The title character in “Corduroy” only speaks two words throughout the show — “friend” and button” — but they’re enough for the fuzzy bear in green overalls to charm the young audience members at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. At the helm of the company’s annual family production for the third time, Amber Mak directs this adaptation of Don Freeman’s beloved picture books with inventive stagecraft, circus-inspired physicality and plenty of opportunities for audience interaction.
Barry Kornhauser’s script begins with two children (Kat Harvey and Ryan Huemmer) taking a break from cleaning their room to sit and read the original “Corduroy” book. The story soon comes to life around them when the protagonist transforms from a small stuffed animal into a live teddy bear, played by Jean Claudio.
Stuck in the toy section of a giant department store, Corduroy has been waiting a long time for a family to take him home. When a child named Lisa (Demetra Dee) falls in love with the lonely bear, the newfound friends must overcome two obstacles to be united forever. Corduroy needs to find the button missing from his overalls, and Lisa has to do extra chores to convince her mother (Celeste M. Cooper) to give an advance on her allowance so she can buy the stuffed bear.
As Corduroy travels the department store searching for his button, Harvey and Huemmer become part of the action in silent roles that are billed as clowns in the program. They dance, cartwheel, handstand, scooter and skateboard their way through Corduroy’s journey, moving set pieces and props, blowing bubbles into the audience and batting beach balls around the theater.
Claudio, Harvey and Huemmer have all received circus training from The Actors Gymnasium, and Mak’s staging showcases their skills through movement set to whimsical electronic music by Satya Chávez. In one memorable scene, Corduroy climbs over the balcony railing and agilely lowers himself to the floor, delighting the kids — who hopefully won’t try a similar trick at home.
Adding to the adventures in the department store, a night guard (Danielle Davis) pursues the mysterious noises she hears as Corduroy accidentally knocks over furniture, scatters party supplies and sets electrical appliances whirring. Each time she catches up to the trespasser, all she finds is a stuffed teddy bear, leaving her increasingly frazzled and disheveled as the chase goes on. In one instance, Claudio’s disappearance under a bed sheet reminded me of how fascinated I was as a kid when the Phantom vanished into a false-backed chair and left behind his mask at the end of “The Phantom of the Opera.” Best to spark that magic of live theater at a young age.
Meanwhile, a domestic drama plays out in the city apartment where Lisa lives with her parents. Dee is earnest and sweet as the shy, bighearted girl who wants to give an overlooked bear a good home. Cooper hits the comedic notes of an exasperated mother as Lisa makes a mess of her chores, but ultimately, it’s clear this is a loving family. Through no fault of the actors, the audience is sometimes so riled up by the antics of Corduroy and company that it’s hard for Dee and Cooper to make themselves heard when their scenes follow. Still, the mother and daughter share some sweet moments.
Scenic designer Jeffrey D. Kmiec frames the stage with oversized books — a touch that those who attended last year’s “Beauty and the Beast” will recognize. Much of the production’s visuals rely on Mike Tutaj’s colorful projections, which evoke modern animation rather than the classic illustrations of the books, the first of which was published in 1968. Christine Pascual’s playful costumes get some laughs when the night guard scorches her pants on a hot stove, leaving a hole that reveals heart-patterned underwear.
“Corduroy” skews a bit younger than many recent family productions at Chicago Shakespeare. The theater recommends it for ages 4 and up, and I’d guess that older elementary schoolers are the upper limit of the target audience. But by beginning previews of “The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale” just days after “Corduroy” closes, the company is betting on attracting people of many ages to Navy Pier over the course of the summer. I’d say they’re off to a good start with this endearing, imaginative show.
Emily McClanathan is a freelance critic.
Review: “Corduroy” (3 stars)
When: Through July 14
Where: Chicago Shakespeare Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave.
Running time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Tickets: $26 for children 12 and under; $38-$42 for adults; 312-595-5600 or www.chicagoshakes.com
