For some women, being born into the wrong century is a life changer. For Calpurnia Virginia Tate it was a struggle. In the late 1800’s, living in a small Texas hamlet, girls were supposed to follow in their mother’s footsteps and learn to sew, knit, kneed and bake bread, and well… act feminine. But at age 12+ Calpurnia was interested in none of the above. Calpurnia was interested in science, the origin of the species, caterpillars and the natural world among other things.
Lamb’s Players in Coronado is currently mounting a world premiere musical of “The Evolution Of Calpurnia Tate” based on Jacqueline Kelly’s (Newbery Honor Book) book of the same name.
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| Christopher Vettel and Aubriella Navarro |
With book and lyrics by Omri Schein, score by Daniel Lincoln and Ben Read, musical direction, this coming of age tale hums along with great speed in several vignettes bouncing back and forth telling the story. The production runs 90 min.
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| Geno Carr, Aurbiella Navarro and Christopher Vettel |
The ensemble includes the Tate family consisting of Calpurnia (Aubriella Navarro), Father, (Geno Carr), Mother, (Jacquelyn Ritz), Grandfather, (Christopher Vettel ) and sons Harry and Sam (Max Leadley and Jacob Mears) and Travis (Cole D’Agostino), cook Viola (Sydney Joyner) and Lula (Milly Cocaning) Callie’s best friend sought after by her two older brothers.
Luckily, all the women stuff was for naught for Calpurnia, though. Grandfather was an avid scientist and when he finally took his nose out of his experiments to notice Calpurnia, or Callie Vee as she was called by her siblings, he was so enthralled with her interest in science , grasshoppers and the like that they became forever and instant comrades. In essence, she was his partner in scientific experiments, to her delight. Now she could become herself, much to the chagrin of Mother who gave her the book on ‘Housewifery’ as a Christmas present.
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| Aubriella Navarro as Calpurnia Tate |
A new dawn was approaching with celebration of the 19th century with hopes that women and especially girls would have more choices to make for their careers, but alas, it wasn’t until 1920 that the 19 Amendment, was certified. 42 years after it was introduced in Congress. The hands of time move slowly when the rights of women and women of color are involved, but look…women are going to the moon. Hope rings eternal for girls like Calli Vee.
Kerry Meads excellent direction leaves no room for flaws. The all around excellent acting, singing and facial expressions, especially with a stage, half of which are youngsters, there is nary an error. But one can’t sing the praises more for seventh grader Aubriella Navarro, (no stranger to acting), whose award winning performance is one for the books. She’s a natural for this role tho’ I have yet to see her in anything else. Suffice it to say, hers was brilliant casting choice.
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| Sydney Joyner, Aubriella Navarro and Jacquelyn Ritz |
Period costumes designed by Jemima Dutra and put together by Alyasa Hayden, Eduardo Muniga and Virginia Eastman satisfied the many costume changes. Nathan Peirson designed the lighting, Jessica Cueto, the many props, Mike Buckley the detailed set and Coni Brugman the wigs.
On the down side the music under the direction of Ben Read and his four piece band, along with sound designer Patrick Duffy overtook the voices in many instances making it difficult for this reviewer to make out the lyrics and oft times the dialogue.
Perhaps younger ears will fare better, or the sound less amplified.
For an evening of family fun, haul the kids out and enjoy!
See you at the theatre.
When: March 23 and runs through May 5. 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays
Where: Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado
Tickets: $28-$82
Photo: Ken Jacques
Phone: (619) 437-6000
Online: lambsplayers.org
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