Oct. 8 that are for the general public.
Produced by Chicago Kids Company, the melodic Munster presentations have lessons to impart, particularly about the inappropriateness of stealing.
“It’s a pretty classic lesson,” director Jesus Perez said in a phone interview.
Promotional material from Theatre at the Center states that Jack’s “crazy adventure” starts with magic beans, while likewise noting “there’s nothing scary” in the musical adaptation being rolled out by the 25-year-old theater company from the Windy City.
The Giant is being played by 25-year-old Tim Maples of Chicago.
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“The Giant is typically portrayed as a big scary character, and in our version, he’s not as scary,” Maples said. “He’s just kind of a big lovable guy. I sing a song about counting my gold.”
While Maples says Chicago Kids Company generally follows the traditional storyline of Jack and his ascent up the beanstalk, he also pointed out that fairy tales can have a moral to the story.
“We just kind of go back to the themes of finding yourself, figuring out who you are, not running away from a challenge, and things like that,” Maples said. “And I think those are very universal themes that really do attract kids, as well as families, to the public performances.”
Even a seemingly simple fable such as “Jack and the Beanstalk” has layers that relay “a moral or a lesson or something to learn from the experience,” said Perez, co-founder of Chicago Kids Company.
“Jack goes up the beanstalk to try to save the family, and he ends up taking things that are not his, in the guise of trying to save the family,” said Perez, a Chicago resident.
Founded in 1992 as a nonprofit theater troupe, Chicago Kids Company has produced more than 50 original musicals based on children’s stories and fairy tales. Perez is a Jeff Award-winning costume designer.
The Jeff Awards — also known as Joseph Jefferson Awards — recognize excellence in Chicago-area theater.
Featuring professional actors and vibrant costumes and sets, Chicago Kids Company productions are targeted at children not yet in their teens and their families.
At about an hour long, “Jack and the Beanstalk” utilizes a small cast comprising actors, who — for the most part — each take on more than one role.
With original music by Chicago Kids Company co-founder Paige Coffman, “Jack and the Beanstalk” also serves up a talking cow and a goose that lays golden eggs.
The company’s shows are known for audience participation and opportunities for audience members to enjoy a meet-and-greet with cast members after shows.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
“Jack and the Beanstalk”
Where: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
When: 10 a.m. and noon Oct. 8
Tickets: Adults $9.50; children 12 and under $7.50
Information: 219-836-3255, www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com