Review: Artisan Children's Theatre's THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER encourages kindness and generosity.

The Elves & The Shoemaker

Book by Sharon Schmeling
Music & Lyrics by Sharon Lindblad
Directed by Hayden Casey
Choreographed by Piper Daniel 

Artisan Children’s Theater serves up an early holiday gift in the retelling of the traditional fairy tale The Elves & the Shoemaker.  Staged in the round, the show surrounds the cobbler’s workshop with audience on all sides. The show’s blocking blends so smoothly into the choreography that it is obvious Director Hayden Casey and Choreographer Piper Daniel make a great team. Abigail Luna gets things started as The Narrator who begins reading the story.

Payton Suries and Kassidy Nicholas lead the cast as The Shoemaker and his wife.  An accident has left The Shoemaker with his arm in a sling making it difficult for him to work. A greedy landlord, played snarling-ly by Blaise Sears, is the figurative wolf at the door. Even faced with possible eviction, the kind couple generously share with the Beggar Woman who knocks on their door. Carmen George commands the stage as the other-worldly woman who turns out to be a fairy. 

In response to the couple’s generosity, she sends a trio of delightful elves to help. Owen Carlton, Fyneas Powell, and Lily Caudillo work through the night to complete the one pair of boots possible with the materials on hand. Early the next morning Mother (Bayleigh McKee) brings Girl (Natalee Walden) shopping for boots. Delighted with the perfectly fitting boots, Mother rewards The Shoemaker with a sum that not only pays the landlord, but allows for more materials to be purchased. When the elves return they are able to make six more pairs of footwear, unaware that The Shoemaker & Wife are not asleep but watching. On their next visit the elves discover The Shoemaker & Wife have created tiny shoes and warm knitted clothes for them. Kindness begets kindness, good is rewarded. 

Much of the action of the play is told through the music. “I’m A Cobbler” and “Our Love” feature Suries and Nicholas. “Time” is the landlord’s warning, sung by Sears. “Someone’s Coming” is performed by the chorus each time the elves approach.  Each time the elves work on shoes they sing “Making New Shoes.” Boot (Enoch Sears) and Slipper (Zelie Malinak) join Suries and Nicholas in “Slipper and Boot Dance,” accompanied by the Orchestra.

Many of the roles are double cast, leaving this reviewer only able to comment on those performers on stage Friday evening. Listed as cast members to appear in other performances during the run are Luke Perkins, Riley Terry, Bernadette Rice, Rachel Freeman, Eli Perkins, Kara Jakubik,  and Lily Hall.

Bella Lindsey (Student Director), Chloe Terry (Stage Manager), Mary Cate Griffin (Assistant Stage Manager), Sahara Donna (Music Director) and Faith Hilsinger (Costumer) contributed their talents to the show.  Hayden Casey also designed the set and worked with Ryan Woods on the set build. Shelbie Mac is credited for scenic painting. Hannah Barton was Props Mistress, with Lighting Design by Christian Chandler.

The Elves and The Shoemaker continues through December 16th at Artisan Children’s Theater, 444 E. Pipeline Road, Hurst Texas.  Tickets may be ordered through the box office at 817-284-1200 or online at artisanct.com 

Experience Live Theater!

Glynda Welch

Audience Rating: G
Running Time: 45 minutes, no intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available
ASL Performance: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable Sound Level
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: N/A