This classic story is about the healing power of kindness, even when it’s not the popular thing to do. Adapted from an 1865 novel by Mary Mapes Dodge, Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates is the first Metro Theater Company mainstage production at the newly renovated Grandel Theatre in Grand Center. It’s written by Laura Eason and directed by Julia Flood. (Dodge’s book includes the famous story of the Dutch boy who saves the day by using his finger to plug a hole in a dike, but that’s not part of this production.)
Hans (Pete Winfrey) and his sister Gretel (Sigrid Wise) live in Holland with their mother and bedridden father, who has suffered from amnesia since an accident a decade earlier. The family is financially strapped and endures insults from children of wealthier families, including Katrinka (Jennifer Theby-Quinn), who delights in teasing the Brinkers whenever she skates by. But another girl, Heidi (Erika Flowers-Roberts), rises above the crowd and treats Gretel with compassion and friendship. She provides a touching lesson about kindness that goes beyond charity.
The plot centers around finding a stash of money that Hans and Gretel’s father, Raff (Spencer Sickmann), hid before he lost his memory. If they can locate it, the family’s troubles will be over. The siblings also debate whether they should enter a speed-skating competition to win coveted pairs of silver skates, a scenario that provides another lesson in selflessness as Hans gives up his chance at glory so another boy, Peter (Antony Terrell), can race.
The set is minimal, but its indigo hues and evergreen outlines cast an effective impression of a winter atmosphere. Musician Roxane McWilliams, dressed in costume, provides an on-stage soundtrack that coaxes appropriately plaintive notes from her accordion, piano and recorder. Most of the play is set on ice, using a cleverly designed, smooth floor where the characters glide and twirl about on felt-bottomed ‘skates.’ When it’s time for them to move off stage, they go swooshing down ramps into an area beneath the theater floor. It’s fun to watch!
I loved the charming presence of the characters. They are funny and endearing, and several of the cast members move easily between multiple roles. The story ends on a predictable happy note, satisfying because it’s the result of perseverance and love.
The play is full of sweet lessons about acting kindly and doing right, so it’s a great choice for a family-friendly holiday outing. At the end of the opening night performance, the audience was treated to a Q&A session with several cast members, a lovely and satisfying wrap to an entertaining evening.
Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates is at The Grandel Theatre through Dec. 30.
on the marquee
souvenir: a fantasia on the life of florence foster jenkins | through Dec. 31
A humorous story of an irrepressible singer at the Marcelle Theatre
rodgers & hammerstein’s cinderella | Dec. 27-31
An adaptation of the classic fairy tale at The Fabulous Fox Theatre
the elaborate entrance of chad deity | Jan. 26-28
A story about the world of professional wrestling at the Touhill Performing Arts Center
Pictured at top: Erika Flowers-Roberts and Sigrid Wise in Hans Brinker
Photo: John Lamb
